Merry Christmas and Happy 2008!

We hope your holiday season was filled with endless fun. We welcomed Lori's mom, sister Amy and nieces Emma and Kate. (Jack missed the trip because he had to work).

Santa Clause came, just as planned, and brought many treats for the girls. It was a special and magical Christmas, since each of the girls had some understanding of the holiday. Emma (age 4) had the most fun of all anticipating the arrival of the Christmas Elves on Christmas Eve and Santa on Christmas morning.

We missed our family that was away this holiday. Celebrations were held in Wichita at Rob's parent's home and in London (Rob's brother and family celebrated their last Christmas in London). We have much to be thankful for this holiday season... family, friends, health, happiness and the eagerly anticipated move of Scott and Monica back to the U.S. in mid-08.

We look forward to an exciting 2008 with even more fun times in store:
January: Lori takes her doctoral comprehensive exams. She is entrenched in studying at the moment, so don't be surprised if you don't hear from her until February.
April: The exciting arrival of baby Claire.
July: We plan to take a trip to Wichita to celebrate Lilly's birthday (7/1) and the Fourth of July.

Have a safe New Years celebration, everyone!

Please check our our new videos below. :)

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Unwanted Guest... a scorpion!

Today Rob had his first sting by an unfriendly scorpion.
The recent rains have "invited" the scorpions inside, and one made its way to Rob's computer bag. When he placed the strap on his shoulder, the scorpion was waiting and stung him a few times on the arm. Luckily Lilly and I weren't hurt, but we were able to witness the event... and the eventual sacrifice of the scorpion in the laundry room sink! We visited the ER a few hours later because he was exhibiting some weird symptoms: involuntary arm twitching, sore throat, difficulty with vision, etc. The doctor said he would be fine. For children who exhibit really bad symptoms, there is an antivenom (good to know for Lilly and future baby #2). All is well now... Scorpions- STAY AWAY!

Oh Baby!

IT'S A GIRL!
We had an ultrasound today and found out we are having another girl!
We are very excited to welcome Lilly's sister to our family in April. We have decided that her name will be Claire... no middle name yet. The best news of all was that the ultrasound identified that she is very healthy, just the right size and has all her body parts in the right places. :) We couldn't feel more blessed.

Thanksgiving 07

We enjoyed a restful 4-day weekend together for the Thanksgiving holiday. Rob and I prepared a fabulous meal which consisted of a smoked turkey from our grill and all of the traditional sides. We were pleased to be joined by our friends the Mramors, the Aubles, and Rob's coworker Salah. Miss Lilly (16 months) enjoyed playing with everyone, eating turkey and being herself.

It always amazes me how long it takes to prepare the meal, yet takes minimal time to eat it! The hit dessert of the day was a chocolate and peanut butter tart. I made it from a recipe from Fine Cooking magazine. It was basically a gigantic Reeses peanut butter cup. YUM!

For the rest of the weekend, we finished many projects around the house, watched our share of movies, enjoyed the cooler (75 degree) weather and cooked yummy meals. We both tried not to work on work things at all, though it was tempting. Four-day weekends are definitely appreciated around here!

Trip to Kansas November 2007

We hadn't been home to Kansas since Lilly's 1st birthday celebration in July. During this trip home, we were able to spend time with some of the Zienkewicz's from Pennsylvania: Great-grandma Marie and Great-aunt Donna, my family, Rob's immediate family and close friends.

The trip was made even more fun by a visit from Andrea Lovelace and her two little ones. Thanks for driving all the way from Springfield, Andrea! We were also able to meet with Carrie Howard and Gina Hart... two of my friends since childhood. Rob was able to meet his buddy Steve Loehr (Chopper to many of you) for a beer or two.

Of course, let's not forget there was plenty of quality shopping time spent with Nana, Aunt Amy and the girls. We visited many of our favorite specialty stores.

As always, the trip was too short.
We look forward to part of my family (Mom, Amy and the girls) visiting Phoenix for Christmas.
Until next time...