So much to celebrate in 2013!

Jennie's engaged!! Last Friday Mitch and I had a huge night planned... by huge I mean we were going to Babies R' Us to pick out new carseats for Harper. She's outgrown her baby carrier so new carseats were a must. While we were scanning the aisles, Mitch got a phone call from Jennie. I knew right away what the news was about! We couldn't be more excited for the two of them, and officially adding Mike to the family. The girlies decided to get together Sunday morning for a celebratory breakfast at 3 Squares to hear about the proposal, see the bling :) and talk wedding stuff! It's going to be a fun year full of exciting events! 

I took New Years Eve off work to hang out with Mitch and Harper and to extend my long weekend. We met up with Helleen's at Jake's City Grill in Plymouth for our usual NYE appetizers. I love all the random traditions we have as a family, and this is just one of them! Harper was spending the evening with Granny and Pops while Mitch and I spent a night out with some friends. Jake's was a perfect way to start our evening!

We met the Morsch's and Stuntz's at Figlio's in the West End for dinner. It's been awhile since we were all together, and as usual - we had a great time! There were plenty of laughs, drinks and story swapping. Amanda and Jayna were having dinner at the same restaurant so I was able to see them on NYE too!

After dinner, our NYE night continued with a few stops. First we headed to the Donahue's party. They were having a few people over to ring in the new year. It's always a blast anytime we see them, and we just love their puppy Maggie. She is the sweetest dog, all 85-90lbs of her. After Paul and Kody's we made our way to the newly engaged couples home. Mike and Jennie were also having a lil' shindig, so we officially rang in 2013 with them. We spent the night playing Cards Against Humanity - and laughing way too much. If you've never heard of the game, google it. It's an adult version of Apple to Apples and absolutely hysterical. I think my stomach muscles were sore the next day from all the giggles. Cheers to a great 2012, and an even better 2013!

New Years day I had signed up to run the Life Time Fitness Commitment Day 5k. Me and 5 other co-workers registered for the run weeks ago, and that morning I was seconding guessing my idea of running. The temperature was fluctuating from -2° to 0° and we were running outside. Mitch and Harper stayed home, and I made my way down to the Metrodome to meet my fellow REACHer's to start 2013 off right. The run was chilly, but I always feel good when I cross that finish line. 

The rest of the day we laid low, and stayed in comfy clothes. Harper played and played and played, and we snuck a couple naps when she was sleeping. We were back to work Wednesday after a nice long weekend. It's nice to get on schedule again and wind down after the busy holidays. 

Harper is walking full time now, she never really crawls at all anymore. She is really starting to mimic things we do and sounds we make. Her newest thing is to shake her finger "no, no, no." My Mom always does it to their dog Gracie and Harper has caught on. She can point out almost every monster from Sesame Street, and continues to adore Elmo. We also ask her, "Harper, what sound does a cow make?" - she sort of moans a little, but we take it as a "moo!" She is always keeping us on our toes, and has us smiling everyday. I shot a little video showcasing some of her newest "tricks." (again, the wrong way on my camera - sorry! it appears sideways!). 

Happy New Year everyone!

Until next time...

The Helleen's