Fun in Florida

Over Christmas break, we were able to go to visit my parents at their place in Winter Haven, FL. It was one of the most fun trips we've had in a long time. Their house is in a retirement community and it seems like they have activities and games going all the time. We learned how to play shuffleboard, bocce ball, got in a few rounds of mini golf and had fun walking in the sunshine and riding bikes. One of the coolest things about my parents' new place is that my Mom's sisters live there too. We had a lot of fun with Aunt Wanda and Bob playing games every night but they did seem to beat us at every new game they taught us. We missed seeing Aunt Jo and Uncle Buz by about 2 weeks since they went home to Indy.



My Dad suprised Kyle with a sea plane lesson for his Christmas gift. Kyle had a great time and got to help land a take off on a few nearby lakes and flew low over the water looking for gators. My Dad also bought Kyle his own log book so he coud document any further flying lessons he might have in the future.



Here we are waiting for Kyle to land. What a beautiful day!


When my parents bought the house, they also got this awesome 3 wheel bike as a bonus. Love it!


We played a lot of putt putt. Its one of Kyle's favorites. Here are Kyle and Bob assessing the course.


The new year's eve rummy game.


Playing Bocce ball.

During Christmas, my parents got a Wii so we had a lot of fun playing new games on that too. I thought it was neat that they were able to plan poinsettas outside and they looked so festive and beautiful. We also sampled some really good local restaurants there and always made the early bird specials. We are so happy that Mom and Dad are enjoying their retirement and hope to visit again sometime soon.

First official snow day

Well, the gigantic winter storm battering the plains has reached Cleveland with gusto. We already had about 8 inches of snow on the ground and by the end of today, we should have about 10 more inches on top of that. Kyle has shoveled once so far today and I have also shoveled once. It just keeps coming at about an inch per hour. So, after drinking yet another cup of coffee I will go out and battle the snow again.

Riley is happy to be snuggly and have me home.

I must say that teaching in a warmer climate is sounding better and better to me. Any suggestions?

Amy's wedding!!

Over Christmas break, Kyle and I traveled to Rochester Hills, MI for our dear friend (and my college roommate) Amy's wedding. We had the best time! We shared a hotel room with my college roommate Jennie and her husband Jason and had fun laughing and recounting rediculous memories of college and our fun times. The rehearsal dinner was held at Rochester Mills Brewery and they had the BEST hand dryers ever. They were made by Dyson and threw out so much air that your had were dry in 10 seconds. I thought it was really great and then Jennie snapped this picture of me enjoying it. Jennie and I both sang in Amy's wedding and it was really fun to sing together again and just enjoy the company of great friends.


Here is the caption Jennie added to this picture, priceless! "Reunited and it feels so good! Appearing for one afternoon only to a plenty of seating room left crowd, performing their smash hit, the "Alleluia" we learned 20 minutes ago! Yeah!"

Kyle and I hadn't seen Jennie and Jason since their wedding (2 weeks after ours in 2006) because we moved in opposite directions. Jennie and Jason currently live in Norman, OK where she is teaching middle and high school choir and Jason is in his third year in medical school. Jennie also started a blog (the link is on the left) so check it out because she is seriously one of the funniest people I know. We miss them very much and are hoping to see them more since Kyle's parents will be moving close to where their parents live in Grand Rapids.



The beautiful bride with the Hope ladies.


Amy and Shawn with us still in prime photo-taking mode.


Kyle and Jason at the wedding. They had to sit together since Jennie and I were singing. The photographer however thought that they were "together." Hilarious!

We love you Amy and Shawn and wish you the best as you embark on this new adventure of life together!