The Hustle and Bustle of the Season

What a busy year we've had . . .and it's winding down as busily as it started . . .

Eli celebrated his first birthday on the 21st of December with a Mickey Mouse cake and Mickey Mouse wrapped gifts. Mickey happens to be Eli's favorite thing on Earth besides his daddy! Nanny and Granddaddy visited for his birthday and we've got plans to celebrate Christmas with Uncle Ron and Aunt Wendy. Earlier in the month, Grandma and Grandpa came up for a quick visit. And in November, I ventured to Arkansas alone with the kids to meet many of their relatives for the first time . . . most importantly, their Pappy, my father. The kids were able to see so many cousins, aunts and uncles that the ride back to Illinois was a very peaceful one . . . everyone was exhausted from our big adventure!

Christmas will be very different this year as it's the first year EVER that Dale has to work. He'll be here for Santa's visit first thing in the morning and that's what really excites Benjamin.

Work is fine . . . Dale is settling into his new position with all its scheduling surprises (working every holiday thus far this year) and new things to learn. My job is as wonderful as always.

Benjamin and Eli are precious, growing, changing and the the biggest blessings in our lives. Ginger's well, too. . . . as shocking as that is!

We're looking forward to lots of new adventures in 2009 . . . maybe a vacation to Williamsburg, Virginia, and work trips to the Virgin Islands and maybe even Monaco for Dale and me (if the year ends on an upward trend professionally).

Blessings to you and yours this holiday season! More photos to come - check back soon!