Sunday, December 30, 2012

Its the holiday season




Happy Holidays!!!  We just finished our second Christmas and have one more to go.  Festivities began on Christmas Eve at my parents house.  We had our traditional meal of appetizers and played games.  This year Matt and I had an extra special game for the kids.  They had to solve dozens of clues using only a map and a computer.  Each revealed destinations they would be visiting on a surprise 2 week Europe trip we have planned for spring. 

Christmas Day was spent at home.  The kids were itching to open presents all morning but we opted to wait until my sister & David could join us.  They were visiting David's family on Christmas morning.  By noon Angie & David had arrived, thank goodness.  I don't think the kids could have waited a moment longer.  Sydney was very pleased with her American Girl accessories, new TV and riding boots.  Andrew with his Star Wars DVDs, Legos and Angry Birds.   Both kids were most excited about the IPad Minis from Grandpa Bud & Grandma Fran.

This weekend we traveled to Sandusky to meet up with Matt's mom, Pam & her husband Jim to celebrate Christmas once again.  They live in Florida but Jim was in Sandusky for business.  We enjoyed a lovely weekend together topped off with more presents.  Sydney was over the moon about her new American Girl Doll.  Andrew was equally happy with his Star Wars Angry Bird Set and Pokemon Cards. 

To think we still have another Christmas to go.  Oh my!   I am already embarrassed to answer when people ask what the kids got for Christmas.  Nevertheless, we are very grateful for all the gifts we have received and all the family we have in our lives.  We are looking forward to our final Christmas in Chicago with Matt's dad and sisters. 

Monday, December 10, 2012

Sir Aspen Lavelle


Today, I lost my friend. Aspen was our first child and join our family as a rambunctious 6 week old puppy.  Ironically, it was exactly 13 years ago today that we picked him up at the breeder.

 Always a retriever, he loved to carry around anything he could find in his mouth; toys, shoes and especially couch throw pillows. We will surely miss his sweet gentle soul.