Christmas in Brockton

The Spencers were blessed this year to have two wonderful Christmas celebrations! Our first celebration began in Newport, RI. We visited the Seifferts and got an opportunity to welcome their latest bundle of joy, Genevieve. We also got to see Glenn, as he came up from Virginia for the weekend. After staying overnight in Newport, we made our way to the Sasso's in Brockton.

John, Glenn, and Brian show off Emma and Sophia in their matching PJs (the girls' that is).

Tasha and River joined Kerri, Brenda and the girls for breakfast.

Sophia steals Emma's chair so she can get a bite to eat.

After much fun, we make our way to Brockton...

Sophia enjoys her Christmas dinner.

Actually, everyone enjoys their Christmas dinner.

Cherie poses for the paparazzi.

Michael open his new Soda kit...and seems to be pleased.

Arrgghh matey! RJ thinks its Halloween.

Nana sees her Christmas throw with all of the great-grandkids names...

and she seems to like it!

Dad couldn't wait to "play" with his Christmas gifts.

Neither could Mom.

And another video to make you feel like you were there...are you ready for the chaos?

Christmas Card Pictures

After John arrived home, we had to kick it into high gear to get our Christmas card picture taken. We decided to use scenic, downtown Mystic as our setting. Luckily, our friend Wanda was available on short notice to be our photographer (or "make our picture" as they say in North Carolina).


Wanda and Sophia hug in front of the Mystic Christmas tree.


Wanda and Brenda make a Sophia sandwich to stay warm on this chilly December day.

Sophia is getting a bit tired of the photographs...she is not a fan of the paparazzi.


The Spencers in front of the Mystic drawbridge.


The family portrait that did not make the Christmas card.


More of the Spencers...we are almost done!


The star of our show, Sophia, posing as Elmo in her big red coat.

Thanksgiving in Brockton

The Spencers were truly thankful for a wonderful year. So much has happened and we have been blessed in so many ways. We were able to share this time of Thanksgiving with the Sasso Clan in Brockton.

Note: You will see no photographic evidence of Mom Sasso since she worked all day to serve food to the hungy Sassos.


Vincent, Bella, and Michael get prime seating at the kids' table.


Grammy and Nonni pose with their great-grandchildren.


There was such a big crowd that we set up camp in the livingroom.


Michelle, Frankie, Alexa, Bianca, Donna, Rich and Brenda share a table.


Nonni, Grammy and Shel, with Papa, Uncle Mike, Carmen, Jenny, and Eddie in the background.


Sophia grabs the keys so we can head home after a long and wonderful day.

While John was gone....

Sophia and Brenda missed Daddy a lot while he was gone. However, the show must go on. Sophia kept us busy with her many, many activities.

Sophia hones her shopping skills at home (to be used later).

After a long day at work, Sophia trades in her sippy cup for a Bud Light (thanks to Papa Sasso)

Auntie Sue comes to visit all the way from San Diego.

Tuesdays and Thursdays mean its time for Stroller Class. The kids actually prefer to be out of the strollers!

Sophia gets ready to go trick-or-treating with a visit from her friends down the street. She is dressed as a Navy cheerleader. I hope you like the costume because it makes several more appearances.

And a quick pose on the front porch before we head out to bag some candy!

Sophia visits her friends in Newport for a pre-halloween celebration.

The gang poses together...Eva, Maddie, River, Maura, Kate, Thomas, Sophia and Emma.

Brenda and Sophia (in costume) pet a horse at Whipporwill Farm during the MOMS Club Harvest Fair.

Mom and Dad Sasso celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Unfortunately you cannot really see either one of them in this, our only picture!

Sophia waits to have her oil changed at Valenti Jeep.

Sophia and Mommy meet up with Aunt Judy for the 9 mile Crop Walk.

Sophia sits in the lap of luxury while being chauffered around town.

Sophia shops at Nana's favorite store...Ocean State Job Lot.

Sophia and Mommy take swim classes with Miss Marsha.

And finally, Daddy graduates from Perspective Commanding Officer School and is home.

Admiral Donnelly (Commander, Submarine Forces) presents Daddy with his plaque.

Daddy's class of graduates...Congratulations!

Sharpe Hill Winery

While Mom Spencer was visiting us in Mystic, we took advantage of the free and convenient babysitting. We traveled up to Sharpe Hill Vinyard with our good friends, Harvey and Wanda. What a beautiful place to visit and the food was fantastic! And FYI, from the top of the mountain you can see Rhode Island and Massachusetts while standing in Connecticut!

Disclaimer: If you only check out our blog to see Sophia, you need to skip this entry...you will be disappointed.

We hit the vineyard at the height of the foliage season.

Harvey and Wanda pose for a picture at the top of the mountain.

John and Brenda among the grape vines.