Happy New Year!

We received some truly awesome news on New Year's Eve. Jimmy's college buddy and best friend, Danny, who has been waiting for a simultaneous heart and liver transplant, received the call that he and his family have been so anxiously awaiting for several years. So, on New Year's Eve, as we raised our glasses, we toasted Uncle Danny and his New Year's gift of new organs and a new start. His surgery began at 3:30am and we heard from Aunt Stephanie at 7:00pm on New Year's Day that the surgery went well and the organs are responding. The first 72 hours that follow are crucial. We pray for a speedy recovery, and knowing Danny--he'll give everyone just that.

We visited Danny and Stephanie this past Summer in Ohio. We flew in for a long weekend during their county fair. They actually arranged for Madi to show a pig at the fair! She was so excited, even though the pig was twice as big as her. Aunt Stephanie styled her hair and she looked adorable. Madi contended that she would get the job done--until she was in the ring with many pigs and many kids! Jimmy ended up walking the pig with Madi climbing up and down his side. I could tell that he was wringing with sweat. Better him than me:-)

We spent most of our time at the fair looking at the animals (smelling them too) and eating fair food. Madi was a champ with all of the rides, even the"big girl" ones that she hadn't been on before. We had so much fun visiting their home and spending quality time with Danny, Stephanie, and their kids. Madi loved all of their pets--especially JellyBean the bunny. We were so glad to have made the trip. We look forward to the days ahead when Danny and Steph can get on a plane to visit us in Florida again:)