Christmas Skype?

We'll all be in Pelham on Christmas Eve from about 1pm on (but stepping out to hear Kate sing at 5 o'clock mass). If any of you guys are going to be together and we can work out a time, I'll bring my laptop up. Let me know in the comments...

Guess what we did today...

Click here to find out...

(Hint: Locks of Love will be getting a donation of a beautiful blonde ponytail shortly, to make a hairpiece for a girl who's lost her hair to cancer or alopecia).

Tree Trimming and Ice Cream Cake, Parts 1, 2 and 3

So I took some video footage of our fun day on Saturday -- chopping down and decorating the Christmas tree, followed by Haagen Dazs ice cream cake to celebrate Mimi's birthday. Problem is, I have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to uploading/editing these little video clips. I'd love to splice them together into one short video, but I don't know how. So instead, you get to watch three separate eensy weensy clips.

Check out the detail of the grain of my leather gloves in this one:



I love the action in this one:

And here's where the ice cream comes in. Happy Birthday, Mimi!

... sadly, the third video refuses to upload, despite numerous attempts. Too bad, really -- that's the one with the fully decorated tree, and Vivian dancing on the table while Mimi blows out the candles on the beautiful and delicious Haagen Dazs ice cream cake. Oh well. Sometimes technology is really annoying. To bo continued, I guess...

P.S. If anyone has any advice for me on what to do with these little clips (AVCHD? Wha?), I'd love to hear it.

Peaches and Meem

And Vivian too.

WE MAY HAVE FOUND ANOTHER COUSIN

Perhaps Barack and Michelle will join us next summer at the cousins party. We could have an all Irish theme just to make them feel comfortable. Jaye, you'll be in charge of getting parking passes for the Secret Service detail

The glory days of old Bollywood...

... before it became a target for terrorist attacks. I know this is bad timing to post something funny about India, but this video has been one of my & Andrea's faves for some time and it's time we share it with you! Watch as little or as much of it as you want... have a little jiggle... hope you enjoy it as much as we did!

Happee Yankee Thankee

One of the last things that Vonnegut wrote before he died.

Joe Heller

True story, Word of Honor:
Joseph Heller, an important and funny writer
now dead,
and I were at a party given by a billionaire
on Shelter Island.

I said, "Joe, how does it make you feel
to know that our host only yesterday
may have made more money
than your novel 'Catch-22'
has earned in its entire history?"
And Joe said, "I've got something he can never have."
And I said, "What on earth could that be, Joe?"
And Joe said, "The knowledge that I've got enough."
Not bad! Rest in peace!"

--Kurt Vonnegut

The New Yorker, May 16^th, 2005

Success!!

That was actually way easier than I thought it would be. The trouble with us Big Cousins is that we don't use the internet like you younguns do. I don't really have any videos to share. Where do you find the time? Luckily when you search "Canada" there's always something laughable. Not nearly as funny as the stock market, monkey scent or mummies on the road, but I did it!! Your turn, the Meem. Ha!!
I vote for Noah and the sheep on the road.

The Contest

I'm sore from laughing and awesomely impressed. I would take too long to contribute, so Ill just say, Bravi TUTTI, and my specialest videos have to be Jaye's guy talking about the airplane on Conan - fabulous - and Kieran's appalling video about the subtle noise we were supposed to listen carefully for. This is really fun. I'll even try to learn how to post my own if Francy will !! Love,

Not homework video: Sunday morning on the rancho Olgiata

Not to purposely break with the amazing thread of random cheesy videos we've got going on here, but I hadn't chimed in in a while, so I thought I'd submit this little snippet of life on a Sunday morning (today) chez Principessa Vivian and Tony Leone, just to wish you all a wonderful week and to send oodles of love to the extended famiglia that is watching.

You need to pay attention for this one...

This is very subtle so you have to watch and listen pretty close. They were filming a car commercial in New Zealand and as the car is coming out from behind the bushes the car catches a strange reflection in the side panel just as the engine makes a strange noise. Extra points if you can identify the noise.

Homework: An oldy but a goody...

Please work please work please work....
Good idea on the "homework" brian, though i am struggling thru the process a bit. I WILL figure this out (i know its simple once you get it, but even the tutorial lady makes a mistake!!).
My post was inspired by Jeff, so i will have to share the trophy with him if i WIN (please win please win please win!) Its short ...but sweet. WARNING: Lowered IQ may ensue....

