Harris Extended Family Christmas

OUR last stop on our holiday trek was Ellinwood, KS, where Shawn's grandparents, Chet and Dorothy, reside. Everyone was there with the exception of Shawn's cousin, Karen, and her husband, Chris, from Atlanta. We did the gift exchange game, which is always fun, as we're given the opportunity to steal someone's gift if we'd like. I loved my gift--the Kimble's homemade salsa, which should cost $300 a bottle. It's that good!! Shawn received a Pampered Chef fancy grilling tool, grilling recipes, and jamaican jerk rub. It was wonderful to see everyone, but we're relieved to be home relaxing until work commences on the 2nd. Happy New Year, all!

Hightlights from 2007

IT may not even be worth mentioning how quickly time zooms past us, before we even have a chance to stow away meaningful moments. Nonetheless, life didn't pass by too quickly for me to forget some exciting people/things/moments that happened to grace our lives. So I'll give you a quick rendition of our 2007:

January-bought our first home!

February-spent endless hours de-wallpapering/painting the rooms
March-welcomed our nephew Max into the world; adopted Marley, our Boston

April-both traveled to Seattle for business/play; Shawn turned 25

May-Mindy turned 26; ran the 2 mile Bank of America RiverRun with the Kimble's/Merrigan's (won 3rd place as a family team)
June-Mindy's sister, Erin, married Ryan Bilby
July-Celebrated our 4-year wedding anniversary (ordered pizza & watched Honey, I Shrunk the Kids); Shawn traveled to OshKosh, WI, for the Experimental Aircraft Association's annual Airventure; attended a Dunning family reunion in Wamego, KS
August-attended Modest Mouse concert in Kansas City; Mindy celebrated 2-year anniversary at Kansas Health Foundation; Mindy underwent successful LASIK surgery
September-attended a Kimble family reunion in historic Council Grove, KS (neat little town)

October-Shawn celebrated 2-year anniversary at Sullivan, Higdon, & Sink

November-Mindy went to Miami on business; drove to Champaign, IL for Thanksgiving with Mindy's family
December-traveled to Salina, Chanute, & Ellinwood for the holidays

Hope you had a swell 2007! Here's to a happy, healthy 2008!

Merry Christmas from the Harris family!

We went to Salina for Christmas Eve/Day, to spend quality time with Shawn's sister, Andrea, her husband, Brenden, and Shawn's parents, Harold and Kathy (H & K). Normally H & K host, but they are gutting their kitchen and living room. It's going to look so great when it's done!

While in Salina we ate at Bogey's, went to Lowe's and Target, ate yummy food, and played a card game (canasta) (well, I read magazines). The guys also played Brenden's new XBox games.

Two more stops on our holiday journey--Chanute and Ellinwood. More pics to follow as I have time! 

Ladies Night In

I was privileged to have some girlfriends over Saturday night. We snacked, shared, prayed, laughed, listened to music, and opened gifts (I gave each of them a framed photo of their child(ren), which are also included in the slide show). It was a blessing to have them all to myself, and I love hostessing!

Amidst the Drizzle

AMIDST the drizzly, cold weather of the weekend, we managed to eat at Granite City for a long overdue "hot date," shop for Christmas gifts, visit with friends for game night, attend church, grocery shop, have steak & taters with friends, and watch Spiderman III. Our photo uploader had a glitch, so I lost most of the pictures. Hence, I've posted pictures of our Christmas tree and decor!

Marley's First Play Date!

Yes, we're a little obsessed! Our friends Liz & Derek came over for pizza, a movie, brownies/ice cream, AND for a play date just for their female puggle, Buckley, and our boston, Marley, this Saturday. We talked about their diets, laziness, pottytraining, tricks, sweaters, illnesses, etc. The dogs got along well, and even fancied each other a bit (Marley may be neutered but he's no dummy). We plan to do it again, except Buckley will be "hosting" next time. Thanks for bearing with us as we fuel our canine obsessions!