Weekend Update: Twice as Nice!

Jay and I spent this past weekend in Kansas City in order to celebrate our nephew's first birthday. Jay's parents came over from Colorado, and his cousin and his fiancee live in the area, so it was great to see everyone and celebrate together.

The last time we saw Xander and Liam was on our wedding day. It's amazing how much changes in just 5 months! They are now like little men - smiling and giggling like crazy and almost walking. Their improved mobility and attention spans allowed us to read books together, play with toys and just goof off (this picture below is proof of the goofing off part!).

Liam and Jay bonded right away. Liam is a climber, very smiley and very loving! Todd and May think that between the two boys, Liam is most like Jay. Uh oh! We better watch out!

Here I am with Xander. Xander is just as smiley and loving as Liam though he's more of a climb under than over type. He is probably the one that is closest to walking though I do think that they are both going to be there very soon!

Of course the boys had to devour a cake to celebrate their first birthday! They weren't quite sure what the big deal was and were more interested in playing with the cake than eating it. Regardless, it was pretty cute watching them make a mess!

We love this photo of proud mom May and the boys having a good laugh together!

Besides the great time with family, we got to enjoy a dusting of snow on Friday night! We haven't seen it yet this year, so it was a nice treat.

Just another 6 weeks or so until we see the family again - this time it will be in Colorado!

New Suede Shoes

In preparation for our wedding day, Jay and I decided to take a few dancing lessons. We only had time for 3 short lessons before we headed to Vermont, but really enjoyed the time learning something new together. We had enough fun together that before we left, we signed up for a few more lessons to enjoy after we returned. 

In the rush of traveling and preparing for the wedding day we barely practiced, but I was so happy to have photos of us at least looking like we knew what we were doing! Here is a short video that Jeff & Tara captured of our first dance. Its funny looking back. I could critique our steps and speed, etc. all day, but one thing that I can't help but see is that we are both smiling and having a great time:

We have enjoyed learning the waltz, east coast & west coast swings, salsa, rumba, cha cha, and tango. Our instructor complimented us on how fast we pick things up (I'll give credit to Jay on this - his lead is what helps me remember!) and after six post-wedding lessons, we were admitted into their "Bronze" program for more intense training. Now don't get me wrong...we are in no shape to go out there and tear up the dance floor, but we are at least learning each dance on a deeper level. And in order to get to this level, we needed dancing shoes! Check them out: 

The reason that dancing shoes are so important is because they have a special suede sole that allows you to "feel the floor" better. I know it sounds odd, but man do they make a huge difference! I no longer trip or slide (as much) and am able to really feel confident about my steps. 

We have been going to lessons once a week since the wedding and look forward to that hour we have learning together. We both feel that taking the time to enjoy this hobby is an important part of our married life. It is something for just the two of us - something that is not watching tv, running errands or eating out. And someday, when we are old(er) and grey(er), we will kick butt on the dance floor during our children's weddings!

Happy New Year!

Jay and I spent New Year's Eve day with Tara & baby Alistair while Jeff was at work. We had a great time - made his baby dedication invitations, went shopping at Babies R Us, and grocery shopped for dinner that night. 

Alistair & Jay bonding

Later in the day we all went over to Kiera & Joe's for a nice dinner. I was so impressed with the table that Kiera had already set! It was beautiful - I'm sure her wedding planning experience was behind the creativity on this!! Everyone brought something to share and all the food was amazing!

Beautiful table

Me & my super cute husband. 

Jay had to work that night, so we took this pic around 10 before he had to leave (which is when Jeff was leaving work and on his way over to join us)!

Jeff & Tara celebrate 2009!

This is how I brought in the new year. Alistair was sleeping on me for over an hour! I didn't want to move!

McNeill Family

Jeff, Tara & Alistair stayed over at our place that night & we woke up and had a yummy Jay-made breakfast together while lounging on the couch watching football! Alistair was comfy upstairs on the guest bed. 

We hope that all of you had a very special New Year's celebration and that 2009 brings smiles, wonderful memories, health and happiness!