Party Time

I saved all of the information from holiday parties for one post.  Of course we didn't get any good pictures of us at any we attended together; we always forget!!  So, if anyone has any good pictures of us, please send us or post a copy.

The weekend before Christmas was a very busy time!! 

On Friday for lunch, Andy went to his company Christmas party at the Reata.  There was wonderful Tex-Mex food and a white elephant gift exchange.  Then, he picked me up, and we headed to the ranch to do Christmas with the Walkers and Fritts (we already blogged about this).  

Saturday afternoon, we came home, changed, and went to Andy's UTA lab Christmas party in Arlington.  His thesis professor and wife, Bernd & Andrea Chudoba, had invited all of the students working in the Aerospace Vehicle Design Lab to their house for this party.  It was wonderful finally meeting the people Andy has been talking about for a year and a half.  Andrea out-did herself with the wonderful dishes that she offered us!  Andy & I were also really impressed with the bookshelf that they have because we have talked many times in the past about having one very similar to the one they have.  It is an extremely tall bookcase made from several bookshelves with a sliding ladder that is necessary to reach the items at the top.  It was AWESOME!!  Andrea has also used many different painting techniques and embellishments to make their home more unique and elegant.  (I know that nooo one catches on to theme of home improvement whether ours or others.)  We spent that evening at our house.  

Sunday, we went to Mineral Wells for church with Mama Joyce and then had her party.  After the party, many went out to the ranch for dinner; Cari and Mary Beth had made soups ahead of time for the weary party going souls.  After everyone left, we made the project and to-do list with Jimmy and Mary Beth.  Once again, we headed home to sleep in our bed.

Then, the projects began in earnest at the ranch, and we celebrated Christmas in the middle of the work.

For New Year's Eve, we were invited to Andrew and Jessica Koebbe's house for a party.  We were able to see and catch up with some of our friends from Fort Worth Presbyterian Church (we attended this church when we lived in Burleson area).  It was a funny coincidence that all of the men who were guests at the party work for Lockheed Martin.  We snacked, drank, talked, and Andy even got to play some Dutch Blitz (I watched and coached the new players).  We celebrated the EST midnight so that we could head home before too many people were on the roads.  As we drove home, we were able to see many fireworks displays along both sides of the interstate.  They were wonderful to watch!