Christmas Time!!

Christmas was great this year because Michael actually knew what was going on, so it was really exciting for all of us. Unfortunately, Michael started the holiday weekend with a fever, and I ended it with a cold, but amongst all the sickness, we still managed to make it a special time for our family. This was the first year that the three of us were on our own for Christmas because my family traveled up for graduation, and we are traveling South for my brother's wedding in two weeks. It didn't make much sense to stick another trip in there. We sure did miss being with more family, but it was nice too just focusing on each other and staying quiet, especially when sick! We made lots of food:

 We baked cookies for Santa and left him a note of items Michael wanted: one choo choo, one big choo choo, and one black choo choo. He got one big, black choo choo.

 The tree Christmas morning.

 Not only did Santa bring some new train track parts, but he also re-arranged the track and set up a whole zoo that the train travels around! Pico was just as excited as Michael about this new addition.

 Michael really got into opening presents.

 Can you see the cat? Pico checked things out and pounced on anything that moved.

 It was a wonderful day, and now we're getting all better. Merry Christmas from the Ponds, and JD sends you a song he was singing as we took this picture. :)

2012 PhD Graduation

I have to start off this post with some adorable Michael pictures that I've taken over the past two weeks. Here, he's on his first Amtrak, real train, ride with John David. Of course, he loved it!!

 Michael and Isaac watching Sesame Street during Bible study.

 Sleeping sweet heart.

 Okay, the real news of the week was my doctoral graduation. Whoo hoo! I'm officially finished with school for the rest of my life--okay, I have to go back in a month, but still! Mom, Dad, Michael, Katie, Grandma, and Grandpa all traveled up to Illinois for the event, and it was so wonderful to have them here. Having the family around me meant way more than the event itself!

 Here is me and my advisor, Jan, approaching the stage...

 Handing my name and dissertation title to the announcer...

 The actual hooding!!

 Shaking President Bomen's hand...

Hanging out in the stands...

 Celebrating with the family!!

 The awesome cake JD got me. The writing at the bottom is a joke with my school friends: it represents all the degrees I now have. :)

 The boys playing during the party.

 Family group shot!

 My big moment.

Once again, thanks to all the family and friends who have gotten me through this degree. Now on to the next step!

Almost Christmas?

Wow, the time has flown by since we were in Atlanta because the semester was ending, and Christmas was kicking into high gear. It always feels so rushed to get ready for Christmas and to help students through final projects (and to grade those projects) all at once. But it's also a great time too. I went with Emily and Beth up to Chicago this weekend to the Christkindle Market, a traditional German Christmas market. Although it was crazy crowded, it was fun to browse the crafts and to sample the food. We all got spiced wine in boots too.

 

 That night, we capped off the Christmas day with a concert at the church. Michael has been surprisingly good about the Christmas tree this year. He only goes into time out for messing with it about once a week. Seriously! Pico, however, is a different story.

My grades are submitted, so the semester is officially over, and not a moment too soon. Michael and I are traveling to Michigan for a few days while JD's at a work conference, and then the family is arriving in town for my graduation next weekend. I've just got to keep up some stamina!

Thanksgiving 2012

What a fabulous week we had in Atlanta! I am so glad and thankful that Michael and I got to fly down early to spend extra time with family and friends. It is never enough. Michael did GREAT on the airplane in his very own seat. He is such a big boy now.

 Before JD drove down Tuesday night, Michael and I played with Pops and Gigi, hung out with Uncle Mike and Aunt Katie, visited Ashley, Doug, Maddie, and Max as well as Michele, played at the park, went shopping, and had dinner with the Ponds. That's when I got to meet my newest niece, Miss Kiki. What a doll!

 Thanksgiving was a wonderful, sunny day. We spent the morning at the park before enjoying a delicious meal. Thanks, Mom!

 We spent Friday at the Ponds' house where the newest generation of cousins got to play together.

 The whole gang.

 Saturday, Mom and I threw Michael and Katie a wedding shower, which went great. Here's a peak at one of their engagement photos.

What a gorgeous couple! We're now back home and settling into the last two weeks of the semester. Only a week after that is my graduation and a visit from the family. Happy holidays!

Thanksgiving or Christmas?

It seems like Thanksgiving and Christmas are all one holiday even more so than usual this year, but it doesn't bother me a bit now that I'm so excited for Michael to learn all about the fun of winter holidays. I can't wait to decorate the house (even if I know that Michael and Pico will drive me crazy, playing with ornaments they shouldn't!). We went with the Liberts to the Festival of Trees Friday night, and Michael loved the carolers. I loved watching Michael more than the singers!

 We shared some yummy Christmas cookies for desert.

 Michael found a train-themed tree, of course!

 Now that we're stuck inside so early every night with the cold and the dark, we're trying to come up with games to keep Michael busy. Games like, run around the house and attack Daddy.

 Pico is getting so big! He's only five months old, but he has grown so fast. He can definitely hold his own against Michael now.

Michael and I are traveling to Atlanta on Saturday, with JD joining us Tuesday. We can't wait to spend some time with our families!!