Our poor little camera's shutter was very tired was very tired after this holiday season. We took loads of photos and movies from Thanksgiving thru New Years. We saw Santa here, we saw him there and everywhere we took pictures...pictures...pictures. I got pictures of the family from every possible angle. Now that the season is over and smoke is still coming out of the camera, let me share some of the highlights.

- Thanksgiving - We enjoyed our annual tradition of feasting and giving thanks at The Grammatico's of East Clover Circle. With Uncle John at the bar, Auntie Mikki at the stove, and Auntie Jo Jo's lasagna starting things off, it's no wonder they are booked solid every year.

- Auntie Carrie's Visit - Olivia’s godmother Carrie came to NYC. She relied on her style consultant Olivia to make sure she looked her best before going out for a night on the town in the big apple.

- "Halloween House" - Halloween was over in October, but it’s spirit lives on. Olivia and her dad made a gingerbread haunted house together in early December. Scary, late, but yummy!

- Santa - Olivia went to visit Santa at the Mall. Santa was so happy that she had been ‘good’ that he came for an early visit to Poppy’s house courtesy of the Orange fire department.

- Christmas Eve - All dressed up with someplace to go. The Calamita’s headed to Renee and Danny’s house for the annual Annicelli Christmas Eve Seafood Festival. Olivia had a great time playing with her cousin Ashley. The girls got really excited when Santa paid a surprise visit.

- Christmas Day - As always, Margaret and Joey opened their home on Christmas day. A new addition to the menu was a delicious Italian wedding soup, homemade by Margaret’s father Vince. With a meal that would serve an entire kingdom, everyone left the table full of Christmas cheer. But wait there’s more…a chocolate fountain, and let’s not forget the cannoli explosion.

- Other Holiday Photos - Here's some more holiday photos that don't fit into a big group. We have Olivia and Poppy, our apartment decorations in New York, Olivia the "football fan" and some pictures at the Fantasy Of Lights in New Haven.

- Visit to Carrie & Pete's - The holiday festivities continued after Christmas, because it was off to Carrie and Pete’s house for another fabulous meal by master chef Carolyn Gaetano. Olivia was too full, so she spent some quality time with ‘Cousin Jackie’.

- Olivia Visit's Alice & Chris - Before we said goodbye to 2007, Olivia celebrated with her new friend Alice. Alice’s mom Chris and Emily have been friends for more years than they wish to discuss. Olivia and Alice had so much fun together that Alice and her mom are planning to come to NYC this summer for a visit. Alice wants Olivia to take her to some great places to eat. I don’t think that will be a problem.

Tags: Olivia, D'Agostino, Carrie, Thanksgiving

Everyone had a ball at Logan's 6th birthday party at Chelsea Piers. It didn't matter if you got a strike because their were trophies for all. From the pizza to all the juice and soda you could drink, and finally a yummy cold stone creamery ice cream cake, a wonderful time was had by all. Not even a car fire and massive traffic jam on the West Side Highway could stop us Upper Westsider's from getting our bowling shoes on and partying. Enjoy the pictures and movies!

Tags: Logan, Olivia

Doctor Olivia, Gemma the Cowgirl and a Transformer named Logan gathered in the lobby on October 31st for the annual Halloween festivities in Olivia's building. It was packed with kids, parents, grandparents and the usual assortment of residents stepping over kids just trying to get home. The party featured music, clowns, balloon animals, chips & Pizza! Following that, everyone went trick or treating through the building. Fun...fun...fun. Enjoy the photos and movies! Earlier in the day, Olivia celebrated "Orange Day" at her school, where everyone dressed up in something orange and they had more fun and games .

Tags: Halloween, Olivia, Gemma, Logan

We thought we going to Carrie's for a simple Sunday supper of chicken stew. As always Fairygodmother Carrie gave Olivia a little gift. In turn Olivia had bought Carrie a little autumnal centerpiece for her kitchen. We all were gathered around the kitchen island when Meredith and her boyfriend Kevin walked in and announced they something to tell everyone...They're engaged!!! Enjoy the dinner photos!

While the stew was simmering and the the wedding planning began...

Lucy and Olivia went on their first play date to the park. Pete used his sling shot to launch tennis balls for Lucy to fetch while Olivia had fun honing her climbing skills on the jungle gym. Here are some pictures of the play date fun!

Tags: Carrie, Olivia, Meredith

This past summer we took what has become our annual summer trek to Coney Island with Olivia and our friends Rich & Shannon. Rich & I rode the Cyclone; Shannon & Olivia joined us on the Wonder Wheel; Olivia rode lots of rides at Deno's; we "lunched" at Totonno's and of course we went to Astroland. Astroland's property was bought by a developer, and after it closed this fall, it may never reopen. The developer wants to build something much slicker and sterile than the current version of Coney Island. Although there is still hope for Coney Island, when big business and big real estate comes a-callin, it never looks good.

Tags: Olivia, Coney Island, Rich & Shannon

Olivia's friend Gemma had a her Sixth Birthday Party in Riverside Park. One of the teacher's from their pre-school, Miss Jeanne came and led all sorts of activities like 3-legged races and a parachute "throw". There was cupcakes, fruit, juice and fun for all!! Here are lots of pictures and movies. Enjoy!!

Tags: Gemma, Olivia

This past summer we took Poppy to the Trolley Museum in Branford, where Poppy took me when I was a kid. We took a trolly ride, had a tour through the car barns and then, of course, took a spin through the gift shop. Here are some pictures and movies. Enjoy!!

Tags: Trains, Olivia, Poppy

Yesterday we took our second trip of the season to Coney Island, this time accompanied by Rich and Shannon. Olivia absolutely loves the place, and I realized yesterday that except for Sesame Place near Philadelphia, this is the only amusement park she has been to. How New York of us! Last time, we spent most of the day at Deno's, where the Wonder Wheel is, but yesterday we also went to Astroland for the first time and discovered that it has much better kiddie rides than Denos, not to mention The Cyclone rollercoaster. It wouldn't be a trip to Coney Island for us without stopping at Totanno's Pizza, whose pies are close to Wooster Street, certainly the best in NYC. Here are some pictures and movies from yesterday.

Tags: Olivia, Coney Island, Rich & Shannon