The Holidaze!

December really went by in a blur, but it was such a good, full month and there is lots to catch up on! The first couple weeks flew by as Colb was studying like crazy for the last block of tests to finish up his first semester of medical school. I stayed busy working lots of hours to get all of my audits wrapped up before the holidays. As soon as we got to the night of December 16 the party began. Colb took his last final and I put in my last day at work (for the year). That night we celebrated with our med school friends making gingerbread houses, eating treats, and watching The Grinch. And yes, mine and Colb's house is not technically a gingerbread house. It's a gingerbread U-Haul. They are a gingerbread family in between homes.

Me and Colb

Trevor and Teresa

Sarah and Scott

Ashlyn and BK

The next day was one I had been looking forward to for months. It was our 20 week ultrasound and I couldn't wait to see our baby again and find out the gender. The baby was growing well and right on track. For the first little bit the baby decided to keep its legs crossed, but then SHE let us get a glance and we found out we are having a baby GIRL! We are so excited to be parents and welcome this little girl into our family!

I think she is so cute with her little legs crossed!

Another snapshot of our baby girl

Another fun and crazy thing is that one of the other medical school couples (Trevor and Teresa) that we are good friends with is having a baby and due the same day as us. They also had their 20 week ultrasound, and so we all celebrated our news together!

The next day had also been long awaited as we flew home to Utah. After a few delays, changes in itinerary, and missing luggage, we eventually made it to Salt Lake and even retrieved all of our three suitcases, two backpacks, and one duffle bag! Yay for holiday travel! We spent two weeks in Utah and it went by SO fast! That fact that our families live down the street from each other definitely has its benefits and we truly enjoyed spending time with all of them! We had fabulous food, company, and entertainment the whole time! We thoroughly enjoyed the holidays and the time we had to reflect on the ultimate giver of gifts--our Savior.

At the end of the two weeks we loaded up our FOUR suitcases, two duffle bags, and one backpack and flew back to Milwaukee. Now we are back to real life as Colb started into another semester of school and I am headed into busy season.

In all of that luggage Colb and I still managed to forget a camera to go to Utah. Here are a few holiday photos that we've been able to gather from other people. Sadly we don't have any pictures with the Duncan Family!

The growing Hales Family

The Lovebirds - We are so excited to welcome
Heather into our family and have a wedding in March!

The Swain Grandkids
The Swain Family Christmas Party is always December 26. We have a tradition that all the grandchildren line up along the wall to get their pictures taken. We take two pictures - one is oldest to youngest and the other is tallest to shortest. I am the OLDEST, but continue to move down the line as everyone passes me in height.

The Girls

Me, Mom, and Halli

19 Weeks
20 Weeks

21 Weeks
Us at the Hales Family Christmas Party