December 2011

Ryder went and saw the cardiologist. He has to take two pills every day, but hopefully they will slow the progression down so he can enjoy a few more years with us. He's a special dog and loved by all of us.

On the 4th, we went and had breakfast with Santa at the golf course. It was great this year. The Kruglet family was there with us, they had someone taking professional pictures of the family and the kids with Santa and the food was pretty good too. It was the best breakfast with Santa to date. Easton still wanted nothing to do with Santa, so Mommy held him. Maybe next year he will like Santa and want to tell him all about the numerous things he'd like for Christmas?

We went out to dinner one night with Neil and Heidi for the Melting Pot's double date night. As usual, the food was great and the company even better. We may just have to make the date night an annual thing.

Our church held a holiday shop again this year. Heidi and I took Grace and Kyla so they could pick out presents for everyone. The selections were amusing, but everything they picked out was a big hit with both of our families. Can't wait to see what happens next year. Lilliana and Easton should be able to join us, making it that much more fun and special.

Seeing Santa at the mall and having breakfast with him wasn't quite enough for Kyla. She also had to visit him at a candy store and at Safe Splash (where she takes her swim lessons). She's let every one of Santa's helpers know she wants gingerbread men and women and snowmen, so hopefully Santa and his elves are able to fulfill her request. Due to Easton's lack of enthusiasm for Santa, he stayed home with Dad.

On the 12th, Kyla had her school Christmas program. It was a quick one, but super cute. Kyla was not as animated this year, as she was last time, but it was still fun to watch.

On the 14th, Kyla had her preschool Christmas party. That was a lot of fun for her and her classmates. They had pizza, played some fun games, made gorgeous glittery ornaments and participated in a book exchange.

On the 15th, Kyla's dance class had a mini recital for the last 15 minutes of class. That was cute to watch as well. The girls did a little dance to Rudolph. What a fun way to start off the Christmas break.

We purchased an elf on the shelf this year. He's a boy elf and we named him Buddy. Kyla thinks he's the coolest thing since sliced bread. He reports everything back to Santa, so we shall see if he is motivation enough to be good during the holiday season to avoid (or get off of) the naughty list.

We celebrated Christmas a few days early again this year so we could make the trek back to Minnesota. We went out to dinner to the Olive Garden and when we came back, Santa had visited. He left a lot of goodies for both Kyla and Easton. Kyla was in seventh heaven with a new present to open every few minutes. We lost Easton after the first one. It made noise and talked to him, so we had to open the rest of his presents. It was a great family Christmas. And as Kyla will tell you, "Jesus is the reason for the season." She still needs presents, but Jesus is what Christmas is all about.

We received a foot of snow the day we planned to leave for Minnesota, so we had to wait an extra day before making the drive out there. Once we got past Fort Morgan, there was no snow to be found...anywhere. It was a mild and brown Christmas. We weren't complaining though. No snow makes the drive much easier.

Christmas day was spent out on the farm with Grandma, Grandpa, aunts, uncles and many cousins. It was great to have all of us together this year. We enjoyed some much needed family time and made some new and lasting memories.

The rest of the time was spent with immediate family. We celebrated our own Christmas together and just hung out. Again, it was nice to just relax and spend time with loved ones.

2011 was a pretty good year for us. Looking back, we have so many reasons to be appreciative and thankful for what we have and all of you that are a part of our lives. We never know what the future holds, but we look to 2012 with open minds and hearts. Life has ups and downs, so we will focus on the good rather than the bad. We will continue to make lasting memories with friends and family, while we work on being the best parents and partners we can for each other.

We wish you all a joyous new year. May 2012 be all you can make it to be and more.