Merry Christmas!!!

Happy Holi"deas"!!!

Instead of sending out Christmas cards this year we thought we would get a little creative since we've been on this technology kick to communicate with everyone. Since most of you have been staying up to date with us on our blog we'll just recap some of the amazing things that have happened in 2007. Also for fun, click on the video to see a pictoral of our year in review after you read this entry.

Obviously the greatest thing that happened to us was the birth of our little girl Addison Marie. Everyone told us that our lives would change when we became parents. They were right and it's all been great. Every day she amazes us with her funny and tender looks, new things she gets into, and her unconditional love for us with those death-grip hugs.

About two weeks after Addison was born and things were becoming right with the world, everything got turned upside down when we got offered an overseas assignment through CAT in Peterborough, England. Obviously our families weren't too keen on us moving Addison away so soon, but it was an opportunity of a lifetime that we couldn't turn down. I "retired" from GROWMARK and took on the profession as child careprovider, domestic engineer, cook, travel agent and communications specialist. It was definitely tough to leave my "family" at GROWMARK, but I've enjoyed every minute of being at home with Addison. Who ever coined the phrase "stay-at-home-mom" hasn't met the modern day women because Addie and I stay so busy that I need a special calendar to keep track of things. We've met some amazing people who have made our time in the UK unbelieveable.

Kevin is staying very busy with his new job in the Perkins organization. After a few twists and turns, he's settled into a new position, taking on a team leader role which should be some great experience for him. His hours are pretty interesting...he doesn't have to be to work until 8:30 AM, but he doesn't get home until about 6:30PM. Even though he still works 50+ hours a week, I think the more laid back culture of the UK has done us both some good. I do think that having Addison to come home to has been the best cure for Kevin on those stressful days.

Lots of traveling...we've done a weekend in London, a week in the Canary Islands and several day trips to Belvoir Castle, Warwick Castle, Nottingham, and Lincoln. I even got to do a girls weekend in London to shop and watch "Hairspray." We look forward to doing more traveling next year. Other cool things that happened were that my brother Casey graduated from Iowa State, my sister and Heath got married, and Brad and Jaye Geater came to visit us in the UK and suprised us with their wedding abroad.

Keep posted with our future 2008 adventures by checking out our blog. Also you are all welcome to come visit the Dea B&B free of charge anytime you want...let us know when you want to come over.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!!