It’s the end of the month, which means it’s time to keep our once-a-month posting standard. It was a busy December, as I’m sure it was for everyone else. And with family in town you’d think I’d have a lot to write about. But the truth is, despite all the grand plans for time off around the holidays, we usually end up just hanging around with everybody; watching movies, football, or running errands pretty close to home. Nothing terribly exciting.

It kinda dawned on everyone at some point that this was probably the last time all the Andersons would congregate in one spot for Christmas. Suzi and I are not wild about traveling with a child in tow and I think Jenn & Eric will feel the same way in a couple weeks. Although Jenn & Eric and Suzi & I are all in town for the time being, there’s a chance that a DEA slot for Eric will send those two off on an adventure somewhere else. Matt & Julie and Jeff & Elizabeth may be doing their own thing next year as well. However, we all love getting together during the holidays so I would imagine there might still be some travel for some of us around this time of year. We’ll see!

It was our first Christmas with Sloane! Suzi and I did our best to not go too overboard with the gifts. After all, she’s really more interested in ripping up the wrapping paper than the toy involved. So, this may be the last time that we can dazzle with wrapping paper. Damn. We found some pretty good gifts and she received some great ones from family as well. My Mom and Dad got her some big padded blocks, which Sloane has enjoyed while practicing her walking. In fact, her absolute favorite thing to do is walk around with the assistance of someone who’s already pretty good at it (Suzi qualifies before me). And of course while she’s at it, I’ve been encouraging a little soccer with her new pink Nike soccer ball. She’s made me a proud Dad by taking to it pretty well. So at this point she’s totally skipped the crawling thing, and we’re we’re hoping she’s walking on her own before long. If nothing but for the health of our lower backs!

Back to the grind next week. Hope everyone had a great holiday season and was able to take some time off. As always, you can check out some updated pics in the Photo gallery. We’ll be sure to post again next month. I’d consider making a new year’s resolution to post more often, but I know how likely that is to happen! Everyone keep Jenn and Eric in their thoughts and prayers as they prepare to welcome their first child in January. And if you want in on the boy or girl wagering, give Kris a call!