Dax and Callie's much anticipated arrival!

Leaving Dax and Callie in a Pet Camp in San Francisco was extremely difficult for Josh and I.  Dax and Callie seemed to enjoy their time at Pet Camp, who wouldn't when your day includes three hours of playing, chasing bubbles, and swimming every day?  Three months and two days on a plane later, Dax and Callie finally arrived at their new Irish home.  They have transitioned to the Island quickly and enjoy their daily runs, romps in an actual yard, and snuggling with us!  They are even learning to understand the Irish bark.

That's right!  Callie has a blinged out collar!

Dax looking so serious.

This is one of the areas we had to block off, as you can tell, Dax is trying to get around it.

After 15 minutes of playing in this yard, these two are beat!

Callie

Dax

Dax is playing hide and seek with Callie.

They enjoy darting in and out of the hedges!

Interested in the pond.

Taking in the view

Snuggling with one of their favorite people.

Home for Christmas

We absolutely cherished our time back in Colorado and California.  Every minute was filled with family and friends.  Christmas jubilee started on Christmas Eve with the Wesling Clan.  We went to Christmas Eve service, ate a delicious dinner, opened presents, and barely survived a diaper blowout.  It was a truly wonderful night.  The festivities continued Christmas day were time was spent with the Thompson Clan.  We had a coffee cake morning and enjoyed ripping into presents.  Later, we journeyed out to the Springs to visit Bubby, Aunt Sue, and the rest of the Hamilton crew.  Next, we saw Uncle Tom and Aunt Lesca and finished with dessert at Josh's dads house.  It was a great time spent with everyone.  Over the next week, we were able to spend quality time with everyone.  We went shopping with Chris and Caity, celebrated Caity's 1st anniversary of her 21st birthday, went to the Children's Museum with Brooklynn and Chandler, and saw Tron with my parents. Josh and I also were able to spend time with Tim, Hannah, Jason, Julie, Laurie, and Samantha!  Josh and I didn't realize how home sick we were until we were surrounded by our loved ones.  The next week Josh trekked to California for work, and I joined him later.  But I of coarse couldn't leave the Sunshine State without seeing Moriah, James, Andrea, Brett, Jen, Eric, Dallas, and Linz (my favorite Californians!).  We appreciate everyone accommodating us and we love you all a ton!

Josh and Chandler on Christmas Eve

Brooklynn gearing up for presents!

Julie, Brooklynn and Chandler

The girls are in their present opening pj's.

Chandler after the said BLOWOUT!

Mom and Dad surrounded by their Winter Wonderland.

Brooklynn and I reading Nosy Rosie.  Love the hats and Brooklynn's expression!

Brooklynn stuffing her presents in her pajamas for safe keeping!

Josh's brother Zach

Caity on Christmas

Best looking guy ever with pretty pink paper

Josh and his dad

Bros!

Next up: doggy reunion and Brussels!

Christmas Markets in Prague

Ask anybody which city in Europe they love the most, resoundingly the answer is Prague!  So Erin, my Irish friend who hails from Fort Collins, and I flew out to experience Prague in all its splendor.  We found ourselves leaving one cold snap, only to encounter a much colder one.  Large fluffy flakes swirled the air as we navigated our way from Wenceslas Square, through Old Town, and over to Prague Castle.  On our journey we enjoyed delicious food, fabulous shopping, and discovered Prague's rich history.

This was the first Christmas Market. 

Me getting super excited about Mulled Wine!  To my surprise Mulled Wine isn't good and was poured out seconds later.

The National Museum starts Wenceslas Square and is the symbol of Prague's National identity.

Erin is acting as a scale marker to show the enormity of the Christmas Tree.  Okay, she is just posing for a shot, but that is a seriously large tree!

View of the Christmas Market from Wenceslas Square.  The National Museum is at the top.

Tyn Church.  This church inspired many of the churches depicted in Disney movies.  The towers on this church gives Prague one of its many nicknames - Golden City of Spires.

This is the Astronomical Clock.  This clock is the oldest of its kind in Europe.  It is believed that the clock maker was made blind so that he couldn't repeat his work.  Every hour, on lookers watch as tiny animated Apostles and Death parade past.

Erin, the Astronomical Clock and I.

The Christmas Market of Old Town Square and the Tyn Church are in the background.

St. Nicholas Church is considered to be one of the most beautiful churches in Prague.

On our first full day, Erin and I took a tour bus ride around town. 

Initially the Dancing House was named "Astaire & Rogers Building", after famous dancing duo.

Light illuminating the Square.

Our first night we ate dinner at UPrince as suggested from my Irish friend Orla.  We sat on the rooftop with blankets and heaters and enjoyed the breathtaking views.  In the background is the Astronomical Clock and the Tyn Church.

The crisp air was just as breathtaking as the view.  Prague Castle is looming behind Erin.

Brrrr!

Entrance to Prague Castle.

Vladislav Hall was once home to princes of Bohemia.  The Bohemia influence is prevalent throughout the city.

The Golden Gate arches are mosaic with a scene depicting the Last Judgment.  Kings used this as their entrance into the castle.

Prague Castle was built in the 9th Century.

 Erin and I standing with a view of Lesser Town.  We weren't a fan of this name, but our tour guide explained that Lesser means Lower, it is the town below the castle.

It is difficult to see, but behind the glass, there is a wax Jesus.  Kings would give this Jesus dresses as gifts.  Currently wax Jesus has thousands in his wardrobe to choose from.  It is somebody's job to change him for special occasions!

 A shrine to John Lennon.  The artwork was amazing!

 Naturally I needed to add my artistic stylings (don't worry, my marker wasn't permanent).

 Erin adding her tribute to the wall.

 Erin and I on Charles Bridge.

 Charles Bridge was named after King Charles.  There are 30 sculptures lining the bridge.

 The Charles Bridge band.  Obviously an amazing band.  One guy is playing the washboard! Prague Castle is in the background.

 This sculpture has an interesting story.  We were told that there was a Jewish man who publicly poked fun at Christian beliefs.  His punishment?  He had to paint the inscription behind Jesus.

 Charles Bridge Tower

 I prefer to sit in chairs where I can't reach the ground.

 View from the Astronomical Clock.

 Prague at night.

 Old Town Square Christmas Market.

 Tyn Church at night.

 Erin and I had such a wonderful time.  We also took in a Jazz Concert that was nothing short of how I expect Berry White would perform.  We bonded over sips of wine while trying to thaw out and were able to get a better glimpse into each others life.  I am very grateful for the experience and our new friendship.