Sometimes the only way to win the love of a nephew is by letting him play with your camera. Sometimes that is called a bribe.

This is Ezra (almost 2). He's an adorable little guy who was quite a hit with the ladies when we all gathered for my papa's funeral. Who wouldn't love a face like that? He has other charming features, like the way he says hello. It is more like "hellOOOOO!" He likes to talk on the phone. He'll say "helloooo" (of course) and a very cute "what doing?" He and his brother (and parents) live in South Dakota.

Traditions are a great part of being in a family. My family has one tradition that is a little odd, but loads of fun; we call it "arp." "Arping" is when we pinch someone's bottom and say "arp" in a mildly falsetto voice. I don't remember when it started, but we have great stories about it. One time when my brother was about four years old, we invited my sister's teacher over for dinner. This teacher hadn't been across our threshold for more than three minutes when my brother reached up and "arped" her. Fortunately this teacher had a good sense of humor and didn't fail Andrea. We all had a good laugh about it. Still do.

Anyway, Sam and Liz like to play "arp" and before they arrived at Christmas they had already planned to have an all-out "arp" war during the holiday. No one's bum was safe and pinching fingers were at the ready. It was a lot of fun; I'm glad that my family can be goofy like that.

Since I don't get to see my niece and nephews often, I really enjoyed the few moments we spent together.

These adorable, and kind of goofy kids are my niece and nephews. I got to see them this Christmas/New Years. The oldest, Sam (12) and Liz (9) live in Pheonix and I have not seen them since June 2005. Way too long. They somehow managed to get a lot taller in the meantime.

The baby is Wyatt, my brother's baby. I saw him for the first time in November and spent many moments holding him. I'm pretty fond of that little guy...and his brother. Well, to be honest, all my niece and nephews are pretty great. I just hope that I won't have to wait until next Christmas to see them. Luckily, both my sister (Liz & Sam's mom) and my sister-in-law (mom to Ezra and Wyatt) have blogs with pictures and anecdotes.

I'm your Dreamgirl

If you were at all wondering, I would like to reassure you that I still live in New York City. The city continues to be exciting, but I haven't taken the time to write in the blog. I assure you that as I walk around I try to observe things that may be of interest to all of you. So I am finally spending some time to write. I need to catch up with the past few months, but I will do that later.

Today a friend who is contemplating a big move out here asked about the cost of living in the city. I did not lie to her; it is not cheap. With taxes, rent, and groceries there isn't much money left for entertainment. That is why I have only seen one Broadway play--for free. The cheapest thing to do for fun in New York--besides staying home and watching TV--is going to the movies. At $11.00 a film, I don't go too often. I usually hold out for the movies I really want to see like Marie Antoinette and Stranger than Fiction.

Most suburban towns have quite the movie megaplexes--wide, expansive buildings with umpteen screens. Well, New York's megaplexes are not wide...instead they are tall. The first one I went to was one of the movie theaters on 42nd street. Generally it is best to avoid that area because it is crawling with tourists, but the movies houses down there aren't bad...if you happen to like really tall escalators. I don't really, and I had to go up three of them. One time I was going up the really tall escalator and someone shook it. That was not very nice. That movie theater is the favorite of my roommate Angie, and we have seen a few movies there. She generally will only see movies at that place.

I don't have any true movie theater preferences, but I must say that the Magic Johnson movie theatre in Harlem is right there as one of my favorites. Yes, I am referring to that famous basketball player. He does indeed have his own movie theater. There is even a mural of him in the building. I have only been there twice, but it is a treat! The first time I went there I saw Lady in the Water. The film wasn't super, but it was an entertaining experience. I went to the film with a group of kids from the ward. Let me preface by saying that we were not a multicultural group...except for Alejandro who is Puerto Rican by way of Miami. Still, he blends in well with the white folk because he is quite the sartorialist (fashionably inclined). As I mentioned earlier the movie was a bit of a dud...so how was the evening so fun? We were the main event. Let me tell you, a group of thirteen white kids in Harlem creates quite a scene. Cars would slow down as we walked along the sidewalk, people would stare, and kids would scream. OK I made up the last part. The funniest part was after we left the theater when a girl named Starr came up to talk to us. She first asked us where the party was. Then she commended us for hanging out in Harlem. She said that we should come to Harlem more often. We didn't tell her that half the people in our group actually lived in Harlem.

Last weekend I wanted to see the movie Dreamgirls, but I couldn't find anyone to go with me. I vascilated about going, but I really wanted to see if Jennifer Hudson was worthy of all the buzz. (She is so worthy!!) I checked out Fandango, and found that I was too late to make it to the 7:00 hour shows in Lincoln Center or 42nd Street; the next showings were at 11:00. I didn't want to stay out too late, but I was very pleased to see that the Magic Johnson had a showing at 8:20. I wasn't too sure about going there on my own. I could here my mom protesting all the way in Spokane. Which is why I haven't said anything about it...until now. Hi Mom. I called a few people for their opinion, and I was assured that at 8:00 (and 10:00) I should be fine. So after a brief detour to get some candy, I made my way down to Harlem.

The Magic Johnson is two blocks away from the World Famous Apollo Theater. I was afraid that I was a little late so I quickly got my ticket from a kiosk and went up the two escalators. I was the only white girl in the building, and I had a lot of eyes following me. I had to wait in a very long line for a bottle of water, and I missed the beginning of the trailers. I really hate missing the trailers.

The theater was crowded. Although the film has been in theaters for a while, it is still a popular choice in this neighborhood even though Stomp the Yard just opened. (In the refreshment area, most people were going to see that movie.) Luckily for me, a singleton, I was able to get a seat wherever I want...well, within reason. I can't just sit on anyone's lap. At first, I wasn't too sure I would get a seat. I asked one lady if the seats after the claimed ones were empty, and she just stared at me. I used other words, and she still stared. I don't even think she blinked. So I climbed on through to find out on my own. Turns out the seats were empty.

After a series of sadly forgettable previews the movie began, and so did the entertainment. I said earlier that movies at the Magic Johnson were a treat, and that really does not have much to do with the movie, but more with how the audience reacts. The patrons of the Magic J vocalize their sentiments very well. The laughs are louder, the cheers are more heartfelt, and the applause is more boisterous. But the best part is that the audience will at times talk to the screen. Sure, we all do that at home, but there is no holding back at the Magic J. Being at such a theater gives outsiders license to join the revelry. At least I certainly wanted to. However, I wasn't too sure I should laugh along with the crowd at the Martin Luther King joke. I didn't want to cross any lines. But I did clap at the end of each of Jennifer Hudson's songs. She was amazing! As I am sure you have heard from the critics, she outshined her cast. I was very happy that she won her Golden Globe.

I liked the movie, and suggest that you go out in see it in your neighborhood megaplex. I can't tell if you if the movie is just as good in a "normal" theatre. It could very well be that the movie was good because I saw it in Harlem. And Mom, I got home safe and sound.