Christmas/Anniversary Celebration

Wow - it's been a long time, so I guess I'll do a couple of posts!
First - what have we been up to...
I had my 31 week appointment for the babies on 12-8, and everything checked out fine.
The rest of the week was busy as we were preparing to celebrate Christmas with my family, and also to celebrate 40 years of marriage for my parents. So, we put the Christmas tree up, did lots of Christmas shopping, wrapped all the gifts...and we got everything done that we needed to.
Thursday 12-10 was my Christmas party for work, so I had the afternoon off. When Brian was finished with work, we needed to go to church for our baptism prep class that evening. It was very enlightening and informative, and we are very excited about getting the babies baptized in February.
Then, the whirlwind weekend began...Friday morning, we packed up the car, and headed to Toledo. Unfortunately, it was a very long ride for me and the babies - they really don't like being in the car for more than an hour! Upon arrival, Brian needed to stop into the office in Toledo to finish something up at the last minute, then we headed to Lyn and RJ's. They were taking the kids to see Santa Clause, so we tagged along. the trip was interesting, as Brian and I got a glimpse of what life is going to be like for us - getting 2 kids dressed and out the door takes time! However, it was very precious to see Lyn's 2 kids sitting on Santa's lap, so we know that fruits of our labor will be worth it.
Friday evening, we met our friend Barb for dinner and conversation. It was so wonderful to catch up with her. However, our visit was limited as there were other friends to see. After dinner, we headed to Waterville to visit/meet a former co-worker of Brian's. Although Brian and I have been together for almost 7 1/2 years, I had never met Marcia until Friday evening. We had a great time visiting with Marcia, Robin, and their family and friends...although it was a bit odd for me to be in a bar drinking water!
We were able to enjoy a good night of sleep and Lyn and RJ's, then Saturday morning packed up to head to my parents. Once everyone arrived, we did some family pictures, enjoyed a delicious lunch, then it was time to celebrate Christmas! We all received many nice gifts, but the best was having everyone together - including Rod and Dennis from Phoenix.
After Christmas, it was time to finish preparing to celebrate mom and dad's 40th anniversary. We washed up the good china, finished the sides for dinner, and left detailed instructions for Aunt Shirley for finishing up dinner. Then, we were off to church at 4:00. (You all thought I was kidding earlier when I said it was a whirlwind weekend, didn't you?)
Mass was very nice. They mentioned mom and dad's anniversary during the petitions, and they were asked to carry up the gifts. Gram was there, as well as Aunt Marie, Uncle Jim, Uncle Bill, Aunt Jean, Hunter and Ryan. It was nice to have so many loves ones present to celebrate such a milestone.
After church and visiting, we headed back to mom and dad's house for the remainder of the evening. Aunt Shirley had everything set up for us, and we enjoyed a delicious Prime Rib dinner (along with a few beverages for most of us). It was a jam packed day, but a very joyous celebration.
Sunday was a very relaxing day, as we really didn't have a whole lot planned. Gram and Pete stopped by to spend some time with Rod and Dennis, as did Aunt Marie and Uncle Bill. We spent time looking through mom and dads wedding albums, and laughing at how much things have changed in 40 years.
Monday, Brian and I, dad, Lyn, RJ, and the kids went to Montpelier and took mom out for lunch before it was time to head back to Cincinnati. We stopped to see Brian's mom and his sisters for a while, had dinner with them, then onward home. We were all exhausted when we arrived home - thankful for a wonderful weekend, but also very happy to finally be home. Our last trip before the arrival of the babies had concluded.
Pictures from the weekend will be posted shortly. Hope you enjoy.
A baby update will follow shortly as well.
Love to all,
Kate