December is passing us by

Happy Holidays! I don't know where this month has gone, or even the entire year! Since I got back from my business trip, I've been so busy I haven't had time to post anything. But I have a few minutes while Thom and Aaron are at Lowe's and I'm a little under the weather, so instead of doing the million things I need to do before Christmas, I'm going to sit down with a cup of tea and give you an update.

The trip to Las Vegas was as productive as I'd hoped. I met a lot of good contacts, including many people I've talked to or e-mailed but had never met in person. The hotel (Tropicana) had lousy beds and I barely slept the first night so I was not my best the next day, but I managed to make the best of the short time I had at the conference. I also got to see my friend Lisa who was also there on business and play some nickel slots. My parents got to see Circ du Soleil and also took a friend of theirs out to lunch the full day we were in town. The drive out and back with my folks was pleasant - not too much traffic and we made good time, stopping in Barstow at In-n-Out both ways for lunch.

But best of all, Aaron was fine while I was gone. Kim sent pictures and video to me on the phone so I could see him. He did look for me in the mornings, but seemed OK when I couldn't be found. Thom didn't have any trouble with him in the mornings or at night. I am so thankful for Kim. I don't think I could have done the trip without her. And it was great not having to worry about him while I was gone. They went out in the mornings and again after his naps and he had a great time. He was napping when I got home and when I went in after his nap, I got a lot of hugs. The next day he was clingier than usual, with both Thom and I, but soon returned to normal.

The Saturday after I got back, he got his second flu shot and his Chicken Pox vaccine. He didn't seem to get fussy from them as he has from other shots.

And then Sunday, we had our Order Fusion friends over, including Crystal and Eric and their new 5 day old boy Enzo! I have pictures from that night (including the 2 of us that I've posted here), but there was so much red eye, I need to doctor nearly all the photos (and consider getting a new camera!) I don't have time for that now, but I hope to post more pictures later.

I've been busy with work, and also with trying to get gifts wrapped for Christmas, make Christmas cookies and make gifts for my secret Santa. I'm the one who suggested we make gifts again after a several year hiatus, but I'm starting to wonder if it was the best idea. Thom is taking 2 weeks off, though, so on Monday, while Kim is here, we can work on our gifts. We got a couple of things made today, but there is more to be done. We are coordinating on the gift making since I have some skills he can use for his secret Santa.