My homework assignment...

I thought you could all use a hearty laugh on this wonderful Friday. Enjoy!

This is not my homework assignment.

It's just funny.

Video Homework

Homework assignment: within the next week everyone has to find a dumb video (see above example) from Youtube or similar source and post it here. The poster with the best dumb video will win a free 461 t-shirt.*

Don't know how to embed video? Tutorial here.

* Excludes Canada, Europe, Oregon, Florida, New Jersey, Bay Ridge and Westchester.

Pfffffftt - ahhhhhhh [drool] pffffft!

Vivian wanted to make sure she chimed in on the blog this busy week.

This one is for Uncle Paul !

When he was in Rome last month Uncle Paul (Pop) told us about one of his fondest memories from one visit to Italy many years ago... They were on the road and they got stuck in the middle of a flock of sheep! We relive that same scenario a few times a month. This is just after we dropped Lukas off at school on Monday morning. Noah and I were driving down to his school when "we saw de sheeps!!" (said in Noah's voice: he has a lisp and cannot pronounce 'th'.) ;)

Love to all, Kama

Fat Legs

I know I posted a video of Paul recently, but ... is there anything cuter than fat baby legs that toddle and dance?

Do you recognize this guy?

What a handsome devil...

Kids being silly !

Hello everyone ... I just wanted to send you all a little sneak peek into a typical Sunday morning with the two silly kids. no real reason, just trying out my little Flip video. Many of you have unfortunately already witnessed a ridiculous video I posted on facebook... please excuse my friends and I for any harm done to your ears with the singing.

love you all.

Kama

The Lion, the Witch and the Other Two

Behold the White Witch of Narnia and her foes -- King Peter, Prince Caspian, and of course, Aslan. More pictures here.

We all had a great, full day on Friday -- from the Halloween parade to the class parties to trick-or-treating. The weather was beautiful through yesterday, when we went to Breezy to finally close up the bungalow. Here's a 16 second video of Paul's first steps in sand:


November 1 Beach Walk from Jaye McLaughlin on Vimeo.

Happy November, everyone!

Nadia's Halloween

Nadia spent Halloween dressed up as a little Kangaroo. then later in the evening we attended a party where we were "the miracle of birth". Sandra was Mary Kathryn Gallagher "Superstar" (from Saturday Night Live). Here are some photos of our Halloween and our search for the perfect pumpkin. Love and light to all - Were off to a mustachio party where all 3 of us are wearing mustaches and then maybe later see about early bird registration for Nadia's psychological therapy.

Happy Halloween

Here are some pictures: October and Halloween

Cute, cute, cute!!!

Have I completely lost it? I'm not sure....but I can't look at this kid and not think: My goodness! She's just the cutest thing ever!!!! Obviously, I'm biased. I know that. But I think since she shares your adorable genes...you might think so too. So here's some proof. (You'll also notice from my puffy eyes, I may be slightly sleep deprived, which might help explain the cute delirium I'm in.)

Kieran says to view with caution because it's so hard to not be able to snuggle her when you see this. He's away in SanFrancisco and wishing he were with his favorite girls. Isn't she lovely?

MORE Vivian's Christening

Hi All,
I thought I'd add my pictures for your viewing pleasure. I wasn't able to take any pictures during the ceremony, due to my role as the GODMOTHER. I did, however, get some fun shots of the lovely party at the Rockaway Seafood Company, of the after-party at Mimi and Pop's house (where we also celebrated Paul's birthday), and of the after-after-party on Sunday.
I hope everyone's well. Here they are!
Love,
Jaye

Vivian's Christening

Here are the photos.

Guess Who's One!

Happy 40th Anniversary !!!

Dearest American cousins....

Here we are, all together celebrating a wonderful day, the 40th Anniversary of Mimi and Pop. They are safe, well fed, possibly overfed. Janis found her perfect cake. Sara outdid herself. They are off to Sicily tomorrow, Teddy is off to NY, Kama is off to Geneva and we can't wait to meet up soon with all of you !!!

love to all of you, from all of us !

