Ringing in the New Year

The end of 2010 brought snow and cold to the Denver area -- just in time for my return from Wisconsin, joy! Higgins and Byrdie loved frolicking around during our late afternoon run, but they were not please with me trying to take pictures of their ice beards afterward. Brrrrr, they said!

I gave in and let them inside to enjoy cuddling up next to a nice cozy fire at B.'s feet.

We'll be celebrating the new year at home with a few close friends tonight. The year 2010 was a great one for us and we're happily welcoming another. Here's to a happy, healthy and adventure-filled 2011!

A little time in Milwaukee

 

Thanks to Jess and Brad for wining and dining me while I stayed with them in Milwaukee. Brad... I never seem to get any pictures of you when I visit. Next time. :)

Brielle: Napping with Grandma

Can you see what she's doing here? She's tickling herself on her blanket, "B.".

She likes her feet tickled, too.

Brielle: Play time with Grandma Sheyla

Kroll's

My grandma, Aunt Sue, mom and I all went to Kroll's for some chili, cheese curd and butter burger goodness. Kroll's is one place I always have to visit while I'm home -- after all, my mom worked there as a teen, I worked there as a teen, and and the chili is to die for. Seriously. Kroll's chili and Los Banditos CCQ. The staples.

We left happy with full bellies and perhaps a couple of extra pounds on each of us. Totally worth it.

By the way, that's my eighty-seven year old grandmother. Eighty-seven! Amazing, right? Love her.

Rise and Shine, Sunshine

My Sister the Jewel

Here's a video (from my iPhone, sorry for the quality) of my beautiful and talented sister singing a Jewel cover. Guitar played by her friend, Ben. Enjoy!

Running, Running, Running!

Bri loves running as much as her Aunties do!

In the store, around the house, anywhere, anytime. "Let's run!", she says. A child after my own heart.

Like Father, Like Daughter

Brielle Playing Peak-a-Boo!

Brielle got a new desk for Christmas from Grandma Connie and Papa. She liked the box just as much as the desk!

The Desk

Help me, Daddy!

"Wocky, no!"

One of Brielle's favorite phrases. Rocky, the dog, always getting in the way.

Brielle Reading with Great Grandma Jackie

Do you want to read with G.G., Brielle? "Yeah!" she said in her sweet little soft voice.

Christmas with Brielle

I was fortunate enough to spend a day with my niece, Brielle, while I was home. Blake made arrangements -- Katie and Bri live an hour from Green Bay, so this takes a little coordinating -- and I was able to celebrate with my sweet almost 22-month-old niece.

First, we opened gifts:

Then, snacked with Auntie Meg:

Tried on new PJ's from Grandma Sheyla:

Then, the best part of the day:

Dancing! Brielle loves to dance! In fact, you can turn on any old song and she'll start tapping her toes. Here's a video of her dancing with Grandma and Auntie earlier in the day:

 

I get home one or two times a year now, so spending time with family is precious. We had such a fun day with Brielle, and for me it was great to get to know her a little better. It's stunning, really, watching her. She's pensive and smart and shy and soft-spoken. And she looks so very much like I did as a two-year-old. I'm in love with this little girl, and I ache to know her better, to watch her grow. 

At the end of a very long day, and after a quick nap, we headed off to Papa's house. 

Catching Up

I met some of my high school girlfriends for coffee at this great coffee shop on Broadway. It was so great to see them. There just isn't enough time in the day to spend with everyone I want to see when I'm home. I'm happy I managed to sneak in a couple of hours with my long time friends. I miss each and every one of them, and although we do our best to stay in touch regularly, inevitably too much time passes between our reunions.

Marci and I with our sweet godson (and Tracy's boy), Theison.

Tracy, me, Theison, Marci and Melissa at Kavarna. Love, love, love.

Merry Christmas from Green Bay!

I managed to make it back to Green Bay the day after Christmas. The weather on the East coast delayed my flights and threatened a long day of airport sitting in Rochester and Minneapolis, but thankfully with the help of the friendly Delta staff, I was able to fly right in to Green Bay with hardly a hitch in my original itinerary.

My mom and siblings waited to open gifts until I arrived on Sunday. Even though the true holiday had passed, I felt as if I hadn't missed a thing. We wrapped and gifted and my mom had cookies and candies and hot chocolate waiting. Just like the good old days.

The next series brings joy to my heart! I love giving gifts. I love finding a gift for someone and knowing it is perfect for them. It's really about creating happiness -- and I don't mean in the actual item, but in the thought and love put into choosing and giving that particular item. It brings happiness to everyone, and that's what I love most.

My sister has always had the unpleasant experience of celebrating her birthday just days after Christmas. I think she's always secretly disliked that about her birthday. Not because she's petty and expects gifts, but because birthdays are meant to celebrate the life of someone, and when you've just finished celebrating the life at Christmas, it's hard to muster up the enthusiasm to celebrate again so soon. My family has always tried to be sensitive to this fact. This year, I really wanted to show Meg that she is special. I splurged.

And it was totally worth the extra cash. Just look at that joy and elation on her face! That is why I love giving.

I've been truly blessed this year. Family, friends, coworkers, pups, and, of course, the love of my life. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, what a lucky, lucky life I lead.

Merry Christmas, everyone.