2 Velvet Boxes

I have been wanting to blog about this since the day it happened and just haven't found the time!

Jon surprised me in a big way on Valentine's Day weekend! In almost 15 years (October 12th!) of marriage, he has not given me any jewelry since my wedding band. So imagine my surprise when he gave me not 1 but 2 velvet boxes in one night!!! Right before we left to go out, he gave me these beautiful earrings...

and then when we were at dinner, he presented this anniversary band!!!!!

What a fun thing to be so surprised - this is nothing I asked for or hinted at, it was totally his doing! I asked him what has gotten into him lately as he has become such a great gift giver (remember this one?) and he just smiled and said, "I'm a late bloomer, baby".

I love this man and our life together!

Crazy Adults!

While we were in WI for Christmas, we were trying to get a picture of all of the kids -- Jon captured the crazy adults trying to get the kids to smile. What a bunch of freaks! :-)

Christmas 2010

long overdue, but want to document it nonetheless...we once lost a lot of pictures off of our computer (we are terrible at backing things up) and our blog saved the day as I had posted many of our favorites on here.

Christmas Eve w/ the DiCos...

DiCo cousins!

I guess every family insists on taking pics of all of the kids even though it's practically torture! :-)

Christmas Eve service (the first time we've been able to go in several years - it was so special and I don't think we'll miss one again - so great to take time out of the busy-ness and reflect on the true meaning of Christmas - it's really not just a cliche!)

Christmas morning at home...

think they're excited to get a Wii?!!!

The day after Christmas, we made the long trek (15+ hour drive) to WI!

so exciting to meet our newest nephew & niece - Ezra & Naomi - born on October 12th!

the awesome chefs of our family!

My awesome Grandma Lowery was there!

Even Grandma got into it with the help of her walker! :-)

Our (short!) time with our best friends, the Martys:

the kids were coming out of their skin w/ excitement!