Stuart's parents found a piano on Craig's list! Tyler loves music, so we thought this would be a good way to introduce him to a real piano and some lessons down the road.

Stuart, Tyler, and I went to see the final home bball game of the season last Sunday. It was a close game, but the Spartans won. :-( We headed to Texas Roadhouse for some dinner after the game and who do we run into? Trent Meachem and Mike Tisssssssssssssssssdale!!! They were both very tall and we said hi to them. Tyler was so excited!!

Chicago Boat Show

Stu and I went to the Chicago Boat Show this past weekend at the McCormick Center. Tyler stayed at home with my parents. We met up with fellow boaters Jason and Holly, and my brother, checked out the boats we will never own, and then we all ate downtown at Rock Bottom. The city was pretty with the falling snow and the Christmas lights still up. The next day we shopped at Orland Square and had lunch at Stuart's favorite restaurant - Buca's. It was a nice little getaway weekend. Next stop is the St. Louis Boat show next month!

This was about the best Christmas ever, even though I had to work on Christmas Eve. Tyler spent the day with my parents. They went to Hometown and the mall. And then Grandma Strate picked up Tyler for dinner and they made cookies for Santa. Tyler was so excited and could name most of Santa’s reindeer. The cookies were for them too. Tyler stayed up late and did not even wake up until almost 8 am. He loved the chainsaw-- it was his favorite gift from Santa.
Stuart cooked a turkey and did an excellent job!! It was super moist and cooked really fast in the convection oven. We had everyone over for Christmas lunch - Papa & Grandma Linda, Grandma Diane & Bobbo and Justin & Jamie. It was a full house with tons of food. Tyler got a guitar, drums, and harmonica. We even made a visit to Great Grandma Reed in the nursing home later in the day.

Officially starting my blog. More to come!