Winter Kickball

Today we had a big 18-3 win, bringing us to the tournament in February! Whoo-hoo!Throughout this Winter Season our games were mostly snowy and rainy at freezing temperatures, but today surprised us with 65 degree sunshine at Piedmont Park; a great way to finish up the regular season! We all celebrated afterwards for Pam's Birthday at Tin Lizzy's.Kickball has been awesome for Danny and I. We're going on our 10th season, give or take. That's how the two of us met, and that's how we've become close to most of our good friends here in Atlanta. It's tons of fun each week and a good time to let loose and enjoy.

Kansas

Last Monday morning Danny and I took an unplanned trip to Kansas. My Grandma gave us quite a scare and was rushed to the hospital over the weekend. We are so lucky that we were able to drop work and make it there to be with her and other family. With all of them so far away I don't get there often enough. Grandma Monie celebrated her 80th birthday a couple weeks ago and is mentally as sharp as she was at 21. She's a sassy lady and always makes everyone laugh (even while hooked up to machines)! After a week in the hospital she told me, "I think I'm going to make it through this one" and from the latest doctor's reports it seems like she's continuing to grow a little stronger every day. With her overall declining health it was really difficult to say goodbye to her when it was time for Danny and I to head home; Grandma and I were holding hands and neither of us wanted to let go. I could not be more thankful for last week with her!

We had a lot of down time in the hospital and my aunts taught Danny our family card game, Canasta. It was fun to see him with my family; he's only met them all once or twice, and for very short periods of time. One of my cousin's two year old son became Danny's little buddy. Danny had Deran saying "Go Clemson Tigers" and sporting his Clemson hat around Grandma's room (Which was probably not appreciated by his dad who played football at Kansas). Deran showed us his fish tank, which made Danny even more proud to know that they share the same hobby, and they got to watch their favorite movie together, Finding Nemo! Haha! Danny keeps talking about Deran and my aunt told me that Deran has done the same about Danny. They're too funny! A couple little small town oddities on our trip...internet was only available at the Ellsworth antique mall and cell phones get service only half the time. Salina, the "big town" an hour from Ellsworth was out of rental cars so we had a little trouble getting back to Kansas City to fly home. Then central Kansas got a big ice and snow storm, so we weren't able to drive to see some of my other cousins that we really wanted to hook up with or get to the airport. If only metro Atlanta would take a tip from the Midwest in surviving winter weather weather-- don't drive in it! Everything was back up and running the following day after nearly 10" of snow. The week before we were in Kansas we were stuck here at home for 4 days because of less than 5" of snow. God bless the dear South!

2011 Already?

Danny and I had been looking forward for New Years Eve for a while. We got to celebrate the marriage of Shannon and Randy! They had a wonderful wedding and reception here in Buckhead, full of dancing and great memories. All of our friends there had made 2010 so special for Danny and I, so it was great to ring in another sure-to-be wonderful year with the big group of them all together!

In the last couple days we've packed up the Christmas decorations and welcomed 2011 with some new personal goals. Both of us are so excited for the coming year. Life is so good!

The big 2-7

For some reason, I was not too excited for my birthday this year. I am not totally sure why, perhaps the fact that it now rounds to 30 made me feel a little old. But it turned out to be a fun week nevertheless! Danny surprised me Monday night while we were at some friends' house watching the Falcons. He served cake at halftime after they completely embarrassed me with the Happy Birthday song. (I remember hiding under the table when I was younger to escape the spotlight before I was to blow out the candles.)

Tuesday his family had planned dinner and ice skating, and they too brought along a yummy cookie cake for us all to enjoy at Tijuana Joes before we hit the rink. It had been a while since the two of us had skated, and despite a last minute wipe-out by Danny, it was a success.

Wednesday we had planned to "rest up" for the remainder of the week, but I got a last-minute message from Tim & Lane, the awesome guys who played music at our wedding. They were having their 1st Atlanta show at Peachtree Tavern and I couldn't think of a better way to ring in my old age than reliving the band I religiously followed in college. However unlike college, getting home at 2am isn't as easy as it used to be. Danny & I both struggled to be productive the next day at work, but the great time we had watching Tim & Lane play made it worth it. I'm so thankful that quite a few friends were able to come out and enjoy it too! It really made my birthday!!!

To wrap up the festivities, Danny took me to dinner at Pricci, my favorite restaurant, on Thursday the 30th, which is my real birthday. This had been the only birthday plan that was actually planned ahead of time, haha. Needless to say, the week was fantastic and I really appreciate everyone who made me smile and get over the fact that I'm now in my upper 20's! :)

Belated Happy Holidays!

With everything so busy lately at work my internet time is almost non existent. To recap November and December, it's accurate to say that we had a wonderful end to our already spectacular year!

Thanksgiving was spent with my parents in Connecticut. We enjoyed a visit of Yale's campus, wine tasting at a picturesque vineyard, some good football games on tv (namely Auburn's miraculous win over Bama), along with a lot of great food!

Danny and I drove his new car home, from Connecticut to Georgia, and really enjoyed the time together, nearly 20 hours total on the road.

December was filled with all the usual Holiday activities. Some fun Christmas parties and a friend's graduation party were highlights. Danny and I got to see another amazing Cirque de Soliel show, courtesy of his old boss at Home Depot. We started an eight week Winter kickball league which has been a great Sunday afternoon activity at Piedmont Park.

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day were spent here with Danny's family. We had a good time playing some board games and were all excited by the White Georgia Christmas that came all of a sudden on the 25th! The two of us cooked dinner at home, opened our gifts, and spent the next few days off relaxing to the fullest!

We hope all of you had a blessed Holiday Season, full of loved ones and special memories, remembering Our Lord as the reason for the joy in our lives.