New Year's Celebrations

This was the first year that Doug & I have been apart on New Year's Eve since we got together back in '88...sad! (I know, whaa whaa! :}). But, of course it was all for good reason since him & Bradon were on their Sugar Bowl trip. They got to spend New Year's Eve with Dad & Sherrie in San Antonio, and then headed off to New Orleans the following day. So, it was a little more quiet than usual; but, we still managed to have a little fun with it. I told the kids they could do whatever they wanted & fortunately they made it easy...just wanted to be with Tracy & her kids. So, after work, we met them for dinner at Chilli's, then went back to our house to play games & watch the countdown. I always find it odd as to when each channel decides to actually air it (some you see on their own actual timezone, or not, just depends on the station). The kids had to go out & make some noise at midnight (which I didn't realize at first they were actually going up to each neighbor's porch ringing doorbells & banging the pots & pans...that was probably a bit much since some were actually sleeping! :}). So, here we are, now in 2009 all ready...just like that! 2008 was certainly a fun filled year, so 2009 will have to be a little tamer (though we do have one more "40 trip" planned in the summer :}). My goal for the new year is to be Livin' Fine, Feelin' Fine, and Lookin' Fine in '09! (plus it's fun to say :}).

Kaley sure loves her Tracy!

YAHTZEE! (OK, we'll let her pretend she did! :}) Hard to believe Rachael is in high school now & almost driving!

"No kids...I said you can bang the pots & pans OUTSIDE!"

Here's to a great year for all of you!!

Concert Night with Neil Diamond

So my friend, Maryanne, who happens to be a Neil Diamond fanatic insisted we go to his show, since a few of us had never seen him before (I think she's on like #7 or 8 :}). Though I have always liked singing along to some of the classics, it was never really one I thought I "Must See"; but, was I wrong! I have to admit he is an incredible performer & he's still got it after all these years! It was an excellent show & we had a blast singing along! What was also fun was getting a text from my brother, Glenn, joking that he was proud to say he was there, not knowing I was too. So we shared our texted pictures of each of our views & met each other after the show. It was definately a fun night out on the town with the girls, and a nice break from the rest of the holiday madness going on! Thanks Maryanne! :}

Dance Recitals

In addition to all the other Holiday Events, we also got to see Kaley & Dylan in action at their 1st Dance Recital this season. Oh, they were so cute! Unfortunately I was having camera issues so I didn't get any of the actual dances; but, know they did great & it certainly made us proud to see them both shine! Dylan, aka: "Flex", has really taken to this hip-hop dancing. It's been a great avenue for him & his energy! He was so nervous to do the solo in front of all those people; but, once he was out there & getting cheers, he was in his element! We noticed how he was incorporating his kicks from Tae Kwon Do into his dance..so, glad he's putting them to use! It was so nice of Aunt Colleen to show up too...she's a busy girl; but, seems to always make time! They sure do love their Aunt Colleen!! (and so do we!! :})

Holiday Fun With Good Friends

Besides all the family gatherings, we also managed to get in a few celebrations with the friends too. The first celebration was Annual Christmas Bonko Night where we do the gift exchange game. Tiff cooked us up a wonderful holiday meal...it was a perfect way to start off the holiday season! We had our annual get together with good friends, Connie & Monica, and families. Unfortunately our crazy lives just don't give us as much time together as we used to, so we are glad for any chance we get! Of course there had to be the "dance off"

Dylan teaching Henri a few moves

Our good friend from school, Nick Milano, came in town for a visit. That gave us an excuse to gather with a bunch of old school friends. Nick, Paul & Chris just seemed to be everyone's friend in school...just those kind of likeable guys! It's weird because it just seemed like the same old times all together, not really like it's been 21+ years since those days! Funny how that happens! :} It was great to see them all!

Sandra's daughter, who happens to be a BYU fan, was not having her wearing a Utes Helmet!

Mel dancing with the kids

I know, I know...she always has to dress up & perform!

Then some of this same group gathered again for a Post-Holiday Party at Melissa's house since Jennifer Fabor was back in town. So, I got to see a couple others I haven't seen for a long time, which is always fun. A lot of us have been back in touch again through Facebook...love that connection that is bringing us all back in touch again! I've always thought we were lucky to have such a great group of friends growing up; but, this has just proven we really did, and still do!

Christmas Festivities

Christmas itself was another fun filled day (and how can it not with little kids?!). We had some family over for dinner on Christmas Eve since many of us had other committments Christmas Day. Which was kind of strange not doing the usual meeting at Grandma's house; but, since she was out of town this year, plans changed. It was a nice way to start the holiday! We enjoyed the smoked ham that our friend, Bernie, gave us (he's a pro at that!)...sooo tasty! And with everyone's addition to the meal, we ate well for sure!

There of course were some silly moments, as there always is when we get together!

Once again, Kaley & Dylan had to give us a little dance performance (which made me laugh actually...not quite the same Christmas Program of re-enacting the manger scene, like I remember when I was little. Instead it was Flo Rida, Sean Kingston's & Alvin & The Chipmonks hip hop songs in the background)

Little Jazzlin dancing along with Pooh BearI wish the others could have been there too; but, glad to get whatever family we can together whenever possible!
Mom & Dad

Sharing just a few of our favorite gifts...(not to single any out...of course we love them all! :})

Glenn had my name this year. I have a thing for angels & lighthouses, so these crystals were a beautiful addition to the living room, especially with the lighted stand that turns! It's awesome to look at with all the other lights off especially!

The figurine of the 3 girls ("Forever In Blue Jeans"), was given to Monica & I by our good friend, Connie. I love how it represents us 3...we do have a special bond so it means a lot to me!

This just makes me laugh. It's that Leach sense of humor!

Yea...I finally got a laptop! I was really surprised, I had no idea! (which as most of you may know, as you get older & married a while, actual surprises don't happen as often :})

Doug's big gift was getting to go to the Sugar Bowl, which was an incredible memory for him! We had to get some gear to go along with it. Here's his shirt showing our fabulous season!

Kaley loves her Bratz! This was a "Yes, Santa listened!" moment!

Dylan scored with a new bike & a chair perfect for his gaming moments!

This was the best surprise...when Bradon finally realized, along with the Sugar Bowl shirt/hat, that there was a ticket to go to the game too. He was shocked! We were so excited to pull that off...he was begging, even offered to give up 3 Christmases for that! :}

A few other precious moments of the day....

Poor little Toby had to put up with the reindeer ears that Kaley got for him

We hope you all had a wonderful holiday yourselves!!