Santa makes a surprise visit.

Our niece, Savannah with Santa and one of the puppies.
Santa with Ben's parents new puppies, Chester and Charlie.

Santa getting ready to pass out presents.

This past weekend Ben and I hosted his family for a Christmas gathering and Santa made a surprise visit and passed out presents to everyone. Our 3 year old niece, Savie, was so excited and was a great helper. Ben and I even got gifts! He received a new set of drill accessories and I received some new ornaments that I quickly hung on our tree.

Holiday Party at the Cook's House

We've made lots of annual traditions with our friends and Christmas dinner is just one of them. Here is all of us celebrating the holidays at the Cook's House. Ben and I

The Cook's House is pretty tiny so we rented the whole place out just for ourselves. The Cook's House is already our favorite place to eat and as always, we were treated to great food and service.

All of the boys enjoying some wine.

Ben and I feel so fortunate to have such a great group of friends in Traverse City. 2009 was so much fun and we look forward to many more memories in 2010 and beyond!

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

Lately, I have been feeling very creative so I made candle lanterns seen here. I printed some Christmas sayings on normal white paper, wrapped it around into a cylindar, then tied with a ribbon. I think it looks great next to my favorite picture of Ben and I lit by candles.

I also felt the need to bake-which is a rarity in our house. So Christmas cookies it was! Here are the finished cookies with homemade frosting. I also tried something a little different with the gingerbread men. I melted chocolate then sprinkled them with crushed candy canes. Yum!

Ben even got involved by decorating some cookies.

Proof I am cooking.

cut out sugar cookies, Ben's favorite

Our Christmas tree.

The table all decorated....thanks Mom for the tablecloth.

Stockings and Nativity Scene

Girls Weekend!

Having fun in Bay City
At dinner-very yummy

Megan, MacKenzie, Lindsay, Macare, Katie, Kate and I ready for food and drinks after a long day of shopping

To cap it all off-a movie being film in downtown TC starring Josh Lucas. It was really cool to watch and can't wait until the movie comes out.

Our husbands went to Grand Rapids for the weekend so us ladies treated ourselves to a "beer" widows weekend. First stop was shopping at Birch Run, then we headed to Bay City for the evening where we went to dinner and drinks. The next day once we arrived back in TC we headed downtown to see Hollywood in action. A film is being filmed right here starring Josh Lucas. Can't wait until the movie comes out! Oh, and our next trip to Birch Run ;)!

Pyramid Point

Katie and I down by the water-yes we climed the whole way down and back up!
A view from the top. It was the most gorgeous day in November for a hike. TC's hidden "gems" reminds me why we live here-so breathtaking.

Ben and I-looks like we are falling off the edge.

Taking advantage of the nice, warm weather Ben, Katie, Brian and I hiked at Pyramid Point. We even climbed to the bottom and found Petoskey Stones. Ater a long hike back up we enjoyed drinks and good food at Art's Tavern in Glen Arbor.

Happy Halloween!

Our little niece Savannah dressed as Cinderella. She was so cute!
Ben dressed as a "raver" and me a french maid.

The ladies all ready for the party.

Our group at the Terminal.

Before the fun party Ben and I passed out candy to over 600 kids. There were such cute costumes and so many people! Happy Halloween!

STEELER GAME! (be prepared for lots of pictures)

We woke up at 7am for breakfast and beer. The first thing I did was finally perform my farkle!

Ben and I in our Steeler gear thanks to Rachel.

Rachel and I with Dad!

Me and Rachel-I love you Rach!

Rachel and Jeremy-such a cute photo and cute couple!

Jeremy, Ben, Dad, and Nick at the tailgate.

Rachel, Jeremy, Ben and I all ready for the game.

Dad and I in front of 1 of 6 Super Bowl trophies.

Inside the stadium as the teams warmed up. It ended up being a sunny, hot day for the game.

The crowd in black and gold, waving Terrible Towels.

Ben and I went to our first Steeler's game ever and it ended up being a great day. They played Minnesota which at the time was undefeated with Favre as the quarter back. Well after a great game and lots of good plays, Steelers won! It ended up being the biggest crowd ever at Heinz Field and you could tell by all the noise Steeler fans made after we won. Such a fun way to end a great visit to Pittsburgh.