Merry Christmas...a little late!

We hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas! We decided we better stay in Denver this year for Christmas since Abby is almost 34 weeks along. It was strange not being with family but we still managed to have a great Christmas together. We woke up on Christmas morning and skyped Abby's family to watch them open presents. We enjoyed talking to both sides of our family over the phone as well. We then went all out and made a brunch together including carmel pecan sticky buns and mini quiches. Christmas evening we had a friend over from the area who also doesn't have family around and made a fondue supper together. People told us to enjoy our last "quiet" Christmas as this time next year we'll have a 10 month old on our hands. We are greatly looking forward to what 2010 has to bring! Happy New Year to you all!

Our niece Leah watching us on Skype...I think she was more interested in trying to play with the computer!
Our yummy brunch we made together

Our fondue supper

Thanksgiving in Iowa

We traveled back to Iowa for Thanksgiving and were able to stay 6 days...our longest stay in a while! We divided up our time with both of our families and were fortunate enough to take part in some great things while we were back including Abby's cousin's wedding, a baby shower for Abby, our niece Leah's first birthday, and of course time just enjoying the company of our family. All of Paul's siblings and their families were able to make it back to Iowa so we really enjoyed seeing all of them. We have great admiration for Paul's grandma as she bravely hosted about 50 people in her small ranch style house for Thanksgiving dinner!

We stayed with Abby's brother and his family for the second half of our time home and loved spending time with our niece, Leah. She turned one December 1st so we got to be a part of her first birthday party while we were back. Nick and Erica provided great hospitality with many yummy foods and also managed to host a baby shower and birthday party while we stayed with them...quite impressive!

We were sad to make our journey back to Colorado, especially knowing we won't make it home for Christmas. Still, it was fun to think the next time we'll see many in our family, Baby Girl Hovey will join us!

Paul and nephew, Christian.

This is what happens when Uncle Paul has to deal with 5 lovable nieces!

Abby and niece, Brittney

Our niece, Gracie Our niece, Alyssa. She was really into giving everyone massages this Thanksgiving which of course nobody minded. Maybe she's inspiring to be the next PT in the family!

Abby and niece, Leah at the wedding
Abby and Erica. Erica went out of her way to make our time home extra special with not only hosting us but also arranging the baby shower and Leah's birthday party!

Leah the morning of her birthday celebration. She LOVES balloons!

Leah wasn't so sure what to think of her first birthday cake. Still, she enjoyed trying a little bit of the frosting!

Leah feeding her baby. She got 3 strollers for her birthday so I think she'll have plenty of opportunities to play "mommy".

Baby Showers!

Paul and I have been so blessed to have had two baby showers to help prepare for Baby Hovey. The first one was put on by Abby's friend, Sheila (a seminary friend) out here in Denver. The other was put on by Abby's sister in law, Erica, and cousin, Melissa. One of the neatest gifts Abby received at the family shower was a book her cousin Melissa had put together of words of advice/encouragement from everyone attending the shower. Thanks, Meliss! I know you spent hours and hours of time putting this together! We have been overwhelmed with the generosity shown to us by family and friends as we prepare for Baby Hovey.

We are now at 31 weeks pregnant and everything is looking good! Abby is feeling great and we've enjoyed watching/feeling Baby Hovey be VERY active. She seems to always be throwing a party! :) We had our child birth class yesterday and were surprised to leave the class feeling more excited than overwhelmed. We're getting more and more excited to meet this little one!

Some of Abby's seminary friends that helped put on the shower (L to R Marissa, Amber, Megan, and Sheila)

Abby's grandma made this cute little wall hanging for Baby Hovey!

Abby's aunt Pam made these colorful bibs for Baby Hovey.

Abby's cousin's wife, Carmelle, is also expecting and they are due on the same date! We also already share a wedding anniversary with them...we'll see if we have the same name picked out too! :)