The Best Gift Ever

I wanted to share my most favorite gift with all of you this year. You probably won't get as excited as I did, but it's still pretty cool. This is my new work/grad school bag! My amazing mom and dad got me this beautiful Fossil bag so I can be (and look) super professional and organized on my new grad school venture. Even though class doesn't start until Monday, I've already started putting things in it because I can't wait to use it!

I mean, this just screams "journalist" - right?

(Thanks Mom and Dad! You're the best!!)

Thank You 2010

2010 was an undoubtedly good year for us, filled with almost too many good things to count. We enjoyed many trips to see dear friends and saw even more of them get married. We spent time with our amazing families and even went hiking in Joshua Tree National Park. We made some huge life decisions and moved to a brand new city. We basked in the glory of another Minnesota summer and took a lot of walks around the lakes. And we definitely ate a lot of Sebastian Joe's ice cream. We went for motorcycle rides and helped welcome some new precious lives into this world. We were lucky. We were blessed.

So as we ring in the new year, we're remembering all the great things that 2010 brought and are anxiously awaiting all that 2011 has in store.

So from our family to yours, happy new year!

Hiking at Joshua Tree

Visiting one of my best buddies :)

A trip to Mexico, visiting the ruins of Chichen Itza

The boy likes to run...

So hardcore

A perfect Minnesota summer sunset

Our empty apartment (we miss you!)

Lots of driving.... lots

Chicago: our new city

Lots of winter walks by the lake

Spreading some Christmas spirit!

'Tis the Season to Decorate

Let the decorating begin! Luke and I spent one day last week decorating our cozy 600-square-foot apartment for the holidays. We didn't bring our massive Christmas tree with us though, so we had to improvise. A lot. We picked up this adorable mini Christmas tree at Michael's - really, the whole "boot" part is what sold us.

Luke is in charge of lights.

We had to get creative with where to hang the stockings...

The finished tree! It only stands an impressive two feet tall, so we added our normal tree topper to give it some help.

Merry Christmas, everyone!