MALLORY'S PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

Right before the holidays, Mallory's preschool puts on a Christmas Program, followed by their class parties. She is our "shy" one, but still makes it through at least half of the performance. We have enjoyed yet another year, with most of our same classmates from last year. What a special group!

She's having fun singing along.
Her BFF, Madeline, is playing Mary.
Stage-fright gets the best of her, and she end's up in Ms. Ellen's arms.

Storytime during their Christmas Party.

Class picture. What a great group!

TACKY CHRISTMAS SWEATER PARTY

Very dear friends of ours, the Brooks family, hosted a Tacky Christmas Sweater Party this past holiday season. What a fantastic idea! I was determined to find the most perfect ensemble. Much to my dismay, I have a little trouble..... So, WWMD, you ask!?!?!? (What Would Martha Do...) She would make her own!!! I got a plain white sweatshirt, some puffy paint, and jingle bells, and I was in business. Tim's ensemble was Santa's version of the "tuxedo t-shirt".

It was a great night, complete with a surprise visit from Santa. Even the kids had a blast. Hopefully this will be one tradition in the making!

Me with Stephanie Brooks and Lisa English
Mallory and Tyler with Santa

My little diva.

All the ladies.

All the men (most of whom were wearning women's sweaters....).

CUTE CUTE KYLA

Well, we just can't get enough of our precious little niece, Kyla Marie. Luckily they live locally, so we can see her (and Jordan and Julia) often. We also have the honor of watching her while Julia works, just about every couple of weeks. Here are a few pictures I took of her, when she was at our house for the first time since she learned to crawl (back in early December).....

I love this pose - this is how she "lounges".

Sweet baby girl!

Not so fast, little lady!!!

TYLER'S 1ST SOCCER SEASON

During Fall 2011, we signed Tyler up for his first season of soccer. He did pretty good for a first-timer. Two of Tyler's friends were on the team, as well as having their dad as the coach. It was nice to have some familiar faces.

We enjoyed the games and he enjoyed learning a new sport! Here are a few highlights from the season...

OUR 10TH ANNIVERSARY TRIP OUT WEST

To celebrate this big anniversary, Tim and I decided a trip out west would be a fun adventure for us to do together - especially alone! (No offense, Tyler and Mallory...) We are blessed with an annual trip to Hilton Head Island, so we wanted to do something a little different. Plus, we have some great friends and family that live on the other side of this continent, so we thought it would be great to pay them a visit.

Our first stop was Denver, Colorado. Here lives my sister (as of a few years) and one of my very close friends from college, Colleen Cichy and her family. I've been to Denver a couple of times in the last few years, but this was Tim's first time in many. We visited with everyone, played with Colleen and Dan's precious little girls, Leslie and Sydney, and went on a few adventures. Suzanna was with us essentially the whole time. It was great! Some of our adventures included: a trip to Golden, Co including a Coors Brewery tour, a trip to Red Rocks, an adventure through some of the moutains through the Eisenhower tunnel (snow included), and a brunch at my favorite spot - Lucile's Creole Cafe. Fortunately, but unfortunately it snowed the day we were due to leave for our next adventure. It didn't compromise our flight, but it was sad to not have an opportunity to enjoy it more! We truly had a blast and thank Dan and Colleen for their awesome hospitality.

Our second (and final) stop was to Santa Monica, California. Laurie (another super close friend from college) and her husband, Greg, moved here a year ago right after they got married. Once again, it was a blast. This was both me and Tim's first time to CA, so it was truly an adventure! Our visit included a trip to Venice Beach (a very strange place, but fun), a drive through Beverly Hills (including Rodeo Drive, of course), a drive all along Mulholland Drive (with some breathtaking views of the entire Hollywood and LA area...), lunch and dinner at some of the most delicious spots, shopping along the Third Street Promenade, a night at the Santa Monica Pier, and my most favorite spot: The Getty Museum - complete with a delicious picnic lunch, wine and beer, and the most beautiful weather. This place was simply gorgeous. Oh, and we can't forget little Lucy!!! She is Greg and Laurie's new little baby (the furry variety). We truly enjoyed her company during our visit. Thank you to the Burns for such a wonderful stay!

This is a picture slideshow of our trip. Yes, there are a couple hundred photos, but I just couldn't condense them down to just a few.... Enjoy!!!

Make a video - it's fun, easy and free!
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ONCE AGAIN, PLAYING "CATCH-UP"

Out of nowhere, January 2012 is upon us! Where in the heck did 2011 go??? My goal is to really stay current on our ongoings as we move forward into this New Year. But, here is a re-cap of how we spent the last quarter of our 2011....

COUSINS

Here are a few more pics from recent visits with Tyler and Mallory's cousin, Kyla. It is hard to believe she'll be six months old in a few days!!! They just love spending time with her - we are so blessed to have them live nearby! (And, we LOVE babysitting, too!!!)