New Obsession - Glen Hansard

I watched "Once" when home for the holidays and it deserves all of the acclaim it has gotten. Check out the soundtrack. Its been a long time since I've gotten misty listening to music. I haven't heard someone with such raw emotion in their voice in a recording in awhile. Definitely worth a listen.

Karpens Take Manhattan

Deb and Doyle came to NYC the weekend of December 14th-16th. After some minor weather difficulties they got here on Friday morning and we started our adventure. I took them to some NYC tourist locations including a carriage ride through (part) of Central Park. Check us out:

It was a really nice trip and I think I convinced them that people are nice and I'm not going to end up dead in the East River or Central Park like on "dun dun". Anyone who hasn't seen the Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall has to put that on their list of "to do" for next year. It was amazing!

Bad blogger! Very bad blogger

Ok, so I've been MIA for the last month but that's what happens around the holidays I guess. I had a great time at home for Christmas and experienced my first White Christmas in several years. White Christmas tops brown Christmas by approximately...a lot.

I finally put together a present that I have been thinking about for several years. I know, my niece/nephew are only 2 1/2 and 1 1/2 but this plan has been in formation for some time. I put a 24 x 36 map on a magnetic board and then put magnets with family members pictures on it. Then put the magnets with family members faces on them and put them in their respective spots in the country. See picture:

Even though they're still very young I am DETERMINED that they will know geography. Why is Whitney in SoCal you ask? Well, Whitney will be marching in the Rose Bowl parade on New Years Day between 12 and 1pm EST! Watch for her in the Pride of South Dakota marching band. One person that will be really excited to watch is Gabrielle who requested to watch "Aunt Whitty Marching Band" several times when home for Christmas (Whit has a DVD of performances which is a HUGE hit in the 2 year old demographic). Try to check her out!