We made it to Wisconsin for Christmas! The pile of snow next to the red car was the Honda before we dug it out!

It was great to see Natalie, Michal, and the rest of the Stokes clan. Spending over 18 hours in the Honda I was glad we were able to stay a whole week before heading back to Colorado. It felt a little strange to drive by the QC without stopping and spending time in the midwest in general brought back a strange feeling, as if I had traveled back in time or something. Not saying things were old fashion or anything, more a feeling of walking onto an old stage set you had performed on for years. Everything was as I remembered it to be, I was just a bit older. (I celebrated my 24th Bday on the 24th!).

This year was the first time I had spent away from my family and it really didn't hit me until my Mom called that morning. Overall I had a wonderful time! The guys played lots of pool and ping-pong, we got see the school Natalie teaches at, and several tours of the different parts of Milwaukee. I hope we can go back soon.

Being trapped indoors has been fun. I have organized, sorted papers, and like always moved around our furniture. I am a little tired of playing Yahtzee, but the forced slow down is great.

Most who read this know that we have been at times discontent with Parker. It is a great community, tons of activity and the effort to make things connected and whole is whole-hearted, but most folks who live here range from newly started families to empty-nesters. There was always the tug to stay in douglas county because it was close to my parents, Josh's job, and is continually growing.

Last week we decided to post our place for rent and head downtown. Josh is looking for something in the Lodo area for a short commute and we are working to get our income under a certain amount to move into a lower rent payment. There are tons of new lofts that set aside about 1/3 of the units for income restricted living and the rent is double for those you are above the line. After spending the time to figure all the numbers out, something I love to do anyway =) it turns out life would be MUCH more enjoyable, if I can incorporate and Josh finds something that makes less than 30k and has less pressure and responsibility.

I am excited to have our lives be less consumed with work, a chance to be downtown, close to a church community we enjoy, and the freedom to go the mts more and travel and see people. I know this will be a learning experience, and I am not 100% sure I am going to be able to get the business side of things worked out, but as always I dont mind learning while I go. We have a renter, we have a destination, and now if the snow plows could get to us we could get on our way! Check it out.

Mercantile Square

Broadway Plaza

Burlington Place

Our Holiday Blizzard! The plan was to leave tomorrow for Wisconsin to spend Christmas with the Stokes family, but right now all the highways are closed! Usually when it snows here it melts within a few days. The snow falling today is forecasted to blow through the night! All those wishing for a White Christmas will have their wish. We tried to leave to travel down the street not even a mile and could not get out of the parking area. We are still hopeful for Christmas in Wisconsin, it might just take awhile. Hope all have a great time with family and friends!! Much love.