It’s always such a joyous pleasure to see my beautiful 90 year old Grandma.  No matter what the occasion may be, she’s always the prized star in all our eyes!!

It’s almost always a tradition when getting together with my grandma to always make sure we never leave without getting a picture with her. 

Once again, it was so wonderful to see my family and for all of us to be together on such a special holiday.

I love having so many little ones in the family.  2007 was a busy year ~ 3 new babies arrived in my family and only I only had the pleasure of loving, hugging and kissing on my niece Baylee to soon find us leaving for Washington when the other two little ones arrived.

So I am very grateful to have had the time to love and kiss on all of them this year.  I have soooo many pictures of the “The gang” so look for many new posts of all new “Wisconsin Family Pictures”!!  You don’t want to miss it since I do have quite the fabulous looking family!!!

Little Baylee - I just love her to pieces!!!

And my “Little Ham” Spencer ~  He is my little snug-a-bug that I just can’t get enough of.  Always smiling and giggling!!
 

Okay, so eight days later and the family and I are scheduled for departure back to our homeland of Washington State, but something in our stomach made this little gesture how it would be an even better idea to extend our stay in the beautiful, snowy white Wisconsin.  Maybe after my eight day stay here I fell so in love with all the snow fall we’ve received and wanted to stay longer - yea, I think NOT!!!  I think my wonderful family had a lot to do with it.  We don’t see them often and wanted to take advantage of the time we have with them.

I love this time of year because I’m blessed with amazing family and friends, all of whom I spend excessive amounts of time with laughing, eating, and enjoying life. They are the core of who I am and help me seeing life’s truest beauty. I’ve pretty much spent the last few days consuming far too many calories, exchanging gifts, and simply loving the holidays…you know, all the things that make my heart explode with gratitude. God has blessed me beyond belief this past year and hanging out with my friends and family further ensures I deserve none of it…but, dang, I’m SO thankful.  I hope your holidays were filled with unadulterated love, goodness, and joy!!

 

Gosh, where should I even start!

The next time I post my new blog it will already be 2008.  And I can’t believe 2007 is coming to a close. 2007 has been a year of memories. Some good, some bad, most absolutely fabulous.  Many new and different changes arose in 2007 - from us relocating to the beautiful State of Washington, Jilliann turned two, Leo made chief and I made a huge change in my career to start photography full time.  It’s always difficult starting off in a new state and city, but I believe it only makes you grow and become that much stronger as a family.  I wouldn’t change anything in the world ~ I am very blessed.

Leo, Jilliann and I are looking forward to arrive in Wisconsin on Friday ~ we can’t wait to see everyone.  We’re actually leaving a day early to spend the day and night in Portland, Oregon (I haven’t been yet so I’m excited) and then fly out Friday morning to Wisconsin so only 2 days left!!!  Leo’s grandma is flying in from Connecticut which is even more special for us along with Leo’s parents, sister and brother-n-law.  I’ve even freshened up on my Italian.

As much as it hurts to neglect my blog for almost two weeks ~ I wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!! 

You will see me back here in 2008!!

 Buon Natale!

 MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

As the Christmas Holiday season is approaching and some of our greatest memories of the Christmas season is sitting around with friends and family sharing in the joy that only comes from celebrating the birth of our savior. But we have to remember there is a large group of men and women that won’t have that honor this year since they are stationed in various countries around the world fighting for our freedom that I deeply cherish. So along with supporting our troops and keeping them in our prayers Leo and I were happy to send a gift package today for all the men and woman who do so much for our country. THANK YOU!!!

I would also like to add how much I truly cherish Leo’s combat boots as I see them everyday in my closet - it’s a wonderful reminder how deeply privileged I am. It’s even more wonderful to know I lay my head down at night with a great man who did what these men and woman are still doing for our country - FIGHTING FOR OUR FREEDOM. I look at these boots as such an exceptional accomplishment that Leo defeated for his family and country. So please do your part and not only pray for our troops but the families that will be without their loved ones this holiday season!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!

 

Jilliann received an early Christmas present from her little neighbor friend - he must have read her mind…….MAKE-UP!!!  So Jilliann and I had the best of time playing dress up.  She was so much fun but so serious about putting on her make-up just perfectly ~ as you can see in the pictures !!!!

WOW - so less than a week away and we arrive in Wisconsin.  I had to take a step back for a minute after I received a picture from my dad and step-mom.  It was an adorable picture of my dad and Doc (our long lost dog, lol) posing in their holiday gear, but what distrubed me was all the snow I could see out their living room window.  You know how so many people hope for a “White Christmas” ~ yea well I’m not one of them.  I would prefer something more warm and tropical but hey that just me!!!  

It’s not often that Leo and I get a whole day to ourselves - so we made the best of it. We wandered through the mall to do the finalizing of our Christmas shopping, had lunch at our favorite sushi restaurant here in town and made it to a relaxing afternoon matinee. We were so blessed to have a day to ourselves chatting about everything and anything but at the end we couldn’t wait to pick Jilliann up from school and overdose her in hugs and kisses.

So only 7 days left and we will soon be in “Coldville” - we are looking soooo forward to seeing everyone again. CAN’T WAIT!!!

We’re getting so excited for the holidays but most of all to be spending it in Wisconsin with not only my wonderful family but Leo’s family as well.  We can’t wait.  So only 8 days left!!  I have so many thoughts running through my head as I prepare my family for Wiscosnin (Brrrr).  I have to make sure Jilliann has the all the winter gear possible, do I have enough sweaters and shoes, will three suitcases be enough (’cause that’s all we have).  And speaking of shoes, as some of you know I have a major “pointy toe” shoe obession.  What can I say, I’m a girl that’s loves her high heels!!  But going to Wisconsin with all the snow and slush just may put some of my favorite shoes on the back burner - and I’m deeply saddened!!  I’m sure with all the great people, food and WINE ~ I will forget them and have a fabulous time!  We can’t wait!!

Jilliann was so excited to be out playing in the snow today.  This just may be the most snow we have received so far (which isn’t a whole lot) this winter.  I think Jilliann found eating the snow to be the best part of it all. :)  There is nothing better than seeing your little girl smiling from ear to ear with those rosy red cheeks!!

 

So last week Leo and I went on a shopping mission to find Jilliann a new winter coat.  Since we’re flying to Wisconsin for the Christmas holiday’s (Brrrrr), we wanted to make sure Jilliann had the warmest jacket ever.  We go to one store and Leo says:

And it was off to the next store…

It’s apparent we don’t shop well together when deciding on something “girly”!!

But finally, I came to a decision and found her the warmest jacket I could find (w/out hearts on it of course)!!!