Year in review continued

Let's see, where did I leave off? Oh, July... this summer was unseasonably warm all over, including Denver.  I really was kicking myself several days for agreeing to live in an un-airconditioned house, but I have to say that is the only gripe I had. We lived in such a great neighborhood!  The month kicked off with a weeklong visit from John's sister Colleen, husband Patrick, and three great kids.  Besides an unfortunate fourth of July mishap (our niece Maura sliced her foot on a makeshift slip and slide, requiring a trip to the emergency room) the trip was great. Jack and I ventured to Rocky Mountain National Park with the Greens. John had to stay back in Denver and work. Oh, and I suppose I shouldn't leave out the best surprise of all...we found out this month that Jack was going to be a big brother in March!  A big earlier than expected, but nevertheless so thrilling. A little scary, but a lot exciting.

Rocky Mountain National Park

Jack frolicking with cousin Bridget, 11 months older

August brought more crazy hot weather, a visit from the Romanos, and at the end, our much anticipated 9 day adventure to Ireland to see the Irish kick off the season against Navy.  It was so hard to leave Jack behind, but knowing he was in good hands helped. It was certainly an overall success.

Jack, Tía Nene, and Nick

Riding the carousel at the Denver Zoo

September 1st was the Irish vs. Navy game in Dublin.  The excitement in the air all over Dublin was palpable!  I absolutely loved Ireland. It completely exceeded my expectations. It was almost surreal to me, like I felt like I had been there in a past life or something. My only regret was not having more time to see more of the beautiful country.

12 weeks and already making an appearance.

Notre Dame sings their alma mater post victory. Aviva Stadium, Dublin

Oh!  I almost forgot. At the end of September we bid farewell to Denver.  Our last weekend we headed up to beautiful Aspen and hiked a portion of Maroon Bells. What an absolutely perfect ending to a very memorable seven months in Colorado.  I want to go back.

With October came a cross country trip  including a two week stop over at Grandpa and Grandma Scully's,  several visits with old friends, and finally on to Virginia and our new rental house.  Phew.

Okay, I'm combining November and December because I'm getting tired of this post.  For Thanksgiving we ALL got together at Casa Romano for Thanksgiving Day. I volunteered to cook all the sides and loved it.  Luckily Turkey Day foods are pretty foolproof.  For Christmas we loaded up and headed to Grandpa and Grandma Scully's house.  Lots of good Christmas memories were made. Jack knows and loves all his Grandparents and cousins now. Christmas with little people is truly magical.  Here are a few pictures.

Jack and cousin Nick playing at Thanksgiving

Jack helps Daddy lug in the Christmas tree

Out of order, but I had to sneak in a Miami Pic (January, 2013) 

Tough loss, but we sure had fun. Go Irish! 

Jack absolutely loved "la playa"

Jack gets a gift from Aunt Ann 

Bed head on Christmas Morning

A "Jack in the Box" for Jack

Helping Jack open gifts on Christmas Eve