Wednesday, December 14, 2011

2011 at a Glance


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


No comments:

Post a Comment