Ah, the Holiday Season: Christmas Day in CT

The Persley/Bartis clan ventured to Meridan to visit Grandma Reggie on Christmas Day. After numerous mimosas and lots of yummy snacks, we opened some gifts. Turns out my granny was good this year as she received a cell phone from her grandson. We also found out that two of the kids received coal in their stockings for some bad behavior. (No joke!)

Pics of my wife, mom and pops, and Granny.

Ah, the Holiday Season: Christmas Eve in Park Slope

Jenelle and I spent Christmas Eve with Mark, Nell, Claudia, and Quinn. Santa delivered some wonderful presents to the kids. Claudia happily opened a mock cleaning cart that had a broom, mop, and other cleaning products. Quinn promptly attached himself to the broom. The adults consumed wine and steak. All was wonderful in the Slope!

Away from Jenelle: POCC

I had my first trip away from Jenelle since we were married. I attend the National Association of Independent School's People of Color Conference annually. It's located in different cities across the country each year and was in New Orleans for 2008. I was lucky enough to be able to do a day of service for Habitat for Humanity in the Upper 9th Ward. Working with two VCS colleagues (Chrissy and Naomi) made it not only rewarding, but fun. I even learned how to use power tools! Here are some pics from that day.


The keynote speaker at the conference was Sidney Poitier. Here he is talking about how his mother would discipline him. Just had to include this.

A Thanksgiving Treat!

Jenelle has a large family especially compared to mine. So, she's been trying to have me meet as many members as I can during our visits to Littlestown. I finally got to meet Jenelle's cousin, Becky, during our recent Thanksgiving trip. This past spring, she and Erica (who I just missed meeting. Maybe next time!) had twins. Jake and Lily are just too darn adorable. Here are some pics from our visit with them and one really cool pic they shared with us.

Couldn't resist this shot.

We met Jake first. Here he is with Becky.

I love that they play together!

Love the support of Barack! They seem genuinely excited.


We also picked up Deacon to take home to my mother-in-law's. He definitely enjoys car rides.

Thanksgiving 2008 - Destination: Littlestown, PA

Our niece, Claudia recently turned 3. We spent some time celebrating on Thanksgiving.




Here she is trying on Jenelle's shoes.

Thanksgiving 2008 - Destination: Littlestown, PA

Part II: The Meal

What else can I say, we ate well! My mother-in-law really makes one mean turkey. And the desserts with coconut . . . soooo good!


The Bird!
Claudia was in charge of the seating arrangements.

Quinn loved the mashed potatoes, Jenelle loved the coconut cake.

Thanksgiving 2008 - Destination: Littlestown, PA

Part 1: Before the Meal
So, we headed to PA for our first Thanksgiving as Mr. and Mrs. It was so nice to spend time with the family, eating and relaxing. Although, since it was Jenelle's first visit home married, there wasn't too much time relaxing.


Jenelle chats with her bro and hugs Aunt Linda.

Quinn climbs Mount Pappy. Claudia reads with Mom and Aunt Jenelle.