2011? Bring it on!

We started our New Years Eve off with an "adult's only" dinner at Genghis Khan Mongolian Barbecue, my favorite restaurant! It was my Mom, Dad, Sister Stephanie, Brothers Jason and Brandon along with our spouses.

After dinner we came back to my parents house and the partying began! We had our annual couples pool tournament that Daniel implemented last year. Last year we were the winners! This year, we were not as fortunate. In fact, I think we were dead last lol. Here we all are, showing off our wicked skills.

Stephanie and Dudley won the tournament! And Steph didn't even want to play at first! They snookered us!

My mom had lots of fun games set up for the kids and when it wasn't our turn to play pool we played Band Hero on the Wii, drank Pina Coladas and Orange Julius's. We partied till midnight and toasted to Martinelli's! Daniel and I agreed that this was the best New Years Eve we've spent since we've been married. I believe there was a year or two when I didn't even make it till midnight until this year lol.

Daniel's family has a New Years Day tradition that they go trap shooting! I choose not to partake in this tradition but Dan had a great time with his Dad and brothers as always! Looks cold doesn't it? It was 19 degrees! No thank you, Brrrrr!

New Years Day we had to say goodbye and fly back home to Phoenix. It's always bittersweet when it's time to go home. Daniel and I love going home for the Holidays and seeing our families but then it's always back to real life! Don't mind the misty eyes...they never stay dry when saying bye to our wonderful families. They mean the world to us :)

HAPPY NEW YEAR! We hope that 2011 brings much love and happiness to you all in the year to come!

Baby Avery

My brother and his wife Ashley are expecting their first baby, baby Avery! Ash decided to have her baby shower while everyone was home for Christmas so we could all be there. The "Furnell" girls hosted it at my mom's house and it turned out SO CUTE! My mom and I tackled the food and decorations. I made the big "A" on the door for Avery and the cloth diaper cake . I've always wanted to make one and it turned out so adorable!

My mom made cheese ball, homemade salsa and veggie dip/tray while Margene and Olivia made the cupcakes. I have gotten into the whole "party planning" thing and it was a lot of working with my mom, Steph and Margene to throw a nice shower for Ashley. She got a lot of great stuff! I made sure to take notes for when it's my turn someday. We played games and devoured the tasty food!

Ashley and the two Grandma's to be!

Ashley about 6 months along

Congratulations Brandon and Ashley!

Christmas Break Cont.

The week following Christmas was basically just spending time with family and seeing old friends. I got to go to lunch with my favorite ladies, Jess and Sarah and miss Bailey. Love them!

Per Daniel's request, we went to dinner with his family to Jack Stack. The BEST bbq joint in the KC area. Take a look at that rib! Delicious!

I had a fun time being silly with my nieces Olivia and Sydney...we all wore our footie pajamas together!

The kiddo's loved baking with Grandma. I'm pretty sure my mom baked something new each day! No wonder I came home with 5 extra pounds...

My mom's dog, Jasper was another highlight of our trip. Jasper is obsessed with socks! He followed me around, pawing at my feet to get my socks. Once I sit down he starts to nip at your toes, trying to get the socks off your feet. Once he succeeds, he takes off with them! Some found it annoying, I found it adorable!

We also celebrated my other niece Madeleine's 15th birthday. It was another excuse to get the whole family over for pizza, cake and presents! Happy Birthday Maddy :)

Over all, we had a great week! We went to lunch and shopped during the day, watched movies at night and watched the entire first season of Vampire Diaries in 4 days! Driving back and forth from Lee's Summit and Harrisonville the whole week like always lol. I love each time I go home. New memories are made and we grow closer together as a family!