Yep, you guessed it, we're moving to Chicago!

Why? [drumroll please] Next fall, Dustinn will be starting at Kellogg School of Management. It's one of the top MBA programs in the nation and Bradshaw, Olivia and I are very proud of him.

We'll be leaving Virginia in May and Kellogg will start in August.

We're Moving.

Where are we going? Here are some clues:

1. It is the 3rd largest city in the United States (NY, LA, then this)
2. nickname: Second City (in "prestige" apparently and the population was the 2nd largest in U.S. for a long time)
3. nickname: City of Big Shoulders
4. movies filmed here: Batman Begins, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, While You Were Sleeping
5. TV shows set here: ER, Family Matters, Punky Brewster, Samantha Who?
   
6. nickname: Chi-town
7. the Sears Tower
   
8. nickname: Windy City
9. The Cubs
   
10. nickname: Obama town

How many did it take for you to figure it out?

Baby Cakes is 4 months old!

I saw my sisters gathered around Olivia and singing to her--of course, they stopped as soon as they saw me with the camera. There was just something sweetly nostalgic and symbolic about the circle that I wanted to savor.

The last couple of weeks have been so special. I wish I had no other duties or responsibilities so I could just while away the hours laying on the carpet baby-talking to Olivia and reading books with Bradshaw.

• Olivia grows, becomes less active, gradually becomes more active, then repeats this cycle. For instance, we could feel she was heavier around the same time she stopped rolling over but now if we lay her on the carpet she quickly rolls 360 degrees.
• She loves sucking on her hands.
• She'll look around the room for our faces and light up when she sees them.
• She loves being kissed and is oh-so-kissable!
• She's started laughing:

My sister sent this:

makes me very happy 'cause I feel the same way about her.

New Year's Eve.

Maybe I'm growing up, or maybe it's part of becoming a parent
but I'm perpetually realizing all the sacrifices my parents have made to provide fun, memorable experiences for us.

New Year's Eve was no exception.
When I envision how the evening came to be, I picture my Mom & Dad sitting on the edge of their bed holding a planning session.

New Year's Eve started with fireworks. Bradshaw was in heaven.

Colton lit one and threw it in the snowbank. Once it sunk below the surface the whole bank was glowed red, then green, then white.

a few of us: Nelson Katy Polly Dustinn Bradshaw Genny & James

We each wrote our New Year's wish down on piece of paper and lit it on fire. The rule is, if it flies you get your wish:

We had a (cream) pie eating contest. Dustinn won.

Bradshaw, who never eats daintilydecided to tonight. :)

We made predictions for 2009, had a balloon drop with prizes and toasted the New Year. It was Bradshaw's first experience with toasting ("bonk, bonk") and now he wants to toast every time he has a drink.

2010 holds a lot of excitement for our family. Happy New Year everyone!

Christmas in the Mountains (aka The bazillion picture post)

a.k.a. The bazillion picture post

This was the first time we (DVB & O) spent Christmas at the cabin. My whole family was together, we found and cut down our own tree, talked around a crackling fire, had a Glee marathon, created trains for Bradshaw involving most of the family members, built a sledding jump, and just had such a magical relaxing time. (And did I mention our bed has an electric heating pad....aaah.)

The trip started with Dustinn's birthday.
We woke him up bright and early with singing and breakfast in bed.
(Little did we know he had worked until 5am that morning. Oops.)

this yellow (think Color Code) was not pleased that stitches were encumbering her playBradshaw wanted to go out in the snow like thisI quickly learned if I wanted some cuddle time with little Lady I had to reserve it several days in advance.Colton had a knack for knowing exactly when to jump.
I can practically hear Bradshaw's squeal.

Can you guess what everyone is gathered around (she's in Uncle James' arms.)

My Grandmother throws a wondeful party for her grandchildren every year.
Olivia was baby Jesus in the Nativity. :)

Nelson loves little Olivia so much.

And, of course, we got to see the beautiful Stefanie!

Katy made this mouth-watering coconut ice cream cake for Dustinn

THE GIRLS
On Christmas Eve we all get new pajamas.THE BOYSChristmas Eve is my favorite part of Christmas (hands down!) Mostly because of a family tradition we call Gift of the Heart.This is my Grandmother & Grandfather
My brother drew the picture in the bottom left.Katy made coordinating shirts for our whole fam and the coolest game plans for coach.all of us around the tree Christmas morningecstatic about Christmas My second mom--my Aunt Nan

Katy, Dad, & my cousin Elissa

Gen & Olive

so kissable, lovable, hugable, unbelievable

Christmas according to Bradshaw

(Auntie Kaykay let Bradshaw borrow her camera.)

Taken by a 2-yr-old:Great GrandmotherGreat Grandfather