We're still around...

Greetings and Happy Holidays!

We're still around and busy just like everyone else this time of year. We've had a pretty wild ride these last few weeks, which is the reason for the absence. But, we're slowly gaining momentum again, just in time for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year or "God Jul" as we are learning too!

First, on December 3, Karel's husband Howard passed after a long, courageous fight with Cancer. We headed down to Columbus for the services and had an opportunity to meet some of Howard's family and friends. It's always hard to loose someone, but before the holidays is especially tough. Please keep Karel and all of Howard's family in your thoughts and prayers. We are thankful for our time and memories with Howard, especially S'more's on the back deck and Blue Angels, Cherry Festival adventures!

As we were preparing to head back up North, our sweet Kailey became VERY ill. What started out as a stomach virus, rapidly turned into almost four days at Nationwide Children's hospital. She was one sick little girl, but is now thankfully as good as new. It was scary for Paul and for me because our little girl was so sick that she slept for almost 50 hours straight while her systems healed. When she woke up, I got some pretty cute pictures!

Soon after she woke up, she kept trying the bribe the nurses and doctors. She'd only let them look at her if they gave her My Little Pony stickers!

Her first meal in 4 days and the nurses let her have pizza!

So happy to see her favorite buddy!

The day after she was released from the hospital, we were able to make it back up to our winter wonderland, just in time for my finals. Finished those (with an A in the course!) and both Paul and I promptly got sick ourselves. It's been a rough few weeks, but we are feeling better and really looking forward to an amazing holiday and an even better 2009!