Merry Christmas!

We celebrated Christmas a couple times this year with different family members and had our own at home in between trips. The day we chose for just us, Elena was up before we were, had chosen a gift to open and had it opened and playing with it on Daddy's desk. She had part of a stroller given to her by Eric's partner at work, Jim and his wife Lily. Now, here's where it gets good...and scary...Elena had some difficulty getting into said package, so took the liberty to get the utility scissors (Insert gasping and sputtering noises here!!!), took them apart, then neatly and carefully used them to get all the plastic off of mini parts and open the second box. Then for some reason felt the need to get out the UHU Glue-all and smear that all over the scissors afterward as well as the bottom three carpeted steps...fortunately it was all cleaned up by mommy before Daddy could see, but what a sight! So anyway, it was a good day all in all with unwrapping, having coffee with eggnog creamer and Christmas music, then Christmas-colored pancakes. It was good to be together and enjoy the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fFPHIK9ann8

Thank You, Lord, for sending Your Son for us, giving us a reason to celebrate, and thank You for the blessing of being able to give to one another. You are THE very best gift of all.

Seeing Family

We went to pick up Elena after our trip to Kohler in Brownsburg, where most of my side of the family either lives in or around and had some time to visit and stretch a bit. Too short, but still good to see almost everyone. We also got some great pictures of the kids...Jonathan, Matthew, Claire and Elena by the tree and some more...sorry about the blurriness. I'm sure I did something wrong with the camera to mess those up. ;)

Snow on our last night at Kohler

These are just gorgeous! So cold, but so beautiful!

I always wanted to be Clara...

My fellow dancers, we all know the dream of being Clara, the little girl in The Nutcracker Ballet...aawwwwwwwwww,

thanks honey for my special moment. :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJKwrk2o5DQ

Toe shoes, toe shoes...I miss those, but not the blisters...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I32pgOrGo4o&feature=related

And yes, more Design Center

I have some wonderful new ideas for my spa room someday...yippee!!!

And some more...with Design Center shots

We love the Design Center at Kohler, so I'll include some new rooms...the first shot is of a chandelier that hangs over a toilet in a pink bathroom...it's one of my favorites. Wonder why?!?! Honestly, can you imagine?!?! My esthetician I see there says every woman should have at least one chandelier in her home...hhhmmm, um,honey, can I have one, too? HEHEHE... ;)

More Kohler shots

Here's some more shots at La Cucina Restaurant and around the shops at Woodlake...so pretty...and the food ...SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good!!! ;) By the way, I am including some shots of me for Eric because he says I never post any of myself. Her ya go, Sweetie. Thanks for an awesome getaway trip yet again! Only 11 months, 12 days, and how many hours until next year?!?! HEHEHEHE...

Praise the Lord for Upgrades!!!

Turns out they were busier than expected, and also had some repairs that would possibly interfere with full rest and relaxation and so when we checked in we were upgraded to a room that was next door to our honeymoon suite upgrade...awwwwww...heaven! ;) By the way, can you imagine having this bathroom next to your bedroom??!? Oh, my!!! :)

Kohler...

As many friends and family know, this is a very special time where Eric and I spend some quality time at a very special place...Kohler Waters Spa in Kohler, WI. We honeymooned there in 2001...now, the selfish part of me was very much against this for a honeymoon (yes, I know looking at these, it's hard to imagine not being thrilled to go to this!!)...I mean, honestly, a honeymoon with no beach?!?! But being married shortly after Sept 11, we no longer were allowed to fly to Hawaii as we planned...but in-laws, and God, knew best (exhausted after a wedding with planning, prep and all) as that place Eric found for us within driving distance became dear to our hearts, a haven of rest, and a home away from home, we visit now year after year. This was a perfect honeymoon spot! Enjoy the pictures...Merry Christmas...the first are on our way...

Ever Wonder...

Does anyone remember the "Where's Waldo" books? Always wonder where Waldo was? Guess what...

Now you know!!!!!!

Time at Grammy and Grandpa's House

Elena and I flew to OH to spend some time with mom and dad and for them to take care of Elena for Eric and I for our annual trip to Kohler. Elena got reacquainted with Parker and Jack...I understand that Jack actually warmed up to her this time...and of course had a good time shopping and playing and indulging in endless hours of quality HGTV (yeah, that is just what I needed before Kohler to really go nuts in the Design Center!!!). Thank you to Grammy and Grandpa for doing that for us and taking such good care of Elena...she still keeps asking to go back...Here's some shots of Elena with the dog and coloring. Oh, and her artful works on Grammy's piano...hehe...

Christmas Light Show!

We went to the Cuneo Museum in Vernon Hills for a beautiful light show they have at Christmas time. http://www.cuneomuseum.org/ You drive around listening to Christmas music and view the HUGE, gorgeous light displays. We also went with Jim, Lily and Oscar for Mexican dinner first...OH Heaven!...and then on to the lights. Oscar was a little bothered by it, but still fun. We had a blast. Oh - a neat thing I couldn't get a picture of...someone posted a wedding proposal "Will you Marry me, Amanda" in the display, so someone had an especially exciting trip through. How romantic!

Nigh, nigh in Billye's blanket...

Sending some well wishes and love to Billye as she is recovering from surgery and going through treatment. Elena is bundled up in the baby blanket that Billye made for her...just like the warmth it gives her, we're sending warm blanket hugs to you. Praying!