I know that this update is long overdue, but better late then never... right?
First and foremost, Kathleen got engaged to her boyfriend [Brad] on Wednesday, December 23rd in the Signature Lounge in Chicago! At last, I will finally have a brother! Their engagement along with mine and Dan's first Christmas as a married couple made this holiday season extra special! We have a lot of blessings this Christmas... God has been so good to our family!
Since the hustle and bustle of the busy holiday season gave me a lot of work hours, it felt like Dan and I weren't seeing much of each other throughout the months of November and December. Plus, Dan started going out to Iowa for work in December. So by the time Christmas Eve rolled around the corner we were both ready to relax and visit with our families.
The night before Christmas Eve we drove up to Wisconsin to be with Dan's family. We had a long and productive Christmas Eve with Dan's family. We got to visit his grandmother in her assisted living home and even though her Alzheimer's prevented her from knowing who everyone was, she still played nice and was a super friendly host. We even braved the mall that day... which wasn't so bad.
That evening we gathered at Mandy's house for a full-spread dinner with a variety of red wines and amazing desserts! That evening we opened presents - which takes about 4 hours! It was a beautiful day... we had a very special time with Dan's family.
VERY late Christmas Eve night, Dan and I made our trip to my parents' house. When we got there we went downstairs and crawled right into bed.
Christmas morning the house was all a buzz! First we opened presents and then my dad made his breakfast specialty, Egg McMuffins! Yum! Later that afternoon we went over to the other Koval home to celebrate with Uncle Ron, Aunt Tamie, and our cousins - including our newest cousin-in-law, Andrew (Jessica's husband).
We drew names for Secret Santa over Thanksgiving (well, actually during our Early Bird Special) so today was the day to reveal who had who. It was a blast! Actually, I think that it was my first time ever doing a Secret Santa gift exchange.
Christmas day was a wonderful and special day. It felt good to relax and be with my family. I only wish the day hadn't gone by so soon.
For New Year's Eve, Dan and I went to The Abbington for a fabulous party! We went with Jason, Rachel, and Rachel's college friend, Neelar. It was a blast! The night included:
- 5 Course Gourmet Dinner Prepared by Executive Chef Robert Fabbri
- Hot and Cold Hors d' Oeuvres
- 5 Hour Premium Open Bar
- Unlimited California Merlot and Chardonnay Wine
- Party Favors, Balloon Drop, and Midnight Champagne Toast
- Late Night Buffet and Sweet Table
-Complimentary Coat Check and Valet Parking
- The Hiline Band
- Spin Productions D.J.
- Special Hotel Suite Accommodations and Transportation with: Embassy Suites Hotel Oak Brook/Lombard and Lisle/Naperville Hilton
We took advantage of the hotel specials and free transportation - which made the night even more easy-going and carefree.
The food was delicious and we all ate way too much! We didn't have much room left for the sweet table - which really bummed us out because everything looked amazing. The band was a blast and the D.J. played a ton of dance-friendly songs. We also made sure that we stood right under the balloons for the balloon drop at midnight! It was one wild and crazy-fun New Year's Eve!
Welcome 2010... I love the feeling of a new year!
