January Is Not So Bad...

January is typically my least favorite month of the year. I hate the never ending cold weather, snow, and ice, etc. This month makes me want to move south every year. But today, as I was driving home from work, it was lightly snowing and it made everything look so pretty. It made me think that maybe January isn't so bad. I still don't like January and I can't wait until spring, but today I didn't hate the month as much as I usually do. Once I got home, I took Zoe outside with me to get the mail. She looked so cute running through the snow and, since her hair is white, she sort of disappears in it! I think even Zoe enjoyed today's snowfall. As soon as she was back inside the house she sat on her favorite blanket (thanks Jenny) and looked out the window. Tomorrow's predicted high temperature is -3, so don't be surprised if this posting is deleted and replaced with another entitled "I Still Hate January".

Kathryn's Bridal Shower

Kathryn's bridal shower was this afternoon. About 25 friends and family members came to celebrate Kathryn's engagement at Kiki B's Restaurant. We tried to incorporate some Greek traditions throughout the shower. This helped everyone understand what the wedding in Greece will be like. Towards the end of the shower, the men (Dad, Grandpa, Nate and Yanni) stopped by to visit. Many of the guests at the shower were meeting Yanni for the first time. I think everyone at the shower had a fun afternoon.

Christmas 2007

This year, Nate and I spent Christmas in Rockford with my family. All of my immediate family was there, it was a full house! The only one missing was Grandma... this is the first Christmas we are celebrating without her. On Christmas Eve, we opened gifts and had a big dinner at my parents house. We went to a Christmas church service later in the evening.

Yes, even Zoe had gifts to open...

Christmas Day we went back to my parents house for another big meal which Nate helped to prepare. It seems like we have been eating nonstop for the past week, but I suppose that's what you do around Christmas. Then New Year's comes and everyone makes a resolution to loose weight.... that might have to be my New Year's resolution this year. Nate too.

After all the food and excitement, everyone was ready for a nap. Zoe was first to fall asleep.

Kathryn and Yanni Come Home!

Kathryn and her fiance, Yanni, landed at O'Hare last Friday night. We are so glad that they were able to come home for the holidays. Yanni has never been to Chicago, or anywhere in the Midwest, so this should be an interesting experience for him! Our freezing temperatures and foot of snow is a big change from the 65 degree weather in Greece this time of year. Even more snow is predicted for the next few days... but we can't let a little snow ruin our fun! Kathryn and Yanni have so much they would like to do during their 2 week stay. Among the list of things to do: shop at Woodfield, IKEA, bridal gown shopping, Kathryn's bridal shower, visit the Chicago museums, finalize wedding plans, and- of course- celebrate the holidays with friends and family!

My mom still insists on making cakes for us, just like when we were kids. Above is a picture of the beautfiully decorated Welcome Home cake she made for Kathryn and Yanni!

Manny Monday!

Today my grandpa came home from his 5 month stay in Greece. We have been anxiously awaiting Grandpa's return... we have been referring to this day as "Manny Monday". My mom and dad took the day off work to drive to the airport and pick him up. We all had dinner together at my parents house. Grandpa told us stories from Greece and he unpacked his very cramped suitcase. His stories get better and better with each trip to Greece!

Zoe and Grandpa reunite...

Thanksgiving in Des Moines

Thanksgiving was great this year! My parents came with us to Des Moines to celebrate Thanksgiving with Nate's family. We all stayed at Nate's parents' new condo. It was the first time Nate and I had been there since they moved in last August. I don't think my parents had been to Des Moines since we graduated college. Nate's sister and her family came over for Thanksgiving also. Her two girls, Brianna and Alysa, have gotten so big! Zoe immediately became friends with Alysa, who loved to chase her. I love this picture of the two of them sitting together.

And this one of Alysa chasing Zoe...

The rest of the weekend Nate and I spent some time just hanging out with his family. We let the girls open their Christmas presents early since we will not be able to celebrate Christmas with them this year. We also helped put up the Christmas tree. On Saturday night we went over to our friend Dave and Janet's house for dinner. It was nice to see some of our Iowa friends and family!

Happy Halloween from Zoe!

Have you ever seen a cuter ladybug?! Although Zoe did not appreciate being dressed in costume, she got many compliments from trick-or-treaters. This is one of the very few pictures we were able to get of Zoe in her full costume. She kept trying to eat her headpiece. We spent Halloween giving out candy at my parents house (there's not much Halloween traffic at our house). My parents neighbors stopped by to trick-or-treat. Their two children, Nathan and Rachael, had the cutest costumes!

After trick-or-treating hours, we all sat down and had some apple pie! Of course, Zoe got some too! What a great Halloween!