The Chatman Family

Time really does fly.

Man, I thought I was all caught up, but I have to do another mad recap to catch everyone up! Since my last post, here's what we've been up to:

• We had a small, quiet Thanksgiving with just the 3 of us. Bryan had to dash to the store, and I was busy in the kitchen all morning, but overall it was nice and relaxed. I made everything (not all from scratch of course!), and if I do say so myself, it turned out pretty good! Everything was great until the dishwasher broke that night.
• Bryan threw an early suprise party for me! I was completely thrown. A lot of our good friends here in Anchorage showed up and we had a good time just hanging out. There were bunches of kids, too, so Abby had a blast!
• Bryan managed to get a new oven (ours was ancient!) and a new dishwasher installed the night before...
• We hopped on a plane (thanks for the early morning ride, Justin!) to sunny Florida! We got to spend two glorious weeks with Bryan's family. Lo and behold, the sun has not disappeared for good! It's just hiding a little farther south! We got to be with Bryan's parents and his sister Cindy and brother-in-law Dan, and sister Darla came for a visit, too! It was just amazing. In that time, we:
• went to Walt Disney World and spent the day at the Magic Kingdom. Abby was such a trooper and we enjoyed so many things there. Too bad we couldn't even finish half the park! You really need a week or more... That night we went to Epcot for the nightly fireworks display and wow! was that a treat!
• We played a bunch of card games - that's something Bryan and I don't do much at home, but when we get together with the Chatmans, let the competition begin! I love it, and really look forward to those times.
• I also got a 2nd surprise birthday party! Who would have guessed!? Bryan really outdid himself this year. I got to hang out with a few of my old girlfriends from my days at Campus Crusade HQ in Orlando, and it was so good for my heart. Dan and Cindy hosted the shindig in their beautiful new home, and Cindy made a batch of Bryan's favorite cookies.
• While I was there, I got to play around with my big birthday gift - a Nikkon D60 - and I had so much fun! There's still a lot to learn, but I'm getting the hang of it! There are a lot of new pictures in our photo album, so check it out!

Now we're home again, and although it's been a few days, I'm still adjusting. I think I'm still 4 hours ahead on easten time! Last night I couldn't keep my eyes open and finally took a "nap" at 7 pm. It's now half past midnight here, and I'm wide awake! We're just in time to have a quiet Christmas just the 3 of us. Well, okay, maybe it's not so quiet since Bryan spent last night cutting a hole (read doorway) in our wall to the other side of our duplex! He did such an amazing job, and we don't have a giant mess everywhere! I covered our furniture with old sheets while he worked, and took down the stockings, but while I slept, he got everything put back where it goes. The doorway isn't finished yet, but having access to that extra space is going to be such an immense help! With our little girl coming in April, we're sure to have lots of family and friends to follow soon after!

Sorry for the long, long post. But now you know the latest! I'll be adding some more Florida and Christmas pictures soon, so check back!