Triathlon Series 2011

My newest hobby with Jonathon has been to learn how to swim and bike to compete in a small triathlon series. It was so much fun! From January-April I got stronger and faster at each part. My only goals were: 1. Not to get hurt or drown. and 2. Not to come in dead last in any race. I succeeded!

Our bikes...Mine is the one with the pink handlebars....

Newest Nephew: Noah Christopher...

My first update is that I have a new nephew. He's growing, growing, growing, but here are a couple pics from when he was born. His name is Noah Christopher and he was born on my dad's birthday-February 9. How special is that? Kristen and Chris sure do make big, beautiful babies!

Can't Believe It....

I can't believe it's been since January 1 since my last post. I need to update....I'll start soon....

Christmas Weekend Traveling...

We spent a lot of time traveling around visiting for the holidays. Here's the recap:

Christmas Eve: The DeVore's

Growing up, Christmas Eve was just for the Hooser family. We didn't go anywhere or do anything. It was just the four of us eating snacks, watching movies, and opening presents. Those days are long gone, but Kristen and I always commit to spending Christmas Eve together no matter what else is planned or who else will be there. She hosted her in-laws on Christmas Eve so Jonathon and I joined them...

Sisters

My Aunt Jessie stopped in for a while!!

This is the ONLY UK item in our house. Jonathon always fights me for my IU blanket because it's awesome. Kristen made him one in his alma mater. Ugh.....The things we do for love.

Christmas Day: The Wesely's

We spent most of the day at Jonathon's parents' house. We had a lovely dinner and spent a lot of time visiting. It was nice. We only took two pictures. I need to get better at the "Kodak" moments!

December 26th-Step-Family and "Sticeville"

We still get together with our step-family over the holidays. I love keeping in touch with them since they were such an important part of Dad's life.

Kari loves her gifts.

Connor kept walking toward me when I was trying to take his picture. He wouldn't stand still.

Callie and Mamaw Marilyn

Jill and Kristen

"Sticeville" is what we lovingly call going to Brownsville, Ky to visit the Stice family. I didn't take any pictures!! It's always fun to visit them. We spend most of our time gathered around the kitchen table catching up on life. I enjoyed staying with my cousin and her husband, Kelli and Scott. They are the best hosts! Next visit....PICTURES!!

Merry Christmas to my Hubby...

Warning: Mushy Post Ahead! Jonathon and I don't buy each other Christmas gifts so I wanted to make a special post for him....

Jonathon, you are a better husband than I could have ever hoped and prayed for. I am so very lucky to have you in my life and I praise God each day for giving you to me. For Christmas, here are the top ten reasons I love you....

1. You are unconditional in your love and devotion to me.
2. You have more patience than anyone I've ever met.
3. You give and serve others...when no one is watching....No thank you, necessary.
4. You are good at your job and you take private pride in it. You are very humble about it.
5. You are very smart. I love being able to talk about anything with you.
6. You are hilarious. We spend 90% of our time together laughing.
7. You take excellent care of me when I am sick.
8. You put others' needs above your own.
9. You never complain when I want to drag you out to many social events when you would always rather be by my side on the couch watching a movie.
10. You love God. You live your beliefs. You pray and serve privately.

I love you! Merry Christmas....

Italy Vacation: Venice

Part Three: Venice

Venice was my favorite. The city is just amazing. There are twists and turns and it's very easy to get lost but Jonathon was smart enough to bring his GPS so when we got confused we just pulled out the handy tool and we were back in business. We really spent all of our time just walking around. We purchased a few small items and did some dream shopping in all of those stores that you see in magazines.

I am so glad we ended our tour of Italy in Venice. It was definitely the most romantic of the three cities. We had the best lasagna here and our hotel was amazing. Everything was just beautiful!!

The highlights...

Italy Vacation: Bologna

Part Two: Bologna

Bologna is a much more modern town. It's a university town and the surrounding areas are home to many motorsports car factories. Jonathon and I found a package months ago that would allow us to tour Ducati factory and museum, Lambo factory and museum, and the Ferrari museum. To top it off, Jonathon got to drive a Ferrari for twenty minutes. It was the thing he looking forward to the most. It was a fun-filled time. Walking around the shops in Bologna was much more fun because the types of stores there were much more affordable. We still didn't buy anything, but it was much more fun to look! We ate at the Italian McDonalds. A Parmesan burger is really good! We also tried lemon sorbetto...it was like a lemon milkshake....so good! I also had the BEST tortellini of my life in Bologna.

The highlights...