The Journey of: December 2012

Hello Friends & Family--

Let's continue this game of catch-up into October.

October 1st was our first official day in our new house! We didn't have cable, internet or cell service the first few weeks, I don't know how we ever went without! Let's just say unpacking an entire house with no music, background noise, etc makes it a little dull. Not to mention our house wasn't complete on move-in day. Lot's of workers in and out. Stressful, nah not at all :) We survived and love our new home!

Here' a mini tour of the outside and kitchen. I'll have to work on getting more pictures taken (waiting on some new furniture to arrive).

View of the house after move in...this was prior to the finishing touches.

Fall 2012 picture after the paint and landscaping finishing touches!

Adding Christmas lights...a lot higher this year :)

The pantry/wine bar.

One side of kitchen.

Another angle of the kitchen.

Looking into the dining room.

View from the Great Room into the Kitchen.

If you are wondering how the pets are getting along, you tell me? The fence is new as of December, and it was something that we discussed greatly. Knowing that the underground fence we purchased and never installed would probably not work with our stubborn huskies we opted for the rod iron fence. We only fenced off a portion so we could still have our large unobstructed yard/view, but enough (and by enough I mean A LOT of space for the dogs to run).

Do you see what I see?

Exploring their new digs.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron

Hello Friends & Family--

Yeah, yeah I know it has been awhile. OK a LONG time. To say I've been busy is an understatement. Yet I love this blog and the ability to keep all of our friends and family updated. So, I hope I can continue to play catch-up by the end of 2012. I know there isn't much time left as tomorrow is December 14th.

My Grandpa built me this bench :)

Well, I think I left off back at the start of September. The weather was still decent then (sure wasn't snow on the ground) and we were enjoying our time outdoors. So to finish off the month of September...

Cheese Days is a biannual celebration in Monroe, WI (Chris' hometown). This year I took Cam to the parade with Chris' Aunt and Cousin. He enjoyed the M&M's and the music the most, specifically the marching bands. Can you blame him!?

At Raisin' Canes...YUM!

September 17th marked 7 years of wedded bliss. It's hard to believe that much time has gone by! I can't wait to see what the next 7 years have in store for us! We laid low this year and plan on purchasing a new grill as Chris threw ours down the deck stairs at the old house. I think this was his way of hinting at a new one...he claims it was an accident though. Truthfully it was 7 years old, purchased just before we got married, so I say it is time for a new one!

Great Gumpa Russell & Cameron.

On September 26th my family lost a very important person. A very loving man and even more amazing Grandpa/Great Grandpa. My Grandpa Russell or "Gumpa" as we affectionately called him won his battle with cancer that day. While we were grateful for the almost 2 extra years we got to cherish with him on Earth it was not easy saying goodbye. It never is. Nor do I think it should be. Yet it's encouraging to know that he is pain free and joining all of the others that have gone before us (including 2 of his own children) up in Heaven. If you click on his name above, it will take you to his beautifully written obituary. We love you and miss you daily Gumpa (thanks for the word jumble the other day :) )

Always into something.

September 29th Cam turned 17 months (this was also my Grandpa's funeral). He was busy being a feisty little kid and spent 1/2 of the time outdoors with Grandma Ninny (thank you!). He did learn to love cereal outside of the cheerio realm thanks to our complimentary breakfasts at the hotel :)

All dressed up!

We drove to Nebraska on the 27th of September knowing that we had to move into our new home on September 30th. Do you see where I am going with this? Yeah, we drove a gazillion hours directly after the funeral to make it home in time to sleep for a couple of hours before loading trucks and hauling it into the new house. Thankfully, we have the most amazing friends that picked up our moving truck AND loaded up most of our belongings while we were gone. Yeah you read that right, they packed up the truck with all of the heavy stuff and moved the rest upstairs for easy moving. They even showed up on that Sunday to help us move it into the new house. Thank you just doesn't cut it. Blessed we are.

I think I'll have to continue with a part II tomorrow...this is getting long!

Thanks for continuing to check in with us.

Love,

Chris, Amber & Cameron