Leaving is always hard.

Before Reuben and I left for Utah, we were able to have a wonderful lunch with my mom, dad and nephew, Elijah.


Don't we look festive and fun? The Pub Cafe, in Rhinelander is a way cool restaurant. It is over a hundred years old and always is decked out in fun festive decor. It's one of my favorite places in Rhinelander even though we don't frequent it nearly enough!

I know many of you already know our news but I thought it is about time we make it official on here. We will be welcoming Baby Ficklin sometime in August next year. Immediate family now all knows so I decided all peeps could know. We are excited and I am nauseated 24/7. Well, bebecito gives me a break when I am sleeping and either eating or real full from eating. Let's hope I don't gain 70 lbs before all is said and done!

Here is how we announced to the family our news: (it makes me chuckle!)



See, my father in law said this at our reception in Wisconsin last summer: "I have a lot of cheesehead grandkids here in Wisconsin and before you know it, these two will have a cheesehead coming down the chute." What a character Perry is and I'm hoping the cheesehead comes on after baby comes down the chute!

Cheers.

Celebrations

To celebrate my mom coming home from the hospital, we ate steak and mashed potatoes. And then we opened our stocking presents.

I make Elijah wear his reindeer ears. That's right, that's how we roll around here! And I am so glad my 17 year old nephew still humors me!



I am living in denial that we travel back to Utah today. I wish I had another week here! Sigh.

Merry Christmas

Christmas was a good time.

Christmas Eve and morning was spent with Reuben's sisters, Natalie and Sarah. We had a great time playing pass the parcel and eating much too much at Natalie's on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning we watched the kiddos open presents and just hung out. My kind of party.



We then ventured to Green Bay and visited my aunt Linda's house. Again we just hung and ate much too much. Playing Catch Phrase was a fun activity thanks to Cindy. Here is the Birthday cake for Jesus which is tradition for my Cousin, Shannon's family. It's one of my favorite things. I am sure not too many people sing happy birthday to Jesus!

Sometimes...

....I am too tired to blog for four days. I apologize #31daysofblogging

Christmas vacation is fun! Here are some pics. It's all you get, because I am too tired and have eaten too much!




Reuben with a friend's babe



Seester with same babe.



Puzzle making.



Jambalaya king!



The best cookie of all time with Creepy hat eyes.

Merry Christmas Eve to ya!

Good Day

Last day of work before my two week vacation. It was a fun day filled with letter writing to service men and women followed by managing a basketball tournament and then a talent show(and 20 kids took home free Christmas trees. Awesome!). It will be nice to have a break from those nuckle heads.

This afternoon was filled with cuddles from the wee nephews and chatting with my adorable niece. These kids fill my soul with joy. Their laughter and play reminds me to focus on good and enjoy life.

I will miss my little ing-family when they head east. I think Skype will become as new staple.

Well, all packed and ready to fly in the a.m. Good times to follow!

Cheers.