Ok, I've been posting bits and pieces of the trip.  So heres the roundup:

December 26th   , Sunday  Left 10am for N.J.  with my friends mom Pat from her home in Belmont, NC, She drove 1st half of way.  Clear Sailing through VA and W. VA.  Took the truckers routes.  Stopped at Ground Round in MD and had a wonderful meal.  I took over driving after dinner.  Hit snow and icey road condtions in PA.  Drove in 1st gear at 2 miles and hour and did alot of praying.  Did not even answer cell phone calls until out of danger. Called to find a place to crash for the night, because of comming in so late and driving conditions in Butler as reported by Maryann.

Made N. Arlington NJ at 1Am Monday morning.  Dropped off Pat at her sons and went to my old block to crash at my friends Mom's house.  We could not go into Butler, because they had alot of snow and ice also.  Needed to wait till the next day.  Woke up Alan and I had breakfast with my friends parents and her brother and his son.  It snowed while we slept.  So I had to go out and clean the car off.

Drove up and met Maryann & Stacy at Treasure Island on Rte 23N at 11am.  Followed her and Stacy to the house. Passed and remembered Ms. Nagels Candy Barn on the way in.  I made a mental note to myself to stop there.  (But never got the chance.) Had Pizza for dinner that night.  Maryann, Bob and Stacy met Alan for the first time. Alan also met there dogs Ginger and Buffy for the first time also. Talked to "my friend" after Alan went to bed.

Tuesday:  Maryann took us shopping at Burlington Coat Factory and she brought a really cute outfit for Alan for Christmas.  We also went to the Italian Deli and Bakery.  Picked up some fresh Locatelli Cheese right off the rind and some great Italian Bread.  Yum.  Also some mini Chocolate Eggclairs.  Tuesday night:  Laura & Jennifer picked up  Stacey & I  to go to Applebees.  Maryann minded Alan.  We met up with Stacys other cousin (also named Maryann) and she brought me a Strawberry margaritta.  Maryann (Stacy's mom)  sprung for Stacy and my dinner.  We had a really fun night. "My friend" called me that night after the kid went to bed and I told him about my day.

Wednesday:  Lisa dropped by with her two girls & her neice.  This is the first time I met her daughters and she met Alan.  She hadnet seen Maryann, Bob and Stacy in 15 years also.  It was a nice reunion.  They were supprised to see how close they lived to one another and are going to keep in touch now.  That night Alan &  I was invited to Karen's Parents House for dinner in Rutherford.  Her mom cooked a big Ham dinner.  It was wonderful. They had fun playing with Alan!  Karen's mom has gone in to total remission from her cancer!  I was so happy to hear this. 

Thursday:  Met up with Rosemarie and her little boy Nicholas at Chuckie Cheese's.  The kids had alot of fun!  Rosemarie took us to the Panera Bread Co. for lunch afterwards and we went with the kids to the dollar store.  Afterwards I left for N. Arlington to go to my cousin Carols house for a night with the family.   We ordered those wonderful hometown Pizza Pies....Yum Yum!  We took some great group shot pics.  I got a chance to catch up with my cousin Michael again.  He is doing well.  Him and my other cousin may swing by for a visit sometime this year.  Looking forward to it.

FRIDAY:   Went shopping for food for New Years Eve with Maryann and ate lunch with their friend FR. Stan at the rectory.  He wanted to meet Alan.  he said a blessing over him.  Maryann got us hot pastrami sandwiches from a good Jewish Deli.  Yum Yum!  It was heaven.  Friday night:  Spent Newyears eve with  Maryann, Bob and Stacey.  Ate Steamers, Clams Casino, Shrimp and tried Sushi rolls for the first time. 

Saturday:   Went to Lisa & Tonys for dinner. Stacy came with us.  She cooked a turkey dinner. The kids had a ball playing with the new organs they got.  Alan showed off his dance moves.  That night hung out with Stacy's parents again and started packing for the long ride again on Sunday. 

Sunday:  Left at 10am from Butler.  Dropped offf last of gifts at Ro's Moms house.  Went and picked up Pat and met her Son and his family and they met Alan for the 1st time.  Left at 11am.  Drove home with car packed full of gifts and wonderful food from our friends and family in NJ.  Made it home at 12:30am next day.  It was fun.....Regina