2010: What A Year!

Thank you to all who made our year so special.
To all those who lended helping hands to Brandon and I--THANK YOU SO MUCH. 
It's been a fantastic year.

Some of our highlights:

• Tommy turned 1, Elle 3, and Khera 5. 
• This summer we made our first month-long summer trip back to Ohio--definitely planning to do it again next year, and hopefully make some more stops along the way.
• Nana made it down to FL after a 3 year hiatus
• GJ flew down and watched all 3 kids so B and I could go on his work award trip
• Grandma Khera won the "North Family Helper of the Year" award--5 years in a row!  Thank you for the freedom of running and knowing my kids are safe!!
• Bumpa and Kathy took the girls to Anna Maria for a 2 night slumber party
• Aunti Jena, Uncle Ram and Anushka made several visits to FL to hang
• Papi took a job in China and is commuting back and forth every 6 weeks or so--WE MISS YOU while you're gone and hope you're back soon FOR GOOD!
• Grandma's arteries were cleaned out by her cardiologist who decided to take a closer look--thank goodness!
• Brooke graduated from Ohio University
• Grandma Khera had a milestone birthday and we threw her a party to celebrate, Jena, Ram, Anushka, Amar and Kris flew in to surprise her. 
• Halloween was crazy as usual and we hope some of you can make it down to see for yourselves next year.
• Ryan proposed to Amy
• The girls went to the theater with Grandma Khera or GJ and saw Shrek 4, Toy Story 3, How to Train Your Dragon, Tangled, Despicable Me, and Nanny McPhee Returns
• We made it back to Ohio for the holidays and saw snow stick for the first time in years
• Brandon got a new role with Chase, he loves the challenge, and we hope the travel slows down after this summer. 

Just pretend that this photo reads "Happy New Year 2011!"






We're looking forward to another year filled with excitement, family and friends. 
Have a Happy New Year! 

I'm dreaming of a....

White Christmas!
Our 5 year dream finally came true, it snowed during a trip back to Ohio. 
I'm not sure who was more excited, the adults or the kids. 
The first day we were a bit unprepared and had to put the girls shoes in plastic bags to stay dry--they thought this was standard procedure.


Aunt Brooke showed the girls how to make snowballs.


And GJ took them to the park to make snow angels.




Here's Elle admiring her handiwork:


And Kher-bear really getting into it:


The next day they took me sledding:




Elle tried to follow their tracks.




They made it to the top of the hill!


Daddy won the contest for the best sledding shot.






Daddy's looking a little tired here. Time to head back to GJ's for some hot cocoa.


Little did he know that he'd have to carry Elle-belly home because it was too windy.


The next morning we worked on a gingerbread house that Ashleigh's mom Jeannine gave us-she's always spoiling us in one way or another. This year the girls put the majority of the candy ON the house instead of their mouths.


They really worked well together, much to my surprise.






Elle had to dress in her new Belle costume while decorating, over her PJs of course.


And when the last piece of candy was in place, they posed for the final shot.


I think one of the most cherished gifts that children give is the ability to experience the world again for the first time. Thank you girls, I love you.  Love, Mom.

2010 Christmas: Take Four

Down to the river and up in the woods, to Bumpa and Kathy's house we went for our Christmas finale. There's something you should know about Bumpa, whatever he does, he does BIG--and this Christmas was no exception.

Here's Chris North Kringle by the tree with his little grand girlies.


Carving the gargantuan beef tenderloin...








The best wine you'll ever drink.


There were lots of sweet treats for dessert. Allergy-free cupcakes and cookies flown in from a New York City bakery...








A 2-story fraiser fir.






Lots of surprises.














Kathy got the toilet bowl cleaner she always wanted.


It was fantastic to have everyone together again.














And lots of reminiscing about the old days.




Phew!!! What a Christmas! It's really going to be tough to top this one next year, but we'll certainly try.  There's no place like home for the holidays--and home is wherever your family is, Florida and Ohio.  We're so glad we were able to celebrate with almost all of the special people in our lives. A special thanks to Bumpa and Kathy for helping us with the flights to join in the Christmas cheer.  The love of a family is life's greatest blessing. 

Stay tuned for Khera's birthday trilogy, gingerbread houses and fun in the snow!