I apologize.

I've been avoiding my own blog like the plague. If you'll notice, my last post was November 15th. I feel so behind and very out of the loop. It's the holidays, ya know?? I'm at the point where I'm not sure which end is up. I'm sure I'm forgiven, right? Once January hits, I'll be blogging like a maniac again. You have my word.

I don't even have much time to write tonight, so I also apologize for being a tease. But I just wanted to let you all know that I'm still alive and kicking.

In a nutshell:

The trip to Idaho was wonderful. Well, I feel guilty saying it was wonderful actually, because my Uncle Frank who had been battling cancer for a year, passed away while we were in town. In a way, I found it to be such a blessing that I was able to see him in his final hours and say goodbye. It was heartbreaking. He was my most favorite uncle, and such a remarkable man. He left the way I would want to go though...surrounded by his entire loving family, peacefully at home. At one point I stood by his bedside and the tears just flowed. It was my turn to whisper how much I loved him and how much I will miss him. I stood by his bed and was reminded of a time about 5 years ago when I was in town visiting. I had called my Aunt Julie and Uncle Frank to let them know I'd be stopping by. I pulled into the driveway and before I could even take the key out of the ignition, Uncle Frank appeared with huge hugs and a bright smile. Aunt Julie followed behind with the same. I'll never forget that moment, feeling so welcome and loved in their presence. Aunt Julie is sad. She's lost her best friend too soon. She put on a very good show for all of us, but I know deep down, her heart is missing the biggest of pieces. Uncle Frank, the family is missing a very dear member. We all love you so very much.

*tears*

Ahem. On a lighter note. Brendan and I were able to celebrate my Dad's 60th birthday with him, as well as catch up with Uncle Shawn and Aunt Kat and the kiddies. It was so funny to see Brendan play with his cousins this time around. Abbie roughed him up a bit while Tyler did his best to play referee. I love the how the dynamic is so different when Brendan plays with his cousins vs. playgroup buddies. When he plays with Tyler and Abbie, they can wrestle, taunt eachother, and the tear the house apart, and it's just not a big deal. If someone gets hurt, oh well! It's just a whole different ball game and I love it. My brother-in-law better get with the program STAT or else B-Lo is shit out of luck for east coast cousins to beat up on. He was totally eaten up by all the grandparents of course....and did you know? Brendan is now WALKING! That's right folks! My Dad taught him how to walk within the first few hours of visiting. Isn't that something? I'll post the video as soon as I figure out how to do it.....

Thanksgiving was wonderful and now Christmas is on it's merry way! Crap! Which brings me back to reality. I've got to get off this dang computer and go finish the Christmas cards. I will fill in the blanks on some more good stuff at a later date.

Here are some pictures of the trip for your viewing pleasure. Oh and more thing incase you're wondering, Brendan was a total DREAM on the flights to and from. Total dream. Whoever invented the matchbox car gets a huge A+ in my book!