Holiday Recap and Iowa Caucuses

Whew! What a whirl-wind of activities the last 2 weeks. The holidays were fantastic this year! We had a great time relaxing and visiting with our families.

The Kelly crew rolled into town on Friday. The kids were so excited to be at Grandma and Grandpa's house. We spent most of the weekend doing last minute shopping and prepping for Christmas. Christmas Eve was spent in our normal fashion: hanging out during the day, and exchanging gifts from each other later in the evening. We spent Christmas Eve morning with the Lumley's (Jimmy's dad's side of the family). His Grandma Margaret and Grandpa Lynn had a great spread for all of us to enjoy! The picture at right is of Grandma Margaret and her grandchildren.

In the afternoon we were back with the Reelitz's to exchange gifts. The gals (Mom, Sam, Lex, and I) snuck out for a little holiday cheer at Kahunaville (see picture at left)! We all exchanged gifts to each other later in the evening and had a great time checking out everyone's stuff. Of course we got our annual matching Christmas PJ's that everyone loves so much from my mom! Jimmy got me the greatest gift--a DVD camcorder. So not only will I be harassing everyone with my digital camera, but also recording video as well! :) We got Mac a fish, which Cal named 'Nemo'. They loved it! The guys topped off the evening with a round of poker and some competitive pool.


Christmas day was wonderful as always! My mom and dad knocked themselves out as usual!We opened our Santa presents and had our traditional prime rib and cesar salad lunch prepared by my dad. The rest of the day was spent in a food coma! Jimmy and I got a new set of luggage for our Honeymoon from my parents....we are definitely excited to use them!

The day after Christmas we went to Jimmy's mom's side of the family. It was great to catch up with everyone, especially his Aunt Mindy from Pittsburgh! We learned how to play Grandpa Larry's new Wii, and I had to spend a lot of time convincing Jimmy that we didn't need to purchase one for our own home! Grandma Judy gave us a family recipe scrapbook that is just amazing! I am so grateful that she shared pieces of their family history, as well as some of their favorite recipes with me. I can't wait to use it!

As the Kelly crew headed back to Chicago on Saturday, we had some new visitors join us. The Best man in our wedding, Justin Scherff, ventured our way for a few days. We held quite the New Year's Eve party this year! We got a keg and brought out the beer pong table for a few hours before heading out to one of our favorite bars--Miss Kitty's! My parents graciously agreed to give everyone a ride to and from and we had a BLAST!! Miss Kitty's is always a good time! It was packed and everyone had a great time dancing and hanging out.

After recovering on New Year's day, we headed to my Uncle Brian and Renie's to see some of the Reelitz's. We hadn't all gotten together for awhile, so it was great to spend time chatting and enjoying the delicious food! It was my Uncle Brian and Aunt Brenda's birthday as well....HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

As many of you know, today was a BIG day in Iowa. The caucuses were held tonight and there was a lot of hype surrounding the entire state. Des Moines has been jam-packed with candidates, their entourages, and public forums. Jimmy and I got the opportunity to see Mitt Romney this afternoon at an appearance he made at Principal and he shook our hands! We're proud to say we attended the caucus and cast our votes for the first time. We even attended the Romney after-party....and we got our picture taken with him (see below)!! One of our goals for 2008 is to participate more in his political campaign. Check out his website: http://www.mittromney.com/

Now it's onto 2008....what a tremendously awesome year Jimmy and I have had. We are extremely grateful to all of our family and friends for their constant love and support, and for making this journey so much fun! As we enter into the new year, we can't help but be anxious for the festivities that are fast approaching (155 days). This past year has brought about many changes for us, from purchasing our first home, to both graduating from college and much more, we are very blessed! 2008 ready or not....HERE WE COME!!

With Love,
Morgan