What a wonderful year we have had. As I
thought about how to finish off my blog postings for 2011, I felt inspired by
my daughter-in-laws and their own recaps of 2011. So here goes . . .
The highlight of January
2011 would have to be getting to know the sisters in my ward better. I was called to serve as the Relief Society president
in the Rego Park 1st Ward. I love
the sisters of our ward. Our ward is rich with the blessings that come with new members and ethnic and cultural diversities.
 |
| RS B-day Celebration |
 |
| RS -B-day Service Project |
 |
| Making baby blankets and rice bags. |
The highlight of February
would have to be going to Virgina to see Whitlie do a Moot Court. But we also enjoyed Stan’s “kind of" birthday by going to see Mary Poppins on
Broadway. (Stan's birthday is February 29th that is why it is his "kind of" birthday.)
 |
| The Moot Court Experience |
Hands down the best part of March was Garrett Stanton Kauffman being born and my trip to go meet him and visit with the family!
 |
| David, the proud & happy father. |
 |
| Garrett Stanton Kauffman |
 |
| Surprise cousin visit from the Bangerter family! |
 |
Want to think I'm still young.
|
 |
| I love to spend time reading with my granddaughters! |
There is no place like the
excitement of New York City to enjoy being in love. So the best part of April was Taylor and Kate’s trip here to
see us. Of course we knew who Kate
was as Adam’s cousin, but we loved getting to know Kate in her new role as
Taylor’s sweetheart. It was wonderful having them here. We took way too
many pictures of them, so I have only posted a few.
 |
| Our trip to Boston and Waldon Pond |
 |
| Taylor loves to make Kate laugh. |
 |
| Nothing like a day in Central Park |
 |
| We had just had dinner a Lombardi's pizza. |
Although Taylor and Kate’s
visit spilled over into May, Adam and Lindsey’s visit with the girls in mid May
takes the highlight spot for May.
 |
| The promised horse ride. |
 |
| Our walk around the world. |
 |
Lindsey, Adam, Anna, and Alina Bangerter.
|
Lest you think it was
rude of me to bounce Taylor and Kate off the highlight list for May they actually get the
highlight for June with their wedding on June 25th.
 |
| The newly weds; Taylor and Kate |
 |
| A happy day! |
 |
| Two wonderful men. |
 |
| Our growing family. |
 |
| Weddings are a cousin haven. (Alina & Kate) |
 |
| Our lovely granddaughters. |
 |
| Kate is a great addition to our daughters. |
 |
| The original six; David, Aubrey, Taylor, Dallin, Lindsey, Don |
 |
| A day for dancing and celebrating. |
 |
| Stan, the love of my life. |
 |
Addi & Cassidy - cousins make the best friends.
The highlight for July is a tie between Dallin and Whitlie coming to NYC to begin their internships and my trip to Utah to care for Dmitri for three weeks.
|
 |
At times Dallin & Whitlie found our life style too much.
Beware! This Kauffman family cemetary has chiggars! Stan ended up with abou 170 bites, and I had about 150. I am not sure Dallin and Whitlie counted theirs.
 |
| Dmitri with Alina and Anna. |
|
 |
| Grandma Kauffman (me) and Dmitri at the Conference Center. |
 |
| Our swimming party |
 |
| A cousin outing at the Conference Center. |
August was brimming with competition for a monthly highlight; Dallin and Whitlie, Angie and McKell, an earthquake, a hurricane, and a trip to Arizona to see David graduate from PA school and spend time with family (in 116 degree heat). Which one would you say was my highlight? If you guessed Arizona and the grandchildren, you were correct! Even Mother Nature cannot beat time with my grandchildren.
 |
| David, The PA Graduate |
 |
| A happy but HOT graduation day! |
 |
| Stan and his siblings: Don, Tanya, and Bill. (L to R) |
 |
Story time with Grandpa & Grandma Kauffman
 |
| Add caption |
|
September was an appreciated slower month with just the normal business of living in a city of millions. However, the highlight of the month would have to be the opportunity we had to help with Hurricane Irene’s flood damage cleanup in New Jersey. However, we did enjoy a rainy day at the US Open too.
 |
| Mormon Helping Hands in New Jersey |
 |
| The US Open with our friends Gwen & Howard Haglund. |
Although Stan and I attended an enjoyable husband/wife in-service training in the beautiful mountains out side of Pittsburg, PA at a place called Laurelville the highlight of October would have to be the opportunity be with family once again. First, was to go to Utah and celebrate my mom’s 80th birthday and the second would be the opportunity to have Aubrey fly back with me to NYC and spend a week with us for her 30th birthday. What a gift for Stan and I too! (Thanks Camron)
 |
| Mom looks great for 80 years of age! |
 |
| My siblings; Mark, Gary, Steve, Me, Linda, Mom, Janet |
 |
| Taking in Times Square with Aubrey |
No question about it, the highlight of November was visiting our friends the Weber's at their home in Clinton, CT and spending Thanksgiving day at Old Sturbridge Village, MA. This was my first Thanksgiving not cooking a Thanksgiving dinner (and it might not be my last).
 |
| Old Sturbridge Village, MA |
Now, I know December is
not over yet so there may still be some unexpected highlight just around the
corner, but for now I would say the highlight for December is the incredible
pleasant weather we are enjoying which makes taking in the festivities of the holidays in NYC very enjoyable.
 |
| Ice Rink at Bryant Park |
 |
| Ice Rink and Tree at Bryant Park. |
We are grateful for the many friends and family who have come to visit NYC in 2011 and stayed with us! It has been so enjoyable to see you and have you stay! (The following are pictures of oth
 |
| Alan & Fern Hill |
 |
| Adam McBride |
 |
| Whitlie Kauffman with mom, Angie, and sister, McKell |
 |
| Jeremiah Clark and daughter, Melanie |
 |
| Katrina and Carston McCullough |
 |
| Michael Sears |
 |
| Michelle and Maryn Hansen |
 |
| The Fuller Family; Kempton, Cyndy, Hannah, and Chloe |
 |
| Jack and Ronda Rose |
 |
| Max Gor |
