Year in Review

2012 has been a pretty good year when I stop and think about it. Kyle and I have gone on adventures, done house improvements, and explored more of Texas, among other states.

Some of the highlights for the year (in no specific order):

1. Traveling to Germany. It has always been on my list, ever since I found out I am 97% German. We had tons of fun exploring with Max. We saw the Alps, Hitlers Eagles Nest, Ludwig Castles, and much more. I fell in love with the country and would love to go back again someday.
2. Traveling to Jackson Hole, WY. Such a beautiful land. The mountains, national parks, hotels...everything so beautiful. It was fun experiencing it with Texans (since they tend to think TX is the best state), it was fun hearing and seeing their reactions.
3. White Water Rafting. This is another item that has been on my bucket list. We rafted the Snake River in WY and had a BLAST.
4. My new job. I am currently immersed int he medical field. Something I never thought I would be, but at the same time, I am glad I made the leap. I can't really complain about my coworkers, hours, or anything! I am very grateful I found a new place of employment. 
5. Being able to be home to see my little sister graduate High School. I was very happy to be able to be a party of her big day/weekend!
6.  Seeing the Twins play in Dallas against the Rangers.
7. Seeing the Houston Texans play in the Reliant Field.
8. Being able to watch Kyle's and my Alma mater win the FCS Championship (against a Texas team no less) here in Texas!
9. My new car. I LOVE my new set of wheels! It helps (VERY much) make my 45 minute(+) commute go faster.
10. Tucker, our house, health, family and friends. So many things have happened this year I can't name them all, but I am thankful for each and every one.

Favorite picture from they year (you may recognize it from our Christmas card!)

Houston Texans Game

On Sunday some people through Kyle's work invited us to go to a Houston Texans game. They were playing the Indianapolis Colts, and it was on a Sunday...so Kyle and agreed!

This was no regular NFL experience, though. We were spoiled!

They picked us up in our city, and drove us to Houston. In a bus. A TOUR bus. Have you heard of the Josh Abbott Band? Yeah...their tour bus. It was crazy awesome/fun!

The tour bus! They picked us up in the Whataburger parking lot. Classy, right!?

 

Kyle chillin' on the bus, with Josh Abbott band cup and all!

 The Reliant Stadium, where the Texans play, was amazing! A very neat stadium. Thankfully it has a retractable roof because it was raining part of the time.I think they said it can fit roughly 70,000 people. This made me super excited to see what the Vikings will build in MN!

Kyle and I outside the front of the stadium. The Astrodome was located right next to it and it was dwarfed beside this stadium!

It was an exciting game, with a lot of action happening with both teams. There really never was a dull moment...even at halftime. They presented a family whose dad was stationed overseas with team jerseys. Then they brought out another gift...on a trailer in a huge wrapped box. They lifted it up and the DAD was there, in uniform. I was so excited/full of emotions I didn't even think to grab my camera and take a picture. If you get emotional when they show them on TV, you have NO idea what it was like in person! I still get goosebumps thinking about the look on the children's faces, especially in light of recent events.

Here is the group of people that went with from Kyle's work. Such good times!

 
 I am super happy I got to cross another "Texas Bucket List" item off the list! Houston Texan game; check. Now I just want to go back to Houston and explore the rest of the city!

Kyle and I at the Houston Texans game, Dec 16

Can You See It?

Tucker is SO enthused about this Christmas season. Can't you see it?

Ok, ok. I don't think he likes the Christmas lights NEARLY as much as I do! I think I am excited for the holiday season enough for all of us in the house!

Christmas light tour of our neighborhood coming soon!

Happy Birthday!

Sunday was Kyle's birthday. It was a VERY humid day, if I had to guess, percentages in the 80s or 90s. It was so sticky. (Ironic when I found out a blizzard was going on back home!) We celebrated the night before, by going out to eat at BJs Brewhouse. They have amazing craft beer and excellent food. After dinner we came back and opened his presents! (I'm not sure who was more excited, him or me!)

I had the sampler. My favorite beer was either the Jeremiah Red (Kyle's favorite) or the Nutty Brunette. Close call!

Free desert on your bday. Warm chocolate chip cookie straight out of the oven with ice cream on top. Yum!

The shirt he got from his mom for his birthday. Couldn't be more true!

We celebrated the end of the night by splitting a German beer Max brought us. Still hands down the best beer EVER.

 Also, as a "no-shave december" update...do you see that growing on his face? He constantly is scratching it, and I am constantly starting it; partly because I am amazed it is growing that much! I knew once he put his mind to growing it, nothing would stop him. Now I am just waiting for the day the bet is OVER. :)

Griswold Style...Almost

The Holiday Season is here! I am in FULL swing. My cube is decked out the the MAX (wrapping paper on my cube walls, garland, snowflakes (hand made, of course), bows, and stockings!) The house (inside) is getting there. Thanks to a lovely little cold this week all my energy was being used to get better rather than 'deck the halls.'

The outside of the house, however, is Kyle's domain. And he wasn't sick with the horrid cold. So the outside of our house looks great! Our neighborhood is SO festive...I hope to do a post dedicated to our neighbors lights soon!

So, here it is, Kyles masterpiece for 2012. (He already has a plan to go to the 'after Christmas sale' to get more lights and lawn ornaments!)

"No-Shave December"

Have you heard of "Movember?" I am sure most of you have, but in case you haven't I'll tell you! It is a month-long event where men participate in growing facial hair. They don't shave for a month with a goal to "change the face of men's health.

Anyway.

Kyle and the other males in his office wanted ever so badly to participate in this, however; due to a very important event that some were participating in, they pushed it back to December. They are making their own "Movember."

Part of this "bet" is to see who can grow the most hair/least hair...bragging rights from what I can tell.

Guess who is participating?? KYLE.

Kyle: 7 Days;        Dan: 32 Days

 Another major part of the office bet is to see who can grow the most facial hair between these two. Kyle and Dan. In that picture (taken December 1, 2012) Kyle has offically 7 days of growth (the longest he has ever gone without shaving). Dan has officially 32 days of growth (he knew he needed a head start to compete). As of now, my money is on Kyle, but you never know. His new nickname at the office is "patches" because, well, Kyle has patches all over his 'beard'. haha. 

I know you are dying to know who wins. But you have to wait until the end of the month! Don't worry; I'll keep you updated...whether you like it or not ;)