Christmas 2010

Hershey was excited for Christmas this year.We didn't expect her enthusiasm...
Mallory on the other hand was ecstatic to get another pet. One that doesn't poo....

Court can now become a world famous designer thanks to Connor's gift...

And proof that they really do love each other. (One of my favorite gifts...)

And the family gift.

There was even more screaming later as we told them of our set excursions. Pete and the kids spoiled me this year with everything I wanted. Pete got almost everything on his list. The Ferrari may have to wait a few years. A very merry Christmas this year!

Family Movie Night

The girls school had a movie night that we attended. Connor came for the first little bit and then gave up the bean bag to Court and her friends. Mallory abandoned us to sit with her friend
And Court was just waiting for Connor to vacate the bean bag.

Pete and I lugged the reclining camping chairs over and we were very comfy!

Mallory's 1st league game

Mallory had her 1st game of the season. She was put in three times and did a really good job of knowing where to be.

One down, more on the way!

Court's 1st League Game

Courtney had her first game last night. She did really good. Saturday they had three games to play in a tournament but this was the first league game to start us off. Court got her same number from last year. She is excited about that. Pete is her teams assistant coach this year.

Christmas Decorations

The kids helped decorate this year and now I'm ready for the holidays!

Courtney Get's her Braces

Courtney got her braces today and was excited to have her Basketball team colors on. It really was a freezing cold day. Yesterday they canceled school! Hello winter!

Where in the World is Pete today?

In the last month Pete has had to travel again. It's been a really long time since this was the norm and it hit me like a ton of bricks.

1st off was a trip to Detroit. Yes, Detroit. It didn't seem to have much potential (Pete's edits: by the way, these are business trips, so not sure what Julie means by potential? Not much difference from one conference room to another, but I guess going to Detroit just sounds depressing) but in the end Pete had a good time at the progressive dinner that took them to a few really good places through town (this is true, we went to an Iron Chef's restaurant and ordered "Beast of the Day", this should be on all menus). Then he headed home for a few days (the weekend) and was off again on trip #2. This one was in Denver. It was all that was anticipated except for the call he got from his boss.

Scenario:

Tuesday evening

phone rings

Pete: Hi hon. How much do you love me? (always a good opening, eh?)

Me: A lot. What's up?

Pete: I may have to go to Munich. (read, "I have to go to Munich")

Me: When?

Pete: Saturday.

Dead silence.

Me: I'm coming too right?

I did go online just for the sake of it. The cheapest ticket I could find was 1700+ before taxes. A definite no go.

This trip was a quick turn around for international travel. Saturday fly out, Wednesday fly home. At least that was the plan. The flight was canceled in Munich (the plane was smoking, always a bad sign) and he had to stay another day (mainly in the airport). Then in Chicago his flight kept getting delayed. Because Pete is used to it, he'd been watching and caught a different flight. Way to go Pete!

So home Thursday (night @ 9pm), work meeting Friday 8:30am, long day of catch up, Halloween party at work with the kids, Halloween party for us (way fun by the way!), Saturday he got to sleep in and then we had the trunk or treat at church. Sunday he wakes up in a panic because he doesn't know the day. I pat him on the shoulder and tell he it's Sunday go back to sleep. Poor guy!

Monday another work day plus assisting at basketball practice with Courtney and then on another plane at 6am Tuesday (Phoenix, but hey, it's 90 degrees here. nice). What a mess. We're both hoping it will be slower. At least for a little while! (amen)