A Letter to Our Family in Rome

Dear Italian Relatives,

We have entrusted you with our grandparents for a little while. Please take good care of them. We wish we could be there with all of you.

Also, please make sure you wish them a Happy 40th Wedding Anniversary on the 21st. (Wow. 40 years. That alotta years).


Love always,

The Grandchildren Five


P.S. We love you, Mimi and Pop!

I have a man-cold...

please send chicken noodle soup.

Who Are These Chubby Children?

Yes, the beloved "Murphy Archives" feature has returned to the 461 Blog.

having fun in Brooklyn...

I was just playing with Vivian and wanted to share her with you all. She is such a joy!
Kisses to all! xoxo

just waiting ...

We are waiting for Uncle Paul and Aunt Janis to come to visit us !
We have prepared some singing, some dancing, and many kisses and hugs for when they come.
CIAO !! Lukas and Noah

Nadia thinking about the past month with Franma & Zia BoBeaner.

We all can't wait to see the rest of the family.

Sunset on the Bay

The Wizard of OZ and his Baby Girl

Here is Marta with her Dad getting ready to dive off Fraser Island on the Great Barrier Reef! They should be arriving in Sidney today. For Mauro, the adventure ends next weekend, but but our girl will be truckin' on in Australia for a time and then it's off to South America.

babies

Wow, I thought we were fertile over here. I feel bad that I dont even know who Layla is.
I see Monte looking out from Vivian M's photo. She is so Brian!!! I can't wait to see them in person.
How was the little piggie?? Juicy? Looks good. Love you all and miss you.

On the Bay

Neighbors on the bay resurrected an old tradition by roasting a pig. Vivian and Layla seemed to be enjoying themselves.

The full video of the party can be seen here, but you might want to just watch the beginning - when it gets to the kids playing the balloon game, its pretty much just that til the end.

Cousins Party

Rain shmain. Give yourselves a pat on the back for leaving almost no leftovers.

Here are the photos.

Add your gmail email in the comments if you want to be added as a contributor.

Happy Birthday Kama!

Hope you're having fun watching the stars in St Lorenzo, we're here with Tara and Brian.

YAAAY!!

hurraaay! Thank you Monte!!! I have finally managed to subscribe to the blog, after 4 months of attempts!! In Asia the invitation to join would come up in the language of the country, it would show up in thai, then malaysian, then indonesian... and now I'm finally in oz and I can understand what the heck it wants-and it works...! Welcome to the 461 blog!
I'm in australia folks, after 4 crazy fantastic months in Asia, we have now been re-introduced to the civilised world.. we met up with Papa Mauro in Cairns, north east australia, and decided we weren't feelin reality just yet, so we got into the car and decided to drive into the wild wild west, the australian bush!
been on the road for 4 days now, and it is incredible..desert, trees, dead kangaroos (counted about 50 along the road today, and they are the only kangaroos we've seen by the way...), tiny desolate towns, and hardly anyone in sight.. its absolutely awesome! a real adventure!
Super duper massive incredibilicious congratulations to the fantastic parents of the new arrivals.. so so so happy and proud, I cannot wait to meet the little muffins!!
Damn, this is a really awesome family. This blog is fantastic, but it makes me miss you more! I will try and get around the globe to see everyone, New yorkers, canadians, portlandians... ASAP!
I miss you all and love you all like crazy.. MASSIVE HUGS and KISSES from australia!!

Sidewalk Surfer

Has the Ripstik craze reached beyond Breezy Point? Let me tell you -- it's way harder than it looks. Kate worked like crazy for a couple of days, and now she's a pro!

the 461 sentry...

Last time we were in town. I think for Brian and Tara's wedding we happened to find ourselves in the neighborhood as well... but Hazel definitely was not caught off guard that day.

461

Tara and I were running some errands with Vivian today and we happened by 14th street. The block was kind of quiet (it was hot and it was Monday) but I was surprised I didn't see Hazel. The house looks the same and different. Did everyone hear the story of how we went to an open house there a couple of years ago?

The Birthdays Party

We celebrated the July birthdays last Saturday. Here's a couple of minutes of it. It's not terribly exciting, but it has our favorite song in it.

Here are the pictures.

Here are my babies!

