Back to Reality...

We're getting back to reality in a lot of respects here in the Rosenberger household:

1. Back from the midwest.

2. Holidays are over.

3. We're not getting any younger. (I just added a year to my number.)

4. Joe has a big test next weekend.

5. I officially go back to work full time on tomorrow.

For me, the last one is really the big pill to swallow...although as I say that, I think I am getting new wrinkles over the first four as well.

Rory had a wonderful first Christmas, and then celebrated by having his first cold.  Our time in the midwest was wonderful.  Also exhausting.  Worth it, but exhausting.  Rory caught the cold the day after Christmas. He was fussy, congested, coughing, snorting...it was wonderful.  Shortly after, I got it alongside an achy body and fever.  Joe battled a sore throat the whole trip.  It didn't slow us down,  but it did wear us out.

I did a rough count and figured out that Rory intimately met about 83 people while we were gone.  So, not too surprising that it ended with us sick and exhausted.  HOWEVER, we will NEVER complain about all of the love we have in our life from our midwest family and friends.  Our only regret is the limited time we had with some, and others who we didn't get to see at all.  Know that we thought of you all, and hope to see you on our next visit.

Here's some of the highlights:

Rory's first airplane ride!  He did great!

Rory LOVED his Great Grandma!

Hoping he didn't get confused with all of these women who look like his mom!

Our first family Christmas!

Four generations of the Carmody nose!

Both of mom's girls were home!

The clan!  All 25 of the cousins were there!

Aunt Lauren and Uncle Nathan love Rory!

2nd Christmas morning with Papa Vern!

The Dirnberger clan

Peyton & his rosy cheeks loved Rory (pronounced Lory)

I love this one.

The Maier cousins loving on Rory.