Progressive Neighborhood

At one time or another you have probably heard us talk about our super-fun neighborhood. We are blessed to live in a neighborhood with many couples our age who also have small children. Besides the monthly bunco and poker festivities, we also partake in the now famous "Neighborhood Progressive Dinner". A large group of friends (mostly neighbors and a few neighbors who have mistakenly moved out of our hood) move from house to house partaking in drinks and goodies until the wee hours of the morning. For this dinner, our home was the "appetizer house". We offered several types of fresh bruschetta, homemade pesto and even homemade hummus (Rob was the chef on this night). Thanks, Rob! The drink of the evening prepared by me, bartender Lori, was a cranberry spritzer: vodka, cran and Sprite. Simply refreshing! The other fabulous homes served yummies as well. Here is a picture of the lovely ladies of the evening. We missed those of you who couldn't make it! Until next time! Cheers!

January in Review

Time flies! Life at the Z house has been anything but dull. From the holiday lull... to the Super Bowl... and everything in-between, it has been one busy month. Here are a few highlights.

Lilly and her best buddy Hannah on the way to the park. While we were there, three people asked me if they were twins.

Playing with cousins Courtney and Nathan. Though they only live a short drive away in Scottsdale, we don't see them often enough. Courtney and Lilly are one month apart in age.

Claire was quite the party animal at Rafael's 2nd birthday party. She especially loved the whipped icing on his birthday cake. YUM!

All smiles with baby Mel. Shawn and Amy Lorg and new baby Mariah joined us for the Super Bowl. Lilly loves MEL (Mariah Elizabeth Lorg, get it?) She is a welcomed addition to our Wildcat family. One day, Claire and Mel will share a dormroom (or sorority house) at KSU. :)

Vroom Vroom Vroom

Vroom vroom...
If you listen closely you may be able to hear Hannah and Lilly cruising our neighborhood in Hannah's new Escalade. It's quite the sight to see the two youngsters roaming the culdesac while listening to mariachi music. Watch out... their driving skills aren't exactly up to par. You may lose a foot, a toe or come away with a bruise or two if you get too close.

Lilly is quite fond of our neighbor, Hannah. It's convenient that she lives directly across the street and that they both attend Tiny Toes. Hannah's parents are graduates of the University of Nebraska (nice rival of our beloved KSU) and Shelly was a Theta (just like me). So, including our young daughters, we have lots in common with The Huckfeldts.

The girls are really too cute for words. This weekend Lilly accompanied Hannah to her dance class. I'm doubtful that Lilly is a born ballerina. Instead, I think she sincerly enjoys the company of her little buddy that lives so conveniently across the street. There are many more adventures to come, I'm sure. Stay tuned and watch out!

Happy 2009!

We hope you enjoyed every second of your holiday celebration. We did!
We were thrilled to welcome Nana for Christmas and Grandpa Stan for the week between Christmas and New Years. Lilly and Claire were ultra spoiled with 2 weeks of grandparents! It took Lilly awhile to get used to "life as usual" with just mom and dad once our guests departed. Claire also had a fabulous first Christmas. This was the first year that Lilly had a clue as to what was happening throughout the holiday. She was very eager to celebrate Jesus's birthday, open presents and join in all the festivities.

We welcome 2009 and all the excitement it will bring. We look forward to...
** Claire's first birthday celebration in April
** A trip home to Kansas sometime this summer
** A trip to San Diego sometime this spring to visit Shamu and friends.
** A trip to the Polar Express next winter
** A finished dissertation and potential graduation for Lori?? (Cross your fingers!)

May the coming new year bring you health, security, joy and faith. We look forward to sharing more adventures with you.

Please click on the photo to view our December slide show.

Merry Christmas!!

Lilly and Claire visited Santa. Lilly high-fived him and agreed to sit next to him.. .but NOT on his lap. Giddy Claire didn't mind a bit.

Enjoy our other photos also. Nana bought the girls these beautiful dresses, and they were happy to have their pictures taken in them. It was too late to make Christmas cards out of these pictures, but they are here for you to enjoy.

Lilly is really looking forward to "Jesus' birthday" this year. She can't wait for Santa to come visit. In fact, everytime there is a knock at our door, she yells "Santa's here!"
It will be a memorable Christmas, for sure.... Claire's first celebration and Lilly's first experience understanding the season. We also welcome my mom for the holiday and Rob's dad on the 26th.

Merry Christmas to each of you!

Wonderful Thanksgiving

We had a wonderful time celebrating Thanksgiving with Nana (Lori's mom) and Aunt Amy and the gang. Lilly loved her live-in playmates: Emma and KK.

(Click on the photo to view our slideshow)

Returning to our Kansas roots with a little bit 'o country...

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