An end to the Holiday season...

They say that each Christmas/holiday season is very special in its own way. They all create different memories that last forever. This one certainly will leave its mark as being memorable for many reasons. I would say that the season kicked off on Friday Dec. 17th. This was when Christie, Joe, Claire, and Carmen arrived in from Arkansas and that night was their going away party at the Burkes. That was one heck of a party. From that night on, it seemed like the activities were pretty much non-stop. The next night Kara and I took the girls up to the "Train House" in Overland, Candy Cane Lane, and then Ted Drewes for the 2nd year in a row. I think we've created a little family tradition with this and I'm sure the girls will enjoy it even more as they get older. Tory also arrived in this day and was here until the Monday after Christmas. It was good to spend some good time with him. We were very fortunate to have Christie, Joe, and the girls spend the night with us on Christmas Eve. We'll always remember being able to watch all 4 girls opening presents together on Christmas morning. I hope they enjoyed being here as much as we enjoyed having them here. Speaking of the Gallo family, this holiday season will also be remembered for their departure to Belgium, which took place yesterday. Personally, I am very excited for them and think it will be a great experience and an awesome adventure. At the same time, I am sad to see them go and sad for all of the other people who are affected by their departure. As soon as I finish this post, my next order of business is to get the Skype set up on the computer so we can not feel so far away from them. I'm especially excited to watch Anna Skype with Claire. We wrapped up our holiday celebrations last night with the Niedbalski family here at our house and that was a great time. I learned that I am one hell of an Apples to Apples player. Now it's time to start getting back into a normal schedule, eating right, getting back to a regular workout schedule (if my back ever starts feeling better), and start being normal again. Happy New Year everyone. I have a feeling 2011 is going to be a great year.

Bon Voyage Gallo Family

Well today was a bit of an emotional day.  After several weeks of gatherings and celebrating Christmas & New Years the Gallo family took off for Belgium today.  Though they have not lived in St. Louis for the last year- it has been really sad to see them go.  In talking to Nick, I said I keep getting really sad.  And he processed it for me (like he does a lot of times to help me out) that it was not only sad for me- but sad to see the effects of their departure on everyone else- especially Joe & Christie's parents and our girls.  Anna started to tear up at the departure gate and that just about did it for me.  We know they are off on a great adventure and we wish them the best and can't wait to hear all about their time there.  But they will be missed and thought of often and we will always look forward to seeing them when they come home! 

PS- we provided for some great people watching at the airport!  Keeping track of a 4,3,2, and 1 year old was rather amusing!!