Our Christmas Card (and letter)

*Please note: If I sent you a Christmas Card - and I know you read my blog - you did not receive the letter. Also note: if you're a close family member who knows what we've been up to this year you did not receive the letter. So here you go...the letter:

Hello once again to all our family and friends! December, 2008
Once I again I hope this letter finds you in good health and good cheer! We’ve been very busy this year and have gone on some exciting adventures.
Sadly, the best dog in the world, Our Maggie, passed away early in the year. Apparently she had developed cancer and the tumors were wrapping around her intestines – so we made the decision to have her euthanized. That was possibly one of the hardest decisions we’d ever had to make – and one of the hardest things to do. She truly was the best dog we could have hoped for – gentle with the kids and enjoyed cuddling with us. We’ve gone almost all year without getting the urge for another dog, but it’s hit us. We’ve filled out an application to adopt a bird dog (pointers and setters) – so we’ll see what comes of that.
Now, as for our adventures: Early in the summer I went to my First Cubs Game with a friend from work! I’m still a big White Sox fan, but I’ve got to say I enjoyed Wrigley Field. So much so, that Mike and I went again later in the summer to see the Cubs play the St. Louis Cardinals. We even went with two Cardinals fans – so that was fun! (Cubs won!)
This year we went back up to Wisconsin Dell’s for a vacation with Mike’s family. It was great to see everyone – his aunts, uncles, and cousins from all over the place made the journey up to Wisconsin for a sort-of family reunion. We always enjoy our vacation up to the Dell’s.
Then, in October we flew to Orlando, FL to go to Disney World! We had such a magical time there – it’s amazing to me just how well Disney treats their guests. Quinn and Liam were made to feel as they were the most special people there. We waited until our trip to have Liam’s first haircut at the Harmony Barber Shop on Main St. in the Magic Kingdom! Quinn also got a cut – and some magic and pixie dust thrown in there! Quinn had a blast at Disney – he enjoyed “everything!” as he’d say. Liam learned very quickly how to say “bye bye!” to the characters (Donald Duck especially) and “all done!” on all the rides – except for “It’s a Small World,” of course! Quinn’s already asking to go back – and so am I – but Mike is making us wait at least a few years!
We’ve been busy now getting ready for Christmas. Quinn is so excited, of course – and he wants to leave the tree up All Year, “because it’s so beautiful!” he’d explain. Liam is having fun rearranging the ornaments on the tree – and yelling, “Ho! Ho! Ho!” anytime he sees a picture or anything to do with Santa.
Mike is still working for Navistar (it was International, but the name keeps changing). Luckily, they seem to be one of the few companies who are actually doing well. I’m still teaching preschool in Itasca part time. And the boys – well, they’re busy being boys – it’s amazing how much Liam picks up from Quinn (the good and the not so good – because you know it can’t ALL be good, right?).

And so we’d like to wish you a Very Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year!
With our love,
The McNulty Family