New Year’s Eve 2010

Turned out quite fun. I started off volunteering at First Night Council Bluffs.

Then on to a party at Horseshoe, thanks to my little brother scoring us seats at Jack Binion’s. We felt like rock stars and enjoyed ourselves thoroughly. The casino was all decked out for NYE and our meal was amazing.


A four course meal and each course was scrumptious and well presented.

The accompanying drinks were also great especially the champagne toast at midnight.
Perfect that I was able to spend NYE with both my brothers as I can’t remember the last time we were all together on NYE.

And great that Lauren and Cole joined us as well.



I hope everyone had a wonderful New Year and that 2010 brings nothing but greatness (just please noooooo more snooooowww!!).

Bring on the Snow

Of course I am joking, the last thing I want is another 5-7 inches of snow. (Yes they are predicting more snow this week!) I am trying to think positive, so wanted to share these photos from Niobrara this weekend.



Somehow with the snow it looks more artistic, less abandoned old run down buildings.




Even the bridge and un-channeled wild Missouri River looks better with a coat of snow.


The worst winter since 1960ish is good for pretty photos even if it isn’t good for one’s sanity!

Niobrara, Nebraska Cabin Search.

Turns out 126 Spruce was definitely more nightmare than dream come true, disappointing. It’s not a horrible house, just way more fixing up than we planned and still not really large enough for our family.

Lucky for us, there were about six other homes for sale in Niobrara. My parents and I have narrowed our cabin choices down to two. I need input. I love one, my dad loves the other, my mom is in the middle. Either will make a great cabin and provide years of memories.

Option A:

109 Pine, asking price $80,000 (reduced to $74,000).
Built in 1920, 1000 square feet. Four bedrooms, one and half bath, living room, dinning room, kitchen, mudroom and small sunroom (should be screen porch).










Option B:

24 Spruce, asking price $105,000
Built in 1975, 1800 square feet. Three bedrooms, one and half bath (plumbing for another full bath in basement), two living room areas, two dinning rooms, kitchen, laundry room, and large unfinished basement.











I have a vision in my head of what a cabin should look like. I also have a few other reasons for preferring one over the other. My dad is the realist and the wiser one and looks at the overall quality and resale among other things. I won’t say more as don’t want to give away our preferences. Just want input. I must admit I didn’t sleep well last night as laid awake dreaming of how I would decorate either cabin.

Happy New Year!!

I hope everyone has a wonderful New Year's Eve. I am excited to find out what is in store for 2010, as 2009 has been amazing. After way way too much debate I finaly have concrete plans for tonight that I am very excited about (Thanks to my brother Erik!!). Although I would be just as excited had I been able to gather all my friends and family together in one spot for our own celebration! Enjoy and be safe.

*Can't remember where I found this photo but love the use of clear wine glasses as candle holders, would be a perfect table setting for New Years celebration at home.

Family Christmas 2009

We finally celebrated Christmas last night, the Christmas Blizzard and the Flu prevented celebration on Christmas. Everyone gathered at my house for chatter and the requisite family photos.







And then on to the best part – gifts!! (I will admit my brother, dad, mom, and I already opened our gifts on Xmas as we couldn’t wait).









And an amazing dinner prepared by my parents (I host the shin dig but my only requirement is to have a clean house with the tables set for dinner – my cooking skills could not even come close to the skills of my parents).



I don’t have enough Christmas china for all so had to resort to my everyday Christmas dishes for a few tables. May need more Christmas china…

Oh yeah there was a football game last night…Sadly the men had to watch it on my computer as I am cheap and have the most basic cable package ever (which did not include ESPN).

Sorry guys! I am not a tv person so not worth the money to me. My dad’s advice “buy one less pair of shoes a month and upgrade your cable”. Classic. A very enjoyable evening with family. Thanks family for a fun evening, great food, and the great gifts. Love ya.