January Happenings...travel and FUN!

We entered 2011 with excitement and anticipation in travelling back to the States (Chicago and Seattle) with Brennan to visit family and friends...excitement in seeing everyone and introducing the newest lil Carter and for me, nervous anticipation in how the long flight, travel, time change, and new faces would be like for Brennan.

In true Brennan fashion, he was a super trooper on the flight to Chicago and made friends with everyone who laid eyes on him...he's a true charmer with his beautiful eyes, long eyelashes and big ol' smile. He coped so well with the time change and just needed a couple days to get used to all the new faces (and pets); he slept well thoughout the nights and was truly an adaptable baby.

We spent 8 wonderful days in Chicago full of food, fun, family, and friends...my grandparents even flew in from Arizona! We were fortunate to be able to be a part of my dad's 60th birthday surprise party and celebrate him in style with close friends, family, and good food. I met up with an old friend from high school and enjoyed reminiscing, catching up, and looking at our lives now. Chicago was COLD...a reminder of how much I dislike the winters there, but that didn't stop us from taking a walk in the neighborhood and enjoying the snow. The Seahawks and Bears showdown put a small damper on the visit...we had our heart set on the Hawks winning and with the loss came the consequences of making wagers...Brian had to wear a Bears jersey. Photos to follow in future posts.

After 8 days in Chicago we flew to Seattle to spend time with more family and friends...everyday was packed full of people to see, places to go, food to eat, stores to shop, and an amazing wedding to attend to! Photos to follow in future posts.

This trip really made us miss home and was a wonderful reminder of all the people we have loving and supportng us...we truly are fortunate to have our far away village of people behind us no matter where we are.