Rowing facility in Princeton NJ

The original building dates back to the 1800s. It is totally renovated and beautiful inside. What a fun time touring this facility with Kris...one of the US Olympic Rowing coaches. He also took us past The Institue of Higher Thinking where Einstein studied! This place has history galore...very interesting.

The area in Princeton is beautiful where the training facility resides.

This is our neighbor and dear friend Kris who is one of the lead coaches for our US team. He was in China this past olympics. He is explaining to us about the boats which are really really long! The boat on top is the boat the team won the gold in!

This is where our US Olympic rowers train in an inside rowing tank...really cool. There is a big engine under the floor that creates a current and they row row row their boat!!!

Christmas 2009 in South Dakota

Tara, Ryan, Josh, Melissa and Amy ... Christmas 2009

The interstates and major highways were closed for two days but we were with family and it was a great visit!

Grandpa Meester and the boys having their traditional cocktail together!

Melissa, Amy, Grandma Meester and Tara....nicely color coordinated! How'd that happen!?!?!

Bruce and Lindi...what a cute little dog.

This is what we call the Bermuda Triangle of MN...you always get stuck in bad weather here. But we made it!

This is Tara and me in the back of John's big Toyota Tundra traveling through the Blizzard of 2009 in South Dakota between Watertown and Brookings! YIKES; thank good ness we had John's truck.

Ryan and his cool whip covered pumpkin pie!

New York Jets fanatic!

Now Ryan has a power mat for his IPhone; neat way to be able to charge it.

Now Ryan has a power mat for his IPhone; neat way to be able to charge it.

Ryan and Tara gave me some cozy jammies from VS and two Michael Buble tix!!!! YEAH Michael Buble here we come (in Philly).

Ryan and Tara gave Mark a gift card for our favorite restaurants on the East Coast...we can't wait to use it! :)

Ryan and Tara gave Josh a Cuisinart food processor....he can't wait to try it!

Tara and her new Nine West purse and heels! She'll look great in those!

Josh and Dano gave Ryan and Tara an electric wine opener, a wine aerator and this really cool roll up table for concerts for picnics. Sweet....

Josh and Dano gave me The Blind Side book...loved that movie and story. Thanks Guys! :)

Finally...a DVD with a remote! Then Josh just about left his remote in the hotel room after watching some DVDs on it! :)

Ryan and his sling box. Now he can control his TV at his condo in Chicago from anywhere he is traveling from his laptop and watch anything he wants for anywhere! WOW how cool is that...

Lori gave Mark a bunch of yoga clothes so another yoga master is in training!

Okay Josh has his spice rack so we expect some extra gourmet cooking!

Tara and Jennifer all wrapped up in blanket skirts...they hit it off but everyone hit it off with Tara!

Amazing! I got a picture of Curt. He is smiling and doesn't have a hand in front of his face!!!!! Nice job you two....so good to have you home from Wichita.

Two very special cousins....Jennifer and Josh.

Ryan and Aunt Dina always having fun and enjoying each other's company.

Who is that lampshaded man!!!! Yes...it is Ryan. Uncle Joel and his tricks...ha

Mandy reading the Christmas story...and that is Bryce, her new FRIEND :) sitting to her right. Nice guy...

Josh got his traditional back of money from Grams and Gramps! :)

Now Grandma has some puzzles to put together!

Dadio....Merry Christmas!

Nice shirt Josh...and fingerless gloves so you can still text!

Ryan got his slow cooker and named it Slow Sally! :)

Big bath towels bigger than Dina!

Grandma and her perfume...hmmm no wonder she always smells good.

Yes....Ferris Bueller's Day off! :) Have fun watching that Allen.

Yoga here we come!!!!! You'll be great sis. ENJOY

Uncle Mark and Mandy are always horsing around!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jennifer got her flat iron! :)

Allen....quite the golfer we understand. Tiger Woods step aside.....oh wait maybe he already did. :(

Uncle Joel and the boys...

The kids and Grandma and Grandpa...hey mom....look up!!! Over here!!!!

Josh gave Grandma Nielsen her year's supply of Tabu perfume and powder! :)

Tara is getting endoctrinated by Joel! :) She may have been holding it like a guitar but hey....she looks like she could be a pretty good hunter!

Restaino & Assoc Holiday Party 2009

Tammy, me, Deena at Restaino & Associates Christmas party. It was a great time. I miss you guys... :(

Rachel in Chicago!

Rachel flew in to Chicago the day after we did. She spent the night with us at Ryan's condo. It was soooo fun to see her again and catch up a little. The visit was short but the time was wonderful. She is loving her new life in LA. Til next time....Rach! :)

Our dear friends, Jaynie and Roger at Flemings Steak House in Chicago where Ryan's company Christmas party was held. It was so much fun.

Ryan's Company Christmas Party

This is Ryan and Tara the night of his big Christmas Party for Meridian. It was another successful dinner and a great time was had by all! :) Good job Buddy.