Fourth Annual Holiday Blog is HERE!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone. As I sit back and look back on the past year that is a blur, I can only smile as I think about the blessings this year bestowed on me. I have again been blessed with a new edition to the family, Gwyneth. To say she is one of the best babies I have ever seen would be an understatement. She is my kind of gal. Stay quiet, whine a little if you are hungry, and sleep whenever you feel like it! We get along just fine me and Gwyn.

This year was another one for some fun trips. I started out 2011 in Rome with Katie and Kelly. Had a wonderful 2 weeks in Europe to start the year. I returned to take on a new role at work. I have never been so challenged, frustrated or proud of the work I have done. I guess that’s really all one can ask for. I am truly blessed by the talent I am surrounded with and am thankful the opportunities they have afforded me. But we all know work is just work and life is the bigger picture.

I was fortunate to get to see my California family earlier this year. The boys are growing so fast. I surprised them with a visit and loved their faces when they realized Aunt Beth was there. I miss them and hope their family has a tremendous Holiday season as well.

This fall I had one of the most enjoyable weekends that I’ve had in a long time. Sara was inducted into the UW-Eau Claire athletic hall of fame. I was so proud of her. But the best part of the weekend was having our immediate family together. I cannot remember the last time it was just 5 of us. It was such a treat to simply make fun of each other, laugh and love all weekend. Truly blessed.

For the end of the year, I had one more big trip planned. Mom and I had talked a few years ago about doing a trip to London one day. This year we made it happen. Over Thanksgiving we spent 10 days in London, Paris and Scotland. It was an amazing trip. Mom and I are awesome travel companions and the places we saw were truly spectacular. I had never been to Scotland and already have the bug to go back someday. Thanks mom for taking the time and travelling with me, could not have had a better way to wrap up the year.

Along with an amazing family, I am blessed with some pretty amazing friends. This year I got to see Emily, Lars and meet Kaia. I always have the great friends who are close to home who keep me sane most of the year. I cannot thank all of them enough for what they add to my life.
So as I look back at 2011, I can only sit and smile with contentment. Life is good. My wish for all of you is that yours is the same. I wish all of you a wonderful Christmas season with your friends and family. 2012 will be a new adventure, and I welcome it with open arms.
Love to all.
Beth