Bye, Bye 2012

Billy as Santa 

In little less than a week from now we'll be saying good bye to 2012.What a year this has been. Last year around the same time we were jumping for joy about our assignment: Riyadh. We hit the ground running in 2012. From finishing up our post in DC, visiting family and friends before moving, packing, shots, paperwork and more paperwork to relocating to the other side of the world with our dog Dante. Then getting settled in Riyadh, unpacking, meeting new friends, establishing a new routine, learning to accept and adapt to new customs. Ahhhhh...let me take a breath. Yes, 2012 has truly been a wonderful year like many years before. We have a lot to be thankful for. We are blessed to have each other and our family who love us unconditionally.

As 2012 comes to a close we'll end it with a bang. Billy's 10-day vacation starts today. We've been invited to 3 separate parties which we'll attend all of them. On Christmas morning we'll begin the preparations for dinner at our house. Our guests this year are the sweet MSG's at post who are all single and away from their families. We'll have a sit down traditional Christmas meal with turkey and all the fixings, homemade spiked eggnog, and the usual pies (apple, pecan and pumpkin). There's going to be a lot of eating, drinking and socializing within these next 48 hours, but it doesn't stop here. On the 27th, Billy and I take off on an early flight to Vienna, Austria where we'll celebrate our 18th wedding anniversary (Dec. 30th) and New Year's Eve. We are so excited! To be in Europe during this time of year with the love of my life is going to be magical. We'll be able to walk every where, see a concert, check out a museum, and sit at a cafe with a glass of wine. This all gives me butterflies.

2012 you have been more than kind to us. May 2013 be just as gracious. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years to all our family and friends. We love you very much. Cheers!