Christmas 2011

Christmas was wonderful. After many weeks of preparing for the holidays, listening to lots of holiday music, watching lots of holiday movies/cartoons, attending/helping with 2 school parties, and attending other parties leading up to the big day.... Christmas finally came and went. The kids are sad it is over but they enjoyed Christmas and all 5 parties in the past 3 days. They stayed up late each night, did not sleep in to make up for the late nights and just had a blast.

Our weekend started on Friday night with a Keeve family Christmas at our house. We hosted aunts, uncles and cousins and had a great time. It is amazing how much the family has changed and grown over the years. Some of my fondest memories were spent on Christmas day with the Keeve family.

Here is a picture of all the first cousins that were able to make the party.

I didn't get any pictures of the next party with Bob's side of the family at his grandparents house. It was a great time as usual.

A few hours later we then attended the Christmas eve party at my parents house with my mom's side of the family.

Here is our annual Christmas Eve picture. :)

Addison showing off her dress.

Our handsome boy.

Acting silly. :)

Me and my girl.

Santa came!

Their first glance at the presents under the tree!!!

Here are a few pics with some of their favorite gifts.

The next party was on Christmas morning/afternoon. We had my parents and my brother and his family over for brunch and a lot of gift opening.

Here is Addison thanking my mom for the barbie house she made her.

The 5th and final party for the holiday weekend was Christmas evening with Bob's family.

Our Christmas family picture.

And one with all 6 cousins.

Coffee table makeover

After a lot of talking and nagging, I finally got Bob to agree to make over our coffee table. We got it free from someone in college about 10 years ago and Bob has always loved it because of how durable and well made it was. I never loved it, or liked it, but I lived with it. I could not take it anymore and had to finally improve the coffee table. I knew it had potential of being a nice coffee table and I think I was right.

Here is a BEFORE picture.

After sanding it (thanks Bob), a coat of primer and 2 coats of paint....this is the AFTER pic.

We are marathoners!

On December 3rd, 2011 and after 18 long weeks of training, Bob and I became marathoners!!! We have both ran multiple half marathons and Bob has completed many triathlons, 2 century rides and a half ironman....so this was next on both of our lists. It was so great to do it together in Memphis and I did this run in memory of my brother Brian and in honor of my sister-in-law Linda who is battling breast cancer. What made it even more amazing was that December 3rd was BOTH of their birthdays. How crazy.

I won't go into much detail about how I was feeling very very sick with a stomach bug during the race and how it was just not the best run for me because no matter what, I finished it (in 5 long hours). Bob's knee gave him some issues so he didn't have as best of a race as he could have either (still an impressive 4:09). We are both considering a do-over in October and might sign up for the Chicago marathon. It would be fun to run through some of our old downtown neighborhoods. So, we are officially marathoners....but might need to give it another shot to really be satisfied! :)

The racers before the race.

Bob, me, Lara (my amazing running buddy), Brad and Richard

Finally finishing after about 8 bathroom stops....I still don't know how I was able to even continue on and finish. I was not about to let all that training be for nothing!!!

We did it!

We didn't get to go out for a fun night to celebrate since I felt so sick but we made a quick stop for lunch for some yummy memphis food before we left. We were wearing our matching marathon shirts! Why not, right!

Probably one of the best meals Bob has ever had!