Ryan and Sandra's Annual Christmas Party

The fun began with an unusually long and unusually occurring "sleep in morning." By noon, we had gathered ourselves and were on the road cruising away on IH 35 to be met, in just a few short hours, by our friends, Ryan and Sandra and their brood of kitties (Abby dog was at doggie day-care). Ryan and Sandra met us with smiling faces at the door- we caught up over a lovely 2002 Stag's Leap and admired their harvest of tomatoes... masses of them from their garden!

Then- it was Wii time. I have to say- I have never been one to take much interest in video games, aside from some childhood fun with Mario Brothers, Duck Hunt, and Excite Bike- from Nintendo 1- yes, the one and only original! However, video games have come quite a long way in the past 15 years, and the Wii- is SUPER FUN! Neil and I battled at tennis, golf, bowling, fishing, and shooting before Rock Band sucked us in like kids on Christmas morning. Before we were completely hooked- Sandra put us to work moving stemware and lighting candles. This year's theme was BIG and SPARKLY (thank you, Shannon)! The stage was set with perfect Christmas Cheer and Elegance when guests began to arrive. Chef Juan conjured a delectable feast of hors d'oeuvres- fruits, cheeses, chocolates, bruschettas, sea food fondue, bacon wrapped chicken and shrimp... there is a term for these but I can't remember :) Ryan and Sandra broke into their coveted collection of wines for several Napa wines to make the season ever brighter.

We wrapped up the night with a late night encore of Rock Band and were right back at it in the morning. Neil was on the drums, Ryan on guitar and Sandra and I took turns singing song after song after song! I did score 100% top performer too! The weekend will definitely be added to our greatest hits! Thank you Ryan and Sandra!

News from the friends we hadn't seen in a while...
Kelly and Chris are starting a Guns N' Roses cover band (and their new bassist looks exactly like Slash - whoa) Now THEY are the REAL Rock Band!
Andy and Shannon and planning to travel this year- what's on the list? Germany, California, and Texas for starters.
Jennifer and Jason - were married in Vegas and just returned from their honeymoon in Vail, Co. Congratulations!

Love the Holidays

Although I love the summer time- full of lake time, pools, bbq's and sunshine, I have to say- the holidays are equally, if not a more enjoyable time of year.

Neil and I continued our tradition of decorating our Christmas tree the day after Thanksgiving. It was a great day- we had a full Turkey Day feast at my parents' house, then rolled our selves home for a nap. I worked on an embroidery project while Neil enjoyed his other love- football.

Finally we went to pick out a fresh tree and take it home to decorate. Zach was in town and joined us- we had a ball- between holiday drinks, snacks, doggie pajamas and Christmas music- we covered the tree in over 2600 lights! More than last year!

Now that the holiday season is in full swing- we are juggling the Christmas parties, charity events- Toys for Tots and Any Baby Can, and shopping- to keep the season bright.

Holiday Heartwarmers-

My mother picked out her mother-of-the-bride dress- I hope I am as beautiful as she is- both inside and out- when I stand in her shoes one day.

Brent, Ana and baby Alexander will welcome a baby BOY at the end of April! Alexander has brought so much joy to his family- we can't wait to meet our new nephew in just a few months. Congratulations!