Holiday Cheer

I cannot believe another year, not to mention a decade is about to end. When I think about the decade it cannot believe how much has happened, and how quickly time pasts. I went from middle school, to high school, and on to college. During those years I got my license, my first car, my first boyfriend, my older brother and sister married their spouses, an adorable niece and nephew, and met the love of my life. During these years things were also lost. There were plenty of heartaches and times when life just seemed totally and completely unfair. It's true to say though, that I could not be anymore lucky or blessed to have such a great family and friends.

2009-- What a great year. I graduated from the University of Iowa. It is still hard to believe that I am a U of I alumni. I got a job working for an amazing person. I really do not think I could have found a better person to work for while Nate and I are here in Davenport. She is helping me learn so much, that will help benefit Nate and I after he graduates from Palmer. I got ENGAGED! And might I mention to the most amazing man I have ever met. I truly believe we were meant for each other, and we have had a lot of fun this past year planning our wedding and talking about where we would like to end up.

I know everything in life is not easy and care free. I probably worry more than anyone could think is humnaly possible. But, when I think about all the great things that have happened in the last year, and even the last decade I get really excited for the next ten years ahead of us. We will start Nate's business, hopefully buy a house, and start our family. I am truly grateful for all of our family and friends, and look foward to another new year with all of you!

Disney on Ice

This past Wednesday Nate and I took my niece Meagen, who is also my God Daughter, to Disney on Ice. We had a lot of fun, and I love being able to do these things with her while we are still in the Quad Cities. After Nate finishes school, I know we will not be able to see her as often. She was absolutely adorable, and she really made my day.

We drove out to pick her up from her Grandma's house, and already the fun began. As I was helping her into her car seat she told me, "Julie, I LOVE ice skating, and I LOVE princesses!" I am just amazed with the things she comes up with these days. Three is definitely a fun age. On the car ride she continued to talk with Nate and I about princesses and ice skating. She also informed me that clouds can make pictures-too cute.

This is a picture of her on the car ride to the show. She was pretty excited to finally leave for the show. When we arrived at the show we let Meagen pick out a gift. She choose a Cinderella doll that we held onto throughout the entire show. Sitting on the edge of her seat she would hug the doll, look at me, and give me that biggest smile.

The show was a lot of fun and Meagen and I really enjoyed it. However, I did get a little concerned that they weren't going to show Cinderella. The other 6 princesses did there "skits", and Meagen kept asking me "where is Cinderella?" It started to look like the end of the show, and still the was no sight of Cinderella. Luckily it was only time for intermission, and they let us know that the next store would involve a glass slipper. Thanks goodness, because I don't know what I would have done if the didn't have Cinderella.

During the break I took Meagen to the bathroom, and on the way she turned to me and said, "my favorite was Little Mermaid." I love that she can tell me these things now, and it made me happy that she was enjoying it so much.

Cinderella was hit, and the show lasted about 2 hours all in all. Meagen did fall in the sleep in the car only 5 minutes after we got in. She kept telling me that whole show "I'm not going to fall asleep!" She was right.

We had a great time taking her to the show and getting some quality time with her. Nate told me after the show he couldn't tell Meagen or I was more excited about it, but I remember going when I was a kid and it made me so excited that I could give her the same experience.

Here are some pictures of Meagen on the edge of her seat...