Out with the old, and in with the New....

It's New Year's Eve today, and as I reflect on the end of the holiday season, I am again amazed at how quickly it has flown by. Despite both Erin and I being sick for pretty much the entire time, it has been simply wonderful. Kids really do make the season much more enjoyable, and I really enjoyed Christmas before she bounded into our lives!!

We have had a pretty relaxing week to be quite honest. Gord fiddled around with all of the new electronics we received from Santa, and he figured out how my video ipod works - very cool! I plan on loading it up with music tomorrow.

So what did happen this past week you ask? Well, I decided I felt like getting out of the house on Wednesday, so I drove in to Ottawa to check out some of the after-Christmas sales. I was disappointed and came home with nothing. It was still nice to get out and about on my own. Erin has developed a passion for going out and looking around, and as much as I love taking her places with me, I have to admit the odd day to myself is nice!

On Thursday we got a call from Gord's brother Andrew inviting us to dinner, because some of Gord's brother Douglas' family members from Elliot Lake were down for a visit. We missed them earlier this year when they were down for March Break because we were lounging down in the Dominican! So we decided to head back to Ottawa to pick up a couple of staple supplies from Costco. That new Costco in Kanata is fabulous. Even when the parking lot is full, it never seems crowded. I don't know what they did, but whatever it was, it was done right! We had to pick up and bring dessert, so we got it there too. We had a great visit with my sister-in-law Shelley and two of her boys - John and Scott. I can't believe how big both of them are. I guess you notice that more when you don't see them very often! Of course they thought the same of Erin, who they haven't seen since she was one!! The kids were all playing with a new video game - I don't get the facination with video games - that was interactive so they were pretty much absorbed with that! Erin simply loves her Aunt Rita, who is fabulous with her, and spent much of her evening being carried around and read to by Aunt Rita!! I always feel bad that Erin demands all of Rita's attention, but I think Rita enjoys it!!

Friday brought a visit from one of my former favourite bosses Scott and his lovely wife Lyne. I haven't seen Scott in a few months, so it was good to have a couple of drinks and a good visit with them. Whenever I see someone from Nordion, it always brings back good memories of some wonderful people I left behind, and it also reminds me that I made a great decision for me both personally and professionally to leave. I have done my best to stay in touch with the ones I miss the most, and as the old saying goes, life is always changing, isn't it.....

Erin received some money for Christmas and decided she wanted to buy some new clothes for her barbies with it. We took her to Smiths Falls to pick some stuff out and she enjoyed herself as always! Gosh, it sounds like all we did was shop this holiday!!! Acutally, we also played games for countless hours and just relaxed (Erin and I took a few extra naps trying to get over our colds). Erin's honorary Aunt Dee came over for dinner last night. Erin was thrilled to have someone new to play barbies with! We had a nice quiet evening of dinner, drinks and watched season 1 of 'The Office' - Santa brought that to Gord - we are both big fans, so Seasons 1 & 2 of both the US and British version showed up under the tree!!

So that brings us to today, which as I said is New Year's Eve. As I promised to Erin, I am taking her to see Charlotte's Web this afternoon. Gord is cleaning up the basement in preparation for taking down all of the Christmas decorations. We are planning on doing that tonight after Erin goes to sleep. I figure that will be easier and we will start the New Year fresh!

The New Year always brings some resolutions doesn't it. I haven't really thought about it too much. I suppose the regulars always come to mind - eat better, get to the gym, etc. I have one new one and that is to sign up for lessons to learn how to play my acoustic guitar that Gord got me last year. Other than that, I can't think of anything more!

Next week takes Erin back to daycare - I can't believe how much she has been talking about going back and how much she misses her friends - and us back to work. Erin wants to go to gymnastics this winter, so I will register her for that on Tuesday - they have a place in Smith's Falls, so not as much driving!! January is likely to be a fairly quiet month. I have a conference to attend later in the month in Toronto, and we have been talking about a family ski trip with Jo and Chris, but nothing is firmed up there. I'll check back soon though with new pics, including an updated one of Minnie with her new Christmas bell and collar!!

Happy New Year to everyone. I hope it is filled with good times for all of you, and more wonderful adventures for Erin and Minnie!!!!