Christmas Season

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. Jason and I realized we did a bad job of taking pictures this Holiday season. We took zero pictures of all the fun things we did, But we have been BUSY!!
Starting all the way back on December 17, Jason took me out to eat at the Melting Pot for my Birthday. Its one of my favorite restaurants, but a little to expensive that we only go on special occasions. We celebrated my birthday a day early because on the 18th we celebrated my dad's retirement. His squad had a retirement party for him at Brann's Steakhouse. Everyone there had many nice things to say about him and his many many years of service. It was fun to hear stories and learn how other people look up to my dad too!!(Just like we do!) My dad is looking for a job and hopes to find a more low key one. My dad and I both had "jobs" on our Christmas list this year.... Santa didn't bring those yet...maybe someday soon.
A funny side story about his retirement party - My two year old nephew was at the party and knew it was my birthday, so when he saw the cake which was for my dad he said "He-he's birthday cake" (He cant say Hillary so he calls me Hehe) We told Evan it was Papa's cake for his retirement, that made no sense to him so it became "Hehe and Papa's birthday cake!!" We let it go at that, but my dad and I were happy to share our special occasions together :)
The following weekend we had Jason's work Christmas party. It was a 70's theme, which made for a fun night with his co-workers. That Saturday, our good friends Matt and Julie were in town from South Carolina, so we had dinner with them and then had them and a bunch of other college friends over for drinks, playing the Wii, catching up and many good laughs and memories made!!
On Sunday we headed to Brighton to spend time with the our Cash family. That night we went to the Transiberian Orchestra. It was amazing!! We went with Jason's whole family, plus his grandma, aunt and two family friends. It was a great night.
Monday (Dec. 22) we celebrated Christmas with Mom and Dad Cash, Kirsti, Zach, Jim, and Gerri (and their dog Nola) . Mom Cash made a nice dinner and we opened gifts.
Tuesday we went to the Pistons game. We saw a victory!!
Wednesday we spent the afternoon at Grandma's house, helping set up for Christmas, and visiting with her. We also visited with Uncle Bob and Aunt Suzanne and cousins Matt and Tara and their three kids. It was great to see them.
That night we went to the Christmas Eve service with Mom and Dad Cash.
Christmas Day we drove back to the west side of the state to spend all of Christmas day with my family. We opened presents, ate a very nice lunch, and played an interesting game (its tradition to get a new game every year..this year not such a good game!!)
Christmas night Jason and I exchanged our gifts to each other. After we finally got into our house... we had been gone for four days and the snow was so piled up at the end of our driveway that we had to shovel/snowblow it all away before we could get the car into the garage.

We were very blessed this Christmas season with much time spent with families, friends and many great gifts.

The week after Christmas was busy with errands, visiting with other friends, my dad's side of the family Christmas party, dinner with both sets of parents and A LOT of relaxing and spending time at home.
New years eve was spent with some great friends. First we had dinner with Josh and Erika, who now live in New Jersey, then we all headed over to Kurt and Steph's house for the second annual New Years Eve Bash. It was a fun night of ringing in 2009.
New Years day we watched football and had my parents over to watch the Rose Bowl.

We had a great 2008. A year we will always remember. The year we got married, bought our first house together and made many memories with family and friends. We both reconnected with friends from High school, missed friends who moved away and started our search for a new Church (something that will hopefully be accomplished in 2009!!) We are excited for what 2009 will bring!!! (Maybe a job for me (and my dad) a new niece or nephew in May a few weddings we have to look forward to and many more exciting things.

Thanks for catching up on whats going on in our lives.... Sorry I'm a lot longer winded then Jason.. I guess that is why he usually posts!!!