Coming this February...

Tom and I are expecting our first little one to join us in the middle of February. We are very excited, although I am not sure it has entirely sunk in yet. Stay tuned for more updates in this next chapter of our life.

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day
~Author Unknown

A Dad is a person
who is loving and kind,
And often he knows
what you have on your mind.
He's someone who listens,
suggests, and defends.
A dad can be one
of your very best friends!
He's proud of your triumphs,
but when things go wrong,
A dad can be patient
and helpful and strong
In all that you do,
a dad's love plays a part.
There's always a place for him
deep in your heart.
And each year that passes,
you're even more glad,
More grateful and proud
just to call him your dad!
Thank you, Dad...
for listening and caring,
for giving and sharing,
but, especially, for just being you!
Happy Father's Day.

Four Years Ago...

Some days I can't believe it has already been four years. But I also can't remember what life was like before Tom. One thing is for sure, I can't imagine spending my life with anyone more perfect.

My life, my love, my best friend, always and forever.

On a side note...
My sister and I were discussing what the different anniversary years meant. Next year (5 years) is wood, oh boy, I can't wait. We looked up which year was the diamond year and it is 75, so I told Tom he better make it to 101 ;-)

We may have ghosts ....

Catching Up

Make sure to read my catch up posts. I will link them here when I am done.

• Christmas at the Hams

Still Here....

We are still here. We had a wonderful holiday season, which I will post about soon. Until then I guess you will just have to enjoy the new layout.

Christmas at the Hams

This year we spent Christmas at the Ham's house in New Jersey. Tom and I left Tuesday morning and drove to Virginia where we stopped for the night. On Wednesday, we headed into Washington DC to pick up Ma and Pa at the airport. After we picked them up we headed towards Maryland to meet Derek for dinner, since this would likely be our only chance to see him. 3 hours and 15 miles later, we finally made it. After dinner we made the rest of the journey to New Jersey.

Jen had to work Christmas Eve, so the rest of us (including Leslie, Derek's niece, who was also there for the holiday) cooked meals, played with the kids, and made Christmas cookies for Santa. Ma and Pa also braved Toys R Us on Christmas Eve with the kids to pick out toys. Needless to say, the rest of us "graciously" bowed out of that adventure. After the kids went to bed, Pa and I got to work assembling Darin's train table. It took a few minutes, errr.... hours, but we managed to get it done (we didn't even wake the kids up with all our racket).

Christmas morning came too early for the adults, but not early enough for the kiddos. The kids made out quite well and opening presents lasted for quite a while. Of course then you have to spend the rest of the day assembling and unwrapping all of the said toys, even in the middle of a marshmallow war. After presents, we got cleaned up and headed over to the neighbors for the best Christmas breakfast spread I have ever seen. It was delicious. Jen, please tell "Uncle Bill" we will be back next year.

Once back from breakfast, we picked up all the aftermath of the presents, assembled a few more toys, worked on Christmas dinner, and played some Wii. That evening we enjoyed wonderful fellowship and food, followed by a heated game of Cash N Guns and a hilarious round of Apples to Apples.

Saturday morning was fairly laid back. Tom and I made our way through the flooded streets to the gym for a nice workout to burn off some of the holiday calories. Once back from the gym, the adults headed to Atlantic city for an evening at the Casinos. We enjoyed a wonderful buffet (thanks again Ma and Pa), and meandered throughout a few different Casinos, losing our money to the slot machines.

Oh wait, that was everyone but me ;-) I actually came out ahead, with 4x the money I started with. Since the slots treated me so kindly, I treated the crew to milkshakes on the way back to the car.

Sunday was our last day together. Ma stayed home with the kids for some special Grandma time and the rest of us headed out to the bowling alley. Team southern DeBoard came out ahead of the father/daughter team. After returning from the bowling alley, Jen, Ma, and I took the kids to "Crusty" castle land (think amusement park for those 36" and under). Although it was cold we had a fun time. Maybe next time Jen and I can actually get the turtle to spin.

Monday came too soon and we all had to say our goodbyes. Until next time.... and hopefully Derek can join us, we really missed you. Even the iPhone doesn't match the real thing.

Thanks again Jen for hosting us for a very special Christmas, we really had a wonderful time. Can't wait to see everyone soon.

Maybe in the warmer southern climate.....?

And now for the few pics I took (unfortunately, I put my camera down after Christmas, so I don't have pictures of any of the other activities).

We were treated to a white Christmas this year.

Decorating Christmas cookies. The kids decorated the entire batch.

Showing off his "painted" pants

Showing off their new Christmas jammies (I made the pants).

PRESENTS!

Pa and his "Jingle Jugs"

The progression of a lap dog.

Of course Tucker had to get in on that action.

Christmas is tiring when you are 4.

The Spread

Kiddos ready to eat.