My Top 8

I got this idea from Michelle. My top 8 in 2008 are:
8) I left Illinois on Wed. to fly to NC. When I left Illinois there was 1/2 inch of ice on the ground. When I landed in NC, it was 70 degrees! =)
7) David's truck driving experience last 8 weeks, when he abruptly decided to move on. However, now he stands a pretty good chance of getting hired by the NC Police Dept., something he's talked about doing for years.
6) This year, we get to play Santa!!!! (I'm very excited about it.)
5) And again I say, everyone should go to a Club Med.
4) Hannah is at this great stage where she is mildly independent, yet stills loves to cuddle.
3) In saying goodbye to Italy, I realized what wonderful friends I have, and how living there changed me forever.
2) I FINALLY received my associates degree.
1) David separated from the Army in August, and it wasn't the end of the world, for him or me.

Patti's Settlement in Land Between the Lakes

Last night, Tom, Amy and I drove to Land Between the Lakes, which is about an hour into Kentucky. I had heard about this restaurant, Patti's, that is supposed to have excellent food. When I mentioned it to Amy and Tom, they said that there was also a Christmas Village there. So we decided to drive down for dinner and to look at the lights. We got down there a little after 5 and were seated immediately for dinner. The restaurant was gorgeous, with lots of foliage and decorations inside. We were served bread in flower pots with strawberry butter, yum! Patti's is known for their pork, so I ordered a pork chop with tropical sauce. I was served a pork chop, 1 to 1 1/2 inches thick, covered with diced strawberries, mango, pineapple, red pepper, lime juice, and cilantro. It was so good, and so juicy. After eating to pork chop, I didn't have room for anything else but that was the best pork chop I've ever had. David's a little upset that his Honey Mustard pork chops have been bumped to second place! Now I'm on the hunt for that tropical sauce. Hannah still isn't feeling great, so she was restless. Amy and I took turns eating, and walking her around the gift store. After we ate, we walked around the settlement, which is where the pictures are from. It was absolutely gorgeous, with all the lights. I wished Hannah had felt a little better, but I'm so glad I got to see it before I left. The best part about it is that the entire area takes part. It's all set up like a settlement, with lots of shops. Had Hannah felt a little better, I could've spent a lot more time there. So, if anyone finds themselves in Kentucky, head to Patti's Settlement in Land Between the Lakes. You won't be disappointed.

A Christmas with Friends

This past Friday, Kelly and Jay drove down to spend the weekend with us and have a little Christmas exchange. They're already off this morning and my house is way to quiet! Kelly got Hannah another loud toy, she likes doing that to me. And the book that I'm holding is from Kelly, the title is Living Successful with Screwed Up People, how appropriate is that! You can also see another photo that Hannah took, I think she's turning into quite the little photographer! Yesterday, Amy offered to watch Hannah and Jay so that Kelly and I could go off by ourselves for a little. So we dropped the girls off and went to the mall to window shop. We sat and had coffee and went into a couple stores, it was really nice. While Hannah and Jay were at Amy and Tom's they went and fed the horse carrots and apples, and made Christmas cookies. I also introduced the Wii to Kelly, she was up until 11 pm last night playing the Wii fit. So now it's a little more relaxed here, but definately way to quiet.

That time of year

What Hannah did in Chicago:

Took her very first picture, all by herself. (the top left photo)

Saw a giant Christmas tree, and Mrs. Clause. (the top right photo)

Ran herself crazy at the children's museum. (middle left photo)

Played lots with Jay, who she loves so much! (last two photo's)

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving this year was good, a little hectic, but good. I tackled downtown Chicago, for the first time ever, on my own. And I only drove around lost for about 15 minutes, which could've been much worse! I met up with my mother in laws family before they ate, and showed off boogerhead for a little. They loved her! And she loved being the center of attention. It was the first time I'd been around any of them since my wedding, so it was a good chance for me to get to know them a little. I ate dinner with my girlfriend Kelly. I helped out a little with the cooking, and I made some hot, spiced wine. I think Hannah's favorite part of dinner was the mashed potatoes, who doesn't like those though!

The Children's Museum of Naperville

The day after Thanksgiving, Kelly and I took the girls to the children's museum. It was great. It was huge, we were there for about 2 hours and still didn't get to see everything. Hannah enjoyed the bubbles and water play area. She liked the lights area and the music area. The best part about it was that I enjoyed it too. I really wish David could've been there with Hannah. He would've had so much fun running around with her. After we left, Hannah took a nice long nap!