Catching Up

Since getting back from Colorado, we have had something going on every weekend. We got back from Colorado on Sunday and then the following Thursday I left for Oklahoma with the family I work for. Keith's (Carter and Connor's dad) youngest daughter Jessica, was getting married and Carter was the ring bearer. They asked me to go with them to help out with the boys. They looked adorable in their tuxes! Carter had a blast at the wedding...I even think he made a girlfriend in the little flower girl! The followed each other around the entire time! Here are some pictures of the boys in their tuxes......

After the wedding, both boys crashed!

I think Bailey missed me while I was gone!

Last weekend one of our good friends, Russ came in town to hang out. We devoted the entire weekend to hanging out and having fun like old times with James and Elizabeth, Craig and Anna, and James and Jennifer! Russ brought Rock Band, which he had just bought and was so excited to introduce to the guys! I would say Rock Band is what we did the majority of the weekend. In between playing Rock Band, the guys were able to squeeze in time for lunch at Central BBQ, on Saturday, and then they met us girls at Jerry's for snow cones. That night, James and Elizabeth made some awesome burgers at their place for everyone and then, of course, more Rock Band! We had so much fun all weekend. Unfortunately, Heather had to work on Saturday, so she wasn't able to come. Heather, we missed you and told Russ he has to bring you back next time he comes in town!



This week is going to be an exciting, yet nerve-racking week for us! Tomorrow Brandon will receive an email saying whether or not he has matched. Then Thursday is Match Day!! I have taken the day off so that I can be there to see Brandon open his envelope. I can't even describe the feeling of not knowing. I cannot stand that feeling and am so glad the wait is almost over.

Colorado

Brandon and I spent last week skiing in Colorado with Brandon's father and his wife and his brother, Bryce. We left on Sunday and flew into Denver, where we met Brandon's cousin Claire and her husband for lunch at Panera. It had been about two years since we had seen them, so it was good to catch up. After lunch, we headed to Beaver Creek where we stayed for the week.


We spent two days skiing in Vail and three days skiing in Beaver Creek. We got off to a rough start. Brandon hurt his ankle on his first fall and I, who had slipped and fallen on ice a week earlier and bruised my tailbone, of course immediately fell right on it the first day. OUCH! We eventually got the hang of it and had a blast on the greens and blues. By the last day, Brandon and Bryce even tried out a few black diamonds!

Lunch at one of the lodges on top of the mountain

You may be wondering why Brandon had this monkey on his back...or why there is this picture of him. Well, Brandon and I bought him for the purpose of taking him on all of our vacations and photographing him in various places. Here he is at the bottom of the ski lift in Vail.

On Thursday, we went snowmobiling! It was the most incredible experience. Pictures just don't do it justice, it was absolutely breathtaking. We rode up to a mountain peak that was 13,000 feet high, which felt like we were standing on the moon. Just. Beautiful!

Bryce driving behind us

Brandon and I riding together

Bill and Laurie

Dinner at Vin48

Brothers

Brothers: Brandon's uncle Jim and dad Bill

Bill and Laurie

Colorado is one of the most beautiful places I've ever been. Brandon and I had an amazing time and already want to go back!

Out with the Old, in with the New

This weekend we had to break down and buy Bailey a new bed. She loves her bed so much and had just worn it out. Last weekend I washed it, and when I pulled it out of the dryer, the zipper had completely broken causing the lining to hang out. I couldn't stand the way it looked. On top of all that, she had outgrown it, and when she stretched out, she would hang off the sides. We really wanted to wait until we moved to get her a new bed, but after the zipper broke, it couldn't wait. I have included some before pictures of her old bed and an after picture. Beware the after picture is ugly! Also a few pictures of her trying out her new bed for the first time. I think she likes it!!

Sometimes I wish she would be that small again.....then I remember how much work it was!

She still sleeps like that!

Plenty of room to stretch out!

The Next Step

This past month has been busy! Between Brandon's being away the majority of December for interviews and all the craziness that the holidays bring, I look back at it and wonder if December ever even happened. Just in this last month Brandon interviewed in South Carolina, Orlando, Tampa, Virginia, Alabama, and Tennessee. He had his twelth and final interview last week. We are so happy that this step in the process is over! Now the next step is to rank the programs. The rank list is due towards the middle of February and then it will be a waiting game until Match Day comes on March 18.

Nashville Christmas

This year Brandon and I were able to spend the holidays with our families in Nashville. We left Memphis on December 23rd and stayed through January 2nd. It was a much needed break from our life back in Memphis, especially after the month of interviews Brandon had been doing. It was good to see him an entire week straight! We spent Christmas Eve with my mom's side of the family, Christmas Day with Brandon's mom and brothers, Saturday with my dad's side, and Sunday with Brandon's dad's side. Talk about four Christmases!! We had wonderful time visiting, talking, eating good food, and playing games with everyone!

Our Christmas Tree

Before I left Memphis, I gave the boys their Christmas presents.

Isn't he precious?

Remote Control Car!!!!!!!!

My cousins

I love this picture!

Before I go any further, I have to explain the next few pictures. The Saturday after Christmas we were at my dad's house, and he told us to all come outside. As we walked to the door an SUV drove up with this Harley on the back. He had bought a Harley Davidson a few days before and it was just now being delivered to him. We were all in shock! It has been a dream of his since I was a baby. He just recently got his motorcycle license, so I assumed it was coming, but to actually see it happen is crazy! Dad, I am happy for you! Just. be. careful!!

Bryce and Brandon testing out their ski gear.

I love my new purse!

Merry Christmas 2009!