Interesting Signs We Saw On Our Journey

Local shop somewhere in Virginia:
"We say Merry Christmas here."

Shop down the street from previous shop:
"We say Merry Christmas also."

Pizza Hut in Tennessee:
"What's the reason for your season?"

BBQ restaurant in Tennessee:
"Ham-ellujah!"

Billboard near Wise, Virginia:
"Prepare to meet God
After death
Is the judgment
Tops N Bottoms Jeans"

Back home at Wendy's in Athens, Georgia:
"Buy 32 drinks
Fly free on Airtran"

The End/The Beginning

It's the end of one year and the start of another... What better way to celebrate than to take a vacation? UGA is wonderful about vacation time. We work December 24th (though our bosses usually let us leave early) and don't have to go back to work until January 3rd. And we don't have to use up any of our own vacation time for that!

Wendy and I were ready for a vacation. We worked a ridiculous amount of overtime this semester. Now I don't even care what day of the week it is! How lovely. :-)

The end of 2005 made up for a rough beginning. Xon is 3 1/2 years through a (supposedly) 5-year program. That is progress! My only (and bestest) sis had her first child when we were at her house for Thanksgiving. I call him Baby Alex, and though I only spent about 2 hours with him in person, Datya posts pictures of him every few days for those of us who live 22 hours away! We all just want to snuggle the little fella, though I gather he is more into crying than snuggling right now. God bless Datya!!!!!!!

I always figured I would have kids first, but frankly I'm glad to learn a little from her before I get the baby itch. Being there during her (17-hour) labor is a memory I will cherish forever and ever. I bought my plane ticket for Thanksgiving on May 30th, so I am still amazed that the dates worked out, and I was there for everything. Of course, that could have something to do with the 2,000 prayers I said!!!!

Xon and I went to my mom and dad's house for Christmas. I sometimes joke that I think my parents like Xon more than me (Just a joke, y'all!), but I am glad they like each other so well. It is sweet to watch them together--and fun to watch Dad teach Xon various "manly" things. This trip, Xon helped Dad repair part of the fence at the farm in the happening town of Owingsville, Ky. Meanwhile, Casey ran to his heart's content over acres and acres of land and met a horsie for the first time. They were nose-to-nose, then horsie breathed on Casey, so Casey started barking. Guess he thought horsie was a dang big dog! We will try again next time. :-)

Xon learned how to replace brake shoes and pads on our car. YAY! They also replaced a belt, the coolant container, and looked at the axles. I'm sure there was some other stuff in there, but I think it's wonderful that Xon knows how to do these things on his own now.

I have lots more to say about this Christmas break, but I will save it for another time. Hope each of you had a happy time, too!

Snowy Minnesota

I love pictures, so here are a few from my Thanksgiving trip to Datya's in MN. I'm glad Dawn didn't feel like going out, because I got to wear her thick coat, hat and gloves. :-)

Auntie Katya

It's weird to think of myself as an aunt (and a godparent). I spent all of a few hours with Baby Alex once he was actually born, so I guess that's not surprising. I've been staring at his pictures since I got home, though, trying to catch a glimpse of his personality through his facial expressions. I particularly love the one on Erich's blog where Dawn is holding him immediately after birth, and he's staring up at her with a look of awe. Priceless.

Here's one from right before Xon and I left for the airport to come home. Yep, that's my Datya.