As The Holidays Come to a Close...

This year plans to visit family in California fell through as Brian's work schedule became rather cramped.  For me, the Holiday Season is all about being with loved ones and little about gifts.  When everyone is out stressing themselves about buying everyone on their list the latest and greatest, I'm more concerned with how time off from work is coming along and how we can get out to see some of those people that we don't get to see often enough.  Needless to say, I was pretty bummed when I realized that we were going to be stuck at home with ZERO family around other than our little threesome.  I had no idea just how welcoming people that I had never even met could be to myself and my little fam.

On Christmas Eve, we were invited to attend a Hay Ride through the Foothills with a long time friend of Brian's, Mr. Lucas Burge and his amazing family.  Aside from the gorgeous ride and bonfire afterwards with hot chocolate, hot dogs and s'mores The Burge Family was incredibly welcoming, playful and friendly.  I had only met three of them prior to this day.  They made us feel like part of their family and instantly enjoyed Oliver's antics as much as we do.  We felt honored to spend the day with such a great group of people.

Christmas evening, we were invited to enjoy a fabulous feast at the Dirks' Family home.  Brian and his best friend, Zachary (pictured below playing the guitar) have been very close over the years after high school even though Brian was living out of state for most of that time.  This family has always welcomed us as their own as long as we've known them.  You can see Debbie (Zach's fabulous mom) cuddling with Oliver.  She's his Grandma away from Grandma :)

 Brian and I were able to afford a small stack of gifts for Oliver this year, however, loved ones that we could not be with sent an unbelieveable amount of fun for Oliver to tear into Christmas morning!  It was a great reminder that even though we are far away, we are still loved and missed.  We hope to make trips to visit these wonderful people that we love and miss so much during 2012.

We ended up having a fun-filled first Colorado Christmas with some new friends and some old ones!  We feel very fortunate to know so many wonderful people near and far.  To me, nothing is more important in this life than the people that we share it with.

Speaking of people we love, this newest little one has been making his/herself known by kicking my insides ever so gently.  I'm enjoying them now as I know that as the weeks roll on, the kicks won't be so gentle!  I have my 19 week appointment on January 10th and soon after that we will have the coveted ultrasound!  I promise to update :)  Also, I've been teaching myself to crochet lately and after making about 5 beanies and a couple unsuccessful scarves, I am now working on a baby blanket!  I'm excited about my new hobby and learning new techniques almost every day.  Who knew that this lady could be crafty??  Not I!  I've also been brushing up on my cooking skills and Brian has actually been telling me that I've been doing well!  He eats my food now and no one has gotten ill from eating anything I've prepared as of yet!  Well on my way to domestication, people!  Woot!

I hope the Holidays were good to you and yours as well!  Happy New Year!