Merry Christmas!!

This year we had a great time celebrating Christmas with my family. It was especially fun because our niece was REALLY into opening gifts!! It was fun to see Christmas through her eyes this year. 

I don't know who enjoyed uncle Jake's gift more Dad or Alaena? 

My parents dog Tucker... as a joke and to get my dad all riled up we (I) like to dress him up in something ridicules!!
This year, he had his own PJ's!! Sad thing is, he really like them!

Alaena the bear scaring  my dad... tucker is not amused! 

This Christmas Dan and I decided we didn't want to go just buy gifts. We wanted to do something special, something that would create lasting memories. Working in hospice I really got to see how precious time is. So.... we decided that we would rent a condo up north over new years and have everyone join us for their Christmas gift!!!! 

A favorite game was hide and seek (meet sleeping bear) 

The wild awake bear

The pool was a hit!
Not sure who enjoyed it more... 

Uncle Jake helping Alaena keep Dan away

The view from our condo 

Lots of games and movies
Alaena loves Beauty and the Beast

We were driving on the island in Duluth and found this home that sets up lights and lets people walk through their yards. It was fun and the view was breath taking

View from their dock

Jess fit right in!! 

After the weekend we decided that this would be a new tradition. 

Looking forward to next year!! 

Something to ponder...

I have lots I would like to share with you... I just need to find the time to sit with a cup of coffee and write and write till I have nothing left to share.

Until then I came across this quote... 

There are two ways to live your life.

One is as though nothing is a miracle.

The other is as though everything is a miracle. 

~ Albert Einstein~

So, how are you choosing to live your life? 

4 years ago

Four years ago I married my best friend.
Since our anniversary landed on Thanksgiving this year we decided to celebrate the following weekend. Dan really out did himself to ensure it was a special weekend!! 

He surprised me with tickets to the WILD (I LOVE hockey) This was a such a sweet thing since he doesn't really care for hockey. We had great seats! Once again we went into over time and then lost in a shoot out.. .it was a fun game! I even saw Dan getting a little excited during the game. 

He also bought tickets to the Nutcracker Ballet. It was so much fun! Dan had never been to a ballet so it was fun to see what the thought. For me, it brought back such great childhood memories of going to this with my family. The theater was absolutely gorgeous! 

We spent the weekend downtown St. Paul at the St. Paul Hotel where we spent our wedding night four years ago. 

St. Paul Hotel
Celebrating 100 years

View from our room
Overlooking Rice Park and Ordway Theater

Dan's parents surprised us with a gift card to the restaurant that were were going to for dinner. 

After a great dinner we ended the night with  a carriage ride around St. Paul and a walk in Rice Park with all the lights and ice skating!

The carriage we rode in

Rice Park

Nutcracker in Rice Park

 It was a great way to celebrate our marriage and all that we have been through and anticipate what the future holds! 

Happy Anniversary Dan. I love you.

SNOW!!!

We are in the middle of a great snow storm!! We have a TON of snow and more on the way. I am so thankful for such a great dad!!! He came over on his tractor and plowed us out!!! Just one of the perks of living by them! It was fun to see all the neighbors peering from the windows as he worked his magic!! 

The deer and other holiday decorations under snow!

Where are front steps?

Help on the way...
Not only for us but for some kids that were stuck!

My great Dad coming to save us!! 

What an AWESOME DAD and his toys! 

The neighbors watched in amazement...
 tractors in my neighborhood are not "normal" sightings 

Thanks Dad for having such a servants heart!!  

Love you.