Baby It's Cold Outside

It's cold inside, too. We are trying to keep our bills down, so my feet are freeeeezing. But I have the feet of an eighty year old man, so nothing new.

Aaaaah.... Finally Christmas Break. I can't believe 2011 is coming to a close, but I am so stoked for 2012! And because I am sooo good, I even made us a Christmas wreath this year. It shall hang for about 2 weeks, but at least I finished it:) I mean, our fall wreath hung for an entire year, including Christmas last, so I think this is a big step up! Here it is:

We also went out and took some pics so I could make a Christmas Card... It's our first year doing one. Sorry to take the excitement out of you getting it in the mail...

It was sooooo cold that day. People kept walking by and smiling. One girl even congratulated us on our engagement.?? We said thanks...

We had a blast in the city and even went out for some Asian food... Ever had a BAO? They are scrumptious! I apologize, I was too busy eating to take a picture....

Here's another one of us instead:)

Our tree looks like it's being choked to death, I just realized. No worries. I fixed it.

Well, that about says it all. I feel bad for ruining the surprise of your card, but not really because in all honesty, the one we printed isn't the one I had wanted to send. My mistake. Now you get multiple shot! Lucky dogs:) I think they turned out well. We were going to print our little family newsletter on the back of the card, but as we were brainstorming things to put on it, it was just getting ridiculous.... Check it out.

1. Liz continues PA school

2. Alan continues working

3. uuuhhhh, and that's where we get stuck

So, now you are up to date with us, and you know that we love and miss you. Really there was nothing else to put on the card. Hope you are enjoying this holiday season. I know I am! MERRY CHRISTMAS to all, and Imma go put some socks on...

Officially Christmas time! Finally.....

For me, it has been Christmas since around September. Nice of the rest of you to catch up with me! ANyhow--- I am back from Indiana, passed my exams yesterday, and am really excited to be able to enjoy this holiday season back here at home. I had a great experience in Marion, and actually truly enjoyed all the opportunities I had to learn and grow there. I was right... I DO love surgery... So I guess we shall see what the future holds for me. I got to come home for Thanksgiving and during the weekend Rachelle and the boys came up to see us. I was so excited to get to hold those cute boys again, and here are some pics of the adventures we had:

Just a few Thanksgiving memories:

(Don't worry Arielle, I'll get you copies asap!)I have lots more....

Oh Arielle, I love you!

Amy and her turkey leg. She is so fun! We are so grateful for them and their kindness. This was year two spending Thanksgiving in their home, and they are some of the greatest people we know.

Aren't her little turkey cookies adorable?! Funny story for the night was when Megan came up to Kyle at dinner and asked if she could has some turkey. Now, anyone that knows Megan would realize how unusual it is for her to ask such a thing! He said, "Of course." and she responded cunningly, " Oh, I mean turkey cookies." Such a wily child:)

We love this little guy. He gives the best "lick kisses!"

Ode to Jeremy the chef:

How you stuff the turkey so tenderly and fine

Is completely beyond my understanding

For the duck was juicy and the chicken plump

It fell right into my belly and now shows on my rump!

I bow to your greatness....

Rachelle and those cute boys of hers. (We missed you Luis!)

Before they left...

I know I look tired, you don't have to tell me...

He's wearing my running shoes.. so cute!

We went to the zoo and had so much fun. I will post more pics later, but fyi: That little black spec in the lower right hand pic of the boat is an actual live cockroach! Rachelle and I were pretty creeped out. Sorry if the pic isn't great, but we wanted outta there!

Dolphins

He kept kissing her... And then finally head butted her in the face--thus ended the kissing game:)

WE LOVE MONKEYS!

This, in fact, is NOT staged. Jackson would not go to sleep, so finally when he had been quiet for a bit, we checked on him and found he had pulled some light reading material from the bookshelf next to his bed. If you can't tell, the book is called "Principles of Macroeconomics", and underneath was a book of case studies for finance....So funny! Alan was proud

We put up the tree. (More later)

I honestly had no idea two boys could be so entertained for so long by cars.

By the way Rachelle, we found two of 'em and figured we could just regift them for Christmas! hehe. We miss you and loved having you here. Can't wait till next time!