Happy New Year...2008!

We'd like to wish everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2008! We hope it is a year filled with peace and joy!

We had a wonderful Christmas that can only be described as picture perfect! For once, we were well prepared (not wrapping presents moments before they were torn into)! We had a few family gatherings, one at my brother Jeff's house, one at my parents', and one at our house. We kept gift giving at those gatherings simple. We gave our family gifts to one another on Christmas morning. This Christmas, I let the girls buy gifts for their sisters. They really were thoughtful and listened to what they wanted and chose particularly well.

Christmas morning was wonderful. The girls were up bright and early at 7am, little sisters in the arms of big sisters. Santa gave the older girls (and us) a Wii gaming system and gave some big foam play mats to the littler girls. Everyone was delighted. We all opened our gifts to one another one at a time so we could appreciate the thoughtfulness put into each gift. I think Ali and Erin REALLY enjoyed seeing Cassidy's delight at the first Christmas she's really been able to understand and enjoy. Lily thought it was all a little much and like any 8 month old thought wrapping paper was very delicious!

New Year's Eve and Day brought a wonderful kind of family togetherness. Ali was with us for Christmas and has been at her "other family's" house since the 26th. Last night, both families came together to celebrate the new year. We had pizza and games at our house. The kids all played well together. We lit off fireworks in the cul-de-sac at about 9, with each kid playing hot or cold with the dads to make the selection of which was lit next. They left around 10 to get home safely. We had a really good time. Cassidy and Erin made it up to midnight. They slet until a respectable 9 this morning. Today we all decided to get back together and go to a local holiday attraction called ICE! It is sponsored by Gaylord Palms resort and is a wonderland of ice sculptures and COLDNESS! We bundled up in the parkas they provided and enjoyed the art and better yet, the ice slides!!! Cassidy really had a great time. NO FEAR, despite being exhausted! I'll post some pictures for you to enjoy! Ali was especially greatful, getting to be with both of her families!

We'd like to thank everyone for the Christmas cards and many pictures we received. The front of our refrigerator is full of your bright and smiling faces! We are especially reminded at this time of year how blessed we are to have so many wonderful people in our lives.

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Blessings to you all for a safe and happy 2008!