While everyone is cooing over the beautiful new babies and the adorable toddlers that people the blog, I wanted to share a snapshot I came across of my babies taken about 19 years ago!

Nadia Rain Del Pasqua

Here are some more photos of the little bean.
We spent the rest of the day perfecting the family nap.

Another wonderful woman in my life...

Wow what an incredible day. "Working title" Del Pasqua was born at our house in Portland today at 1:07pm. The whole day was an awesome experience and Sandra was a star and will be starring in a new dance video in no time.
Here is quick pic I snapped of the little bean before being hypnotized by her sheer beauty for the rest of the day. I'll post a whole gallery of high res images in the next couple of days.

NEWS FROM PORTLAND

Francy just called with great news. Sandra and Kieran are proud parents of a 7 lb. 12 oz. baby girl born at home and as yet unnamed. Francy was at her lakeside cottage and asked us to pass on the news. You can be sure we will be getting more details soon from the Oregonians.

Breezy Point’s ZIP code — 11697 — once had the highest per capita consumption of Budweiser in the world.

From Tuesday's New York Times:

It was with bitterness, and resignation, that many Breezy Point locals met the news on Monday that Anheuser, the St. Louis-based maker of Budweiser, was to be sold to a Belgian company for $52 billion.

SOPHISTICATED RELAXATION

Brian has already mentioned this in a recent comment but, just in case you didn't know, the Cousins' Party is Sunday, August 10th. Those cousins (and other relatives) in the NY area are aware of the date but perhaps others of you might find yourselves nearby and would like to participate in a day of high-end entertainment. On an entirely different note, did anyone notice the uncanny resemblance between the face shown in the still frame of Kieran's "Canada" video and John Roche? Another different note: Today is Sandra's projected due date - all our love and best wishes to the DelPasquas.

Happy Birthday dear Matt, Happy Birthday to you!

Hooray for Matt!

While we're all waiting for news of the new Murphy cousin in Portland, here are some pictures of the McLaughlin summer in Breezy (plus a few from our weekend on the North Fork of Long Island and from a fun day in Brooklyn with Kate and baby Vivian...).

Week 2

It was granny weekend and Vivian got to spend time with both of her grannies. She also made it to the Sugar Bowl and met her new friend Maeve.

Here are the pictures.

For giggles & squeaks

Last night we celebrated Vivian's 4th with cousins and grandparents and aunts and uncles and lots of cake!! Wish you all could have been there!!
Happy Birthday Viv!

Still no arrival - but lot's of dancing...

Caught this video of Sandra doing the baby dance to loosen the hips or as I think the kids call it "loosening the bedonk-a-donk"... Don't tell her I posted it :-)

Happy 4th Birthday Vivian !!

... while we wait for little DelPasqua, I just wanted to Shout Out a big Happy 4th Birthday !! to Vivian Fontecedro.
I hear Ms Jolie - Pitt was so in awe of our two beautiful Vivians that the couldn't resist naming her newborn Vivienne... She obviously had to add the little french twist.
Love to all, and a big Kiss to VIVI.
Kama, Fabio, Lukas and Noah

Today is not the day

As some of you may know this is Sandra's due date. Her mid-wife thinks the baby will actually not come until July 17th. I told Sandra she sounds far too comfortable for this to be the due date. Her parents are in Portland and going with her on mammoth walks though so we'll see. I'll keep you posted.

On another front, David Fransen was appointed Canadian Consul General and he and Barb will be moving to Los Angeles in September! They'll be there for four years. He'll be the senior Canadian diplomat and will be responsible for Southern California, Arizona, New Mexico, and I think Nevada. He's such a wonderful person and will be fantastic--and close to Kieran and Sandra and little bump.

Welcome Vivian

Well, it doesn't surprise me, but Vivian is simply gorgeous. She is so tranquil and adorable after her first meal. Good omen! Welcome to the land of copious cousins. Every time I call Vivian or hear her name, it has a pleasant ring, kind of an ecco of memories behind the sound.
I would love to see the 3rd generation Cousins party in 2027. Congratulations Brian and Tara, and a big wet kiss.

First Day

Yesterday went surprisingly well, and Vivian had a crowd of family and friends to welcome her to the world. I'm off to the hospital now. Tara is doing well.

Here's some more photos.

