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

Newest Shimanski!

October 19, 2011- Gwyneth Louise was born a little over a week ago. Steve, Gretchen, Myles and Gwyneth are all doing great. I was able to get over there the first two nights at the hospital to meet the little lady. She was born with a full head of dark hair. I spent one day this weekend hanging with their family and had a blast. Gwyneth was sweet, slept a lot and never fussed. Myles was in his own world and I had a lot of fun playing with him. He is talking more and more and is so entertaining. Check out some pictures and a video of Myles singing and dancing.

London BABY!!

This was my second trip to London. I loved my first trip and could not wait to see the city again and explore some new areas. We were also very excited to have tickets for one of our favorite musicals, Wicked. Kelly had never seen it but it was my 4th time and Katie's 3rd. Just as good this time around. But enough about that, let's get to the highlights!!


We started out with a traditional pub close to our hotel. It was awesome. Last time I was in London I was solo so I did not venture out much at night or visit any pubs. So this trip was really cool to get to experience the British Pub. We each started with our version of what the experience should be. Katie and I, fish and chips and peas with a pint of English beer. Kelly, what else, Guinness. It was a cute joint and a great way to start our time in London.

The next day we were off for some sightseeing. We started at the Tower of London. The Beefeater gave us a great tour and history of the place. Such a rich history in one area. I loved it, especially the Traitor's Gate and tyring to picture Anne Boleyn or some prisoner's being brought into the fortress from the Thames River. I am kind of a dork for stuff like that, plus I got hooked on the Tudor's series so it was pretty cool for me.

Then we hiked along the river for an hour past the Globe Theatre and eventually ended at Big Ben. Then we grabbed some lunch and rested up for our night out at Wicked. I could see that musical every day!! it was incredible.

The next day we were off for Windsor Castle, Stonehenge and Bath. A trip that took almost 12 hours. It was a great day, some good sights and great adventures.