Winter is Here!

Early this morning Milwaukee received it's first official snow of the year.   A couple weeks ago we received some flurries - but nothing that really covered the ground enough to be considered the first snow (by my standards I guess!).   

Snow really does make the world sparkle.   I love the way our house looks blanketed by snow:

Divine Romance

Griffin and I have so many great memories from the wedding.   We were blessed with such a great day that we are able to fondly look back at almost every moment.   

I think my favorite part of the whole day, by far, was the ceremony.   It was such a personal and spiritual experience for the two of us.    We loved the ceremony site, the guests, the readings and the music.   Even though it has been 2+ months I still cannot stop singing the song my dear friend Dave sang for us during the lighting of the unity candle and communion.   It is a song by Phil Wickham called "Divine Romance".   I have been thinking about this song alot lately so I thought I would add it to the blog.

Also, I want to give a big "THANK YOU!!" shout out to Dave Fladung.   It meant so much to Griffin and me to have him sing at our wedding.  He is such a dear friend with such an amazing talent.   His music was a blessing to us and a sweet addition to the ceremony.

Our close friend, Dave Fladung, singing at our wedding

The Celebration Continues......

This weekend Griffin and I had a local wedding celebration in Morton, Illinois.  Griff's parents, Rudy and Paula, hosted the reception at their country club.  It was a GREAT party.  Griffin and I spent the night talking with guests so we didn't get to take many pictures, but here are a couple below:   

My Mom, Me and My Mother-in-law

The delicious dessert spread.  Thank you Desserts Unlimited!

Sydney mesmerized by The Wiggles on her portable DVD player

The next day - Sydney enjoying a box from one of our wedding gifts

Pumpkin Carving

Last year Griffin and I carved our first pumpkin together.   It turned out great!   Last year we carved a pumpkin in honor of Marquette so this year was in honor of Indiana.    Not sure what next year will be.......!?!?

This year's pumpkin - Go IU!

Last year's pumpkin - Go MU!

Happy 1st Birthday Matt!

Today is my nephew's FIRST birthday! I remember last year getting the phone call from my sister letting me know that Matthew Sean was born.

Matty Matt - Griffin and I love you and wish you many more wonderful birthdays!

Matt in his Dalmatian costume

Grandpa and Grandma 

(Grandma's birthday is tomorrow!)

Matt's first birthday cake

Saturday and Sunday with JACK and MATT!

This weekend Griffin and I drove down to Chicago for a weekend with our niece and nephews.   The first part of the weekend was spent with Sydney and the second part was spent with the boys.  We went to the park with the boys Saturday and Sunday.   They loved playing outside and running everywhere.   Jack carried his "tool box" everywhere, and Griffin and Jack fixed things at the park and at the house.   We had such a great time just the four of us.   It was nice for us to have the boys to ourselves.   We had so much fun!

Sunday was Matt's 1st birthday party.   I have many pictures from the day but will post them on Matt's actual birthday.  

Kathleen, Jack and Matt on the way to the park

precious Matt

Jack excitingly running around the park

Matt enjoying the park

Jack "fixing things" around the house

Friday and Saturday with SYDNEY!

This weekend Griffin and I drove down to Chicago for a weekend with our niece and nephews.   The first part of the weekend was spent with Sydney (and Marcus and Kathy!).   We played around the house all morning and then ventured out to the mall in the afternoon.   Sydney was so cute and so well-behaved.   We stopped for lunch at Panera and she loved her grilled cheese sandwich and yogurt.  She is getting so big!  We were shocked that she can now drink out of a cup with a straw....the days of sippie cups are coming to an end.   She is talking and walking and continually stealing the hearts of everyone she meets.   We were sad to say goodbye but thankfully we get to see her again in 2 weeks!

Sydney loves her uncle Griffin

Sydney playing hide-and-go-seek with her Daddy

Our trip to the mall

Sydney loves her placemat

Sydney and Griffin showing me that they can use a straw