Vivian Margaret Murphy

Vivian Margaret was born today at 2:22 p.m. She's beautiful! She weighed in at 7 lbs, 7 ozs and is 19 1/2 inches long. Both she and Tara are doing well.

I'm sure that many more pictures will follow...

Drumroll, please...

My crew and I will be going to Methodist Hospital this afternoon to meet my little niece. Mimi and Pop are already there. The big news is coming soon!

Merry Canada Day everyone

I found this quote from John Stewart that sums up the Canadian/American ex-pat experience fairly well :-)

So this woman asks me, "What do Americans think of us Canadians?"

"Um, we don't. And until we run out natural resources, you guys are pretty safe. *KNOCK KNOCK* Canada, hey, how's it goin'? Um, we're out of wood. Get out."

But just to be fair it is always fun to get the Canadian perspective as well:


Finally if you are looking to brush up on your French check out this video.

Video embedding tutorial

This is a good explanation of how to post Youtube videos (it also works for other video sources).

This is also probably a good time to talk about uploading videos to Youtube. Its free. You just need to create an account. They are associated with (or owned by) google, so your gmail account may work best here.

Once you set up an account, uploading video is pretty easy. They accept most file formats, though there are limitations on size (no bigger than 100mb, no longer than 10 minutes? i'm guessing). And there's plenty of help pages.

Saints Peter & Paul -- June 29th

Okay, I tried uploading a colorful painting of Sts. Peter and Paul from the internet, but it didn't work. (Francy Kitansky, how'd ya do it???) Suffice it to say that today is a holiday in Rome (pity for the working stiff that it fell on a Sunday this year) because it is the feast day of Saints Peter and Paul. Only in Rome, nowhere else in Italy, because they are the patron saints of Rome. So that means little Paul would celebrate his onomastico (name day) today if he celebrated such things. Big Paul, too. And Uncle Peter! They used to be more important than birthdays until maybe a generation ago. Happy Onomastico to all!!!

P.S. This is the year of St. Paul, starting today until June 29, 2009, with all sorts of events. Maybe Paul and Janis will stumble upon one in September when they visit!

Anthony's One!!!

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Anthony, Happy birthday to youuuuuuuu!!!!

Marta is now in Malaysia. Here's Koh Tao.

Here is Marta in Thailand getting her scuba diving license. She promises to send me a couple of better photos before all the births and first birthdays clog the blog! I can't wait. I'll check five times a day for the next month.

Another one from the archives...

Hi Uncle Peter!

Today's the last day of school, and we're headed to Breezy for the summer tomorrow. Happy summer, everyone!

And Happy Birthday Anthony!

I WONDER if a certain Brooklyn baby will share the same birthday...

Parent of the Year

This is just to let everyone know that your posts can be anything you like, and not just the kiddies. See a silly Youtube video? Read an funny article? Have an interesting thought you want to share?

This photo is from the Coney Island Mermaid Parade. I rode my bike by it last Saturday and I couldn't get close it was so mobbed (although I wasn't trying very hard since I was on my way to Breezy).

Check out the help links on the right for uh, help.

Kama is here to share

Hello there everyone!!!
I too, am finally here in this wonderful world. This is my first post, I'll share a silly picture with you of Vivian and Noah at the Mayfair, and I look forward to contributing. Right now I send all the Bellies around a big squeeze hug.
Love to all, Kama

What are cruises really like?

This is the Meem and me on the beach in Barcelona. Say no more . . .

Father's Day

It was a nice day for Father's Day on the bay this past Sunday. The rain came for a while early on but then cleared up.

Here's all the photos.

Sorry to be so delinquent...

...in posting , but I have just been so busy trying to find a good photo of myself!
Seriously, it is fabulous to follow these people, the weddings, the pregnancies, the babies.. obscenely fun! How about that Viv Senior, after five kids she still had Mimi and Francy in pretty little dresses and I could detect Peter's hair was combed! I bet she wished she had an Old Navy on 9th Avenue.

The Storm Trooper

See that little guy under the helmet and all that padding? That's my Patcho!

Happy Father's Day to all the fathers. There was no lacrosse being played on the bay yesterday during our Murphy/McLaughlin Father's Day celebration, but the stickball game of the century (what a comeback!) was lots of fun to watch.