I have started my Christmas shopping and am trying to get Sydney to decide what she wants for Christmas, which at 3 1/2 is quite difficult apparently. But as I've been working on it, I've realized that she doesn't NEED anything and that I want to teach her that it's not about what you get, but what you GIVE. That's a tough lesson to teach and learn. Ok, moving on.
We went to Chicago this past weekend to celebrate my friend Lori's 29th birthday - we went to Naperville and spent the night with the Dillers and then spent Friday night in the city shopping and eating and hanging out. It was great. I feel like we've finally settled into our life here in Michigan and have some really great, close friends. That is a great feeling.