Life, As of Late

We were very successful this year in warding off the winter blues. Right before the holidays our schedules opened up, and we enjoyed a long break from both work and school. We enjoyed zoo lights (and some fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon/sugar); satisfied our craving for Mexican food with a couple of versions of chilaquiles; ate more sugar, butter, fats, starch and protein in two weeks than we have all year; Andy Ricker - you've done it again; and rang in the New Year with a terrific brunch.

All Dressed Up for the Holidays

Even though the holidays are over, it's still winter here, and taking down the decorations and holiday lights means it will be dark. Our holiday decorations really makes hauling up inside for a few weeks worth it. So before I put all the glittery stars, Christmas trees, angels, and sparkly garlands away, I snapped a couple of shots of our "All Dressed Up for Holidays" home, which typically means dressing up items we have out all year round and a whole lot of candles. So. Many. Candles. We go to bed light headed from blowing them all out each night.

Much to be thankful for in 2013

2013 was an extremely difficult year for us, we were excited to see it come to an end. However, we also know 2013 brought many things to be thankful for.

In January we were thankful for family cooking lessons.

In February we were thankful for cozy family celebrations.

In March we were thankful for spring daylight savings & thawing out from winter.

In April we were thankful for birthday travels.

In May we were thankful for this patio.

In June we were thankful for dragon boat races and the beginning of summer.

In July we were thankful for summer road trips.

In August we had much to be thankful for.

In September we were thankful for a long weekend at an Idaho lake cabin.

In October we were thankful for living in a colorful city.

In November we were thankful for volunteer pumpkins and delicious autumn birthdays.

In December we were thankful for our first Christmas tree!

Hope 2013 gave everyone much to be thankful for. Now let's bring on 2014!