Our New Destination

We'll, it's official; after 5 years of general surgery training in Denver and 3 years of plastic surgery training in Pittsburgh, we're moving back to Iowa.  Jerrod accepted an amazing offer from the University of Iowa.  He will be helping rebuild the plastic surgery division and start-up of the plastic's residency program at the U.  We are all excited about this opportunity to be closer to family again.  It was a hard decision, with great offers in Pittsburgh and Denver also.  We'll miss our friends and the cities, but will plan to visit often.

Mess Fest!

The Carnegie Science Center rings in the new year with a tradition called Mess Fess.  Jerrod and Larry took the kids so Mom and I could do some shopping.  I think they all had a fun, messy afternoon!

New Year's Eve

I've decided to disguise my laziness as a new tradition.  We didn't get around to decorating the kids' gingerbread houses until New Years Eve.  Who says they have to be Christmas related? 

 Carson's house is being overtaken by pirates!

Camryn finally finished hers after only 2 days of decorating!  

Merry Christmas

The kids were so excited to wake up Christmas morning and see exactly what they had asked Santa for!  Camryn asked for...
                ~ "a toy dog that acts like a real dog" (um, we have a REAL dog, but whatever!)

And, Carson asked for...
          ~ "a Polar Express train what goes around the tree"
He was SO excited when he came down the steps and saw the train.  "Mommy, it's the Polar Express!"  Both kids played with their new toys non-stop for at least 3 days!  Way to go Santa!
(of course, I can't get the video to upload correctly. )

Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve Traditions:
~ Christmas Eve service at church
~ Eating crab legs, shrimp, seafood. (The "bent fork" that serves as a year-round reminder of this tradition)
~ Opening "the first gift of Christmas"
~ Setting out cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer
~ Reading "The Night Before Christmas" together