Happy Birthday Nonna!!!!

Happy Birthday Nonna, We love you!

Miserable Temps!

Oh my gosh! Just a little update on our weather situation....It was -11 when I came into work this morning with a wind chill of -35! And wouldn't you know that Kyle is Oakland, CA!!! I can't believe that these crazy Midwesterner's still think it ok to go outside when it is this cold. I told everyone at work that the next time it is below ZERO, I will not be at work that day!!!!
I felt bad for the kids because they were complaining about their little hands and feet! I should have kept them home, popped in a movie with some hot chocolate...that is my plan for next time!

I do have to tell a funny story while I am writing...After it snows, your car looks like crap because of the dirty snow and salt they put down to melt the snow. Anyway, there was still snow on the ground on Sunday, but my car looked awful so I ran it through the car wash. BAD MISTAKE! I did select the wash with the dryer at the end, but evidently it didn't get dry enough because when I parked, my doors were frozen shut and little water droplets were frozen on my hood! This had never happened to me before since I am not accustomed to washing my car in 20 degree temps! Anyway, we did get out of the car, it just took a little more force than usual. And it was all a big waste anyway because it snowed 5 inches Sunday night, and I had to drive through the snow and salt on Monday!

Christmas 2007

Here are a few pics from our Christmas this year. We were in MS for most of the Christmas holiday. We made our usual trek around the state visiting Grandmother's, the Fulcher's, the Pearce's, and the Stockman clan! We also got to visit with the Hutchinson's and the Rhodes' while we were down. (And Yes! Landon is still in love with Emory!)
Hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year.

On a sad note, Mr. Hillman, Kyle's papa, was put in the ICU on Christmas Eve. He passed away on January 4th. Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Hutchinson Visit

Some of our best friends, Collin and Chad Hutchinson, made the trip from MS to Iowa. We had the best time! They brought with them Murray and Ann Travis. Little Warren stayed with grandparents. They had been asking for snow for months, and they got it! (along with some ice!) Their flight was cancelled on Thursday night from Atlanta because of a snow storm that delivered us about 3 inches of snow. They finally arrived on Friday about lunch, and the kids were able to play in the snow and sled some. Then we went to see Nemo on Ice Friday night with some other friends. Saturday we just hung out, it was really yucky outside! Sunday, we went and ate brunch with Santa! The kids were able to decorate cookies and make Reigndeer food. (Ann Travis was pretty upset that we left her cookie on the table)! She asked about her cookie several times...and hours later! They flew out this morning before the ice storm that the weather men are saying we are supposed to get tonight! I called to make sure the flights went well, and Collin was quick to inform me that it was 70 degrees at 6pm! Thanks Collin! :) The high here was around 30 degrees!
I will have to say that the kids (especially Landon and Murray) played really well together. Ann Travis and Laurel are HIGH MAINTENANCE girls (they must take after their daddies!) But they all had a good time, and were happy to see each other.
We ALL really enjoyed their visit! I had not laughed that hard in a long time. I got a little homesick too. Not really for MS (although I would like some of that weather right now), but it was a reminder of all the good friends that we have down there, and the good times that we had with them. We hope to see some of you during Christmas!
Here are a few pics from their visit!

Laurel's birthday party!