Going into 2011

I can't believe we are already in 2011. Where does the time go?!?! Remember, back when we were little and time just didn't move fast enough? Now, I feel like it is racing by! It doesn't seem like it has been a year since we were in Dallas with Sam, Adam, Jacob, and Tom's parents watching the New Year's shows and playing monopoly.

This year, Tom and I were invited to a New Year's Eve party at a friends' house. My mom and Savanna came down to celebrate the New Year with Lauryn while Tom and I enjoyed the company of other adults. Lauryn had a great time with her cousin until she got sick...

We ended up in bed on New Year's Eve by 10:00 and slept through the ball dropping in New York. Around 11:30, fireworks in the neighborhood woke us. However, I only vaguely remember Tom wishing us a Happy New Year.

Here is Granny, Lauryn and Savanna

Lauryn and her cousin - presickness

So, here it is January 6th. Lauryn is still sick. The diagnosis is pneumonia. Fortunately, it is a mild case, but it has definitely slowed us down! She is begging to go to dance and school. The funniest part of our doctor visits has been Lauryn asking her doctor if exercise - dance specifically - will make her healthy again. Poor girl! They are starting recital preparation and it has been torturous for her to miss it!

As we sit at home, on the mend, we made good use of our time and updated the blog. I really need to figure out how to do this from my iPhone!!!

I hope that the remainder of the year is illness free and brings joy and prosperity to all.

Lauryn's Ballet Debut

Lauryn made her ballet debut this year as a Gingerbread in the Nutcracker for her dance studio. Every year, the ballet troupe from her studio puts on the Nutcracker in a production that rivals any professional production. There were tons of rehearsals - two hours every Saturday starting the first weekend in October - and a lot practice at home, too. She was very dedicated to perfecting her performance.

Because we were all so excited, she had an entire row of fans:

Granny and Lauryn

Nana, Grandad, and Lauryn

Sophia and Lauryn

Sophia's dad, Mathias, was quite the trouper, too. He brought Sophia to the ballet because her mom was sick. He sat through the entire performance and was happy to be there watching and supporting Lauryn. We are so lucky that Lauryn's friends have such wonderful parents! Their friendship is priceless!

Aunt Jana and Lauryn

Another one of those truly special friends. Jana has been to every performance that Lauryn has had! She comes to every recital and also this very special night! The weekend after the Nutcracker, Aunt Jana took Lauryn and me to see the Houston Ballet perform the Nutcracker as her birthday gift to Lauryn. We had such a great time at the Ballet!

Mommy, Daddy, and the Princess

Our little Gingerbread

Taking a bow at the end of the performance

The Holidays

Forgive me, for it has been forever since I last blogged. The sad thing is, there has been tons to blog about...

Starting with meeting baby Ainsley, Adam and Sam's daughter. She is beautiful!

We went to Arizona for Thanksgiving to see Adam and Sam and meet Ainsley. While we were there, we were able to go up to Flagstaff and Sedona. Growing up, my dad always said this area was Heaven on Earth. I wonder if he gets to see this beauty everyday...

The boys definitely enjoyed the bonding time. They played golf and laughed the entire trip. I wish that they lived closer to us so that Tom could spend more time with his brother because they are so close.

I would love to have my sissy closer, too! We had such a great time together and I want Lauryn and Ainsley to be close. Here's to hoping that we are able to spend enough time with them that the relationship between the two girls can flourish!

Thanksgiving in Arizona was fantastic. Sam's mom came in, too, so we had a full dinner table. I love Thanksgiving because it is all about being with loved ones and sharing a meal together. We sure did eat well!

We celebrated Christmas at home this year. Tom's parents came down and we went to Christmas Eve services and had dinner at Zammitti's on the water with Jana and Derek. Every year, we go out so that we can enjoy each other prior to the craziness of Christmas. It was nice to be with those that we love in a beautiful place. They had decorated the area by the water so nicely that it was a great photo op!

Lauryn had a great Christmas! She loaded up on technology, including an iPod Touch. Don't be surprised if you receive an email from the princess!