Post Holidays

The vacation back to Ohio was awesome! It was quite interesting to fly into a snowstorm in Dayton, OH. I was afraid my flight would be cancelled and I'd be spending my holidays in Gate C , but by the grace of God our pilot didn't seem to mind and must've been wearing a "no fear" tshirt to do what he did. When we boarded the plane they announced that Dayton's law recquired extra fuel due to the weather conditions, but that then made our plane weigh too much. Yikes! They actually asked two people to exit the aircraft to "lighten the load!" And before ya know it, two people did! That didn't quite put my conscious at ease, but it made me laugh for sure. When we landed into snowdrifts on the runway, all I could think of...at least I'm on Ohio's ground, and it's going to be a white Christmas!
It was so nice to see my family, the house all decorated and cozy, and I adore Christmas trees. I always have. On Christmas eve day, all of my family flew or drove in. Both brothers, both sisters, their wives, husbands and kids. It was awesome! And my new fiance drove in a snow storm to spend Christmas with me and my family...what a trooper! We played lots of games, a whole lot of poker (and I think I had beginners luck), and we ate a ton. Such is the holiday season! It was a lot of people at once, so I found myself often escaping for some down time. Which is funny, I miss these people the whole year through, then we are all together, and we get overwhelmed. Ironic. And to tell you the truth, I'm already homesick for them.
Eric and I headed to his family in BG for a second Christmas. It was really great. They were excited about seeing me, and the "ring" their son/brother bought...they are so welcoming. And, I got more gifts from his fam than I did from mine. Saweet! It was fun though because it's the beginning of becoming a part of his family...and I felt more comfortable than I ever have. We played games, football in the snow...Eric and his brothers throw some painful snowballs. I headed back to Dayton the next day...to do wedding things!!!
The best part of my Christmas, was being able to celebrate Eric and I's engagement with our families. It was nice to be around people we know and love so well. After all the holiday hoopla was over...I got to go wedding dress shopping! Holy moly, it was fun and emotional and quite the event! I took my mom, Aunt, sister, sis in law, and baby niece...and lets just say it was an 8 hour ecscursion at David's Bridal. We went out to eat and got to chat it up...what a fun time in a girls life...everyone just saying "whatever you want"... I didn't expect that at all! I am pleasantly surprised. I went back with my mom another day, and actually got my wedding dress! Before we purchased the gown I called my dad, and asked him how his blood pressure was...and he said the sweetest thing, "you only do this one time in your life, we want you to be happy and have whatever you want"...wow...for the girl who drives the car that never works...wow...I can't wait to wear it again... :)
Eric and I also went with my Aunt and Mom to look for a reception place and a church...and we actually found ones we wanted on the first try! Everything seems to be falling into place...and I get choked up everytime I think about it. Now if we could just pick a date.
We are deciding between March 19th and June 11th of this year 2005.
Why so soon you ask? Because we just want to be together. Its hard to wait. Luckily, neither of those are too far away.