Catching up to 2009!

I decided to start a blog this year. With potential big changes occuring in the very near future (will fill you in soon...), it will be a way to keep everyone interested informed of the happenings in our lives!

First, I'll do some catching up for you into the new year. Luke won another trip through his job. This time they sent us to Miami, Florida for 3 nights at the beginning of November. The weather was mid-80's, the stay was completely free, and the seafood was fabulous! What more can I say other than "Thank you honey for being so good at your job!"?

Thanksgiving was spent with my side of the family. My grandma, whom I have not seen or had much contact with for years came to visit my parent's house for the first time. Other than an incredibly competetive game of Hand and Foot that got a little out of hand (no pun intended), it was a great time with lots of yummy food.

Mike and Chelsea came into town from Vermont for an early Christmas. Thankfully we were able to spend quite a bit of time with them. We got a taste of Chelsea's homemade caramel apple pie and played a mix of Rock Band and card games their entire stay. Below is the family picture that will be on my parents' holiday letter.

Christmas Eve was spent with Luke's mom and grandma in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Christmas Day we drove up to Traverse City, Michigan to spend the day with his aunt Sue and uncle Jon. Their house is a large Victorian on a tree-lined street (very picturesque!) right by the bay. I have never experienced a family so into decorating for Christmas! Not a corner of the house was forgotten - santas, nutcrackers and snowflakes were everywhere; I think they had about 6 Christmas trees up, all with different themes. Two feet of snow came a few days before we arrived, so it was just perfect for Christmas day! The only thing that would have made it nicer was if all the snow melted the 26th so our drive home could have been a little less slick!

New Years Eve Luke and I went to go see The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. It was great - I particularly liked to see Brad Pitt's influence on the movie in revolving it around Hurricane Katrina. We watched the ball drop once we got home and then crashed.

I have high hopes for 2009. I'll continue to keep you posted on our goings on!