NYE!

We decided to do costume changes since we couldn't decide which dresses to wear.  This was how the evening started:

 No costume changes for the guys...but they did look dapper!

 No, we didn't coordinate on purpose.

 Midnight smooch!  Might've been a little over-excited about the year we just had... :-)

Stairs

I love these.

Undecorous

Keebs really doesn't like it when you take Christmas decorations down.  It makes him all sorts of verklempt.  How appropo that we watched Must Love Dogs while doing so!

The Long Road Home

Crazy Stupid Love

Despite the freezing temps and snow still on the ground, the Guys went golfing at Meadowbrook.  By the time they got home from 9 holes and J. Gilligans, they were exhausted. 

As were the dogs.

Fossil

We ventured to the Outlets.  We were nuts.

Christmas Twinkle

Because we didn't leave enough snow in Colorado, the weather had a sense of humor and ensured we had some in Texas as well.  That's two years in a row now we've had a White Christmas.  It's a sign.

E.C.P.

Readying the pre-dinner feast for the Wetterling Christmas.

 The cheese plate truly was epic.

This Silverware has been Sanitized for Your Protection

Chuy's for some Tex Mex!

31

Mike and I celebrated his 31st birthday by heading to downtown Arlington! Strange-sounding, I know, but they've come an incredibly long way to making it a happenin' scene from when I lived there...

We began at Twisted Root, an amazing burger joint at which we had what might've been the best gourmet burgers.  Ever.  Gave Crave a total run for their money.  And had more 'tude.

 Need me one of these.

Cutie birthday boy.

We headed to Flying Fish after that for an incredible piece of Key Lime pie, and ended at Hooligans, a sweet Irish pub where our bartender made us his very own concoction, which I cannot name here.  He was good enough to give us the recipe, however, due to the fact we knew what the 5280 tattooed down his arm meant.  And the fact that we lived there.

Overall, I'd say it was a successful evening of watching high school football on TV (only in Texas) and being completely comfortable with the fact that yes, we're getting old.

Are we there yet?

"Seriously, Dat.  I want out."

Grandma got runover by a puppy

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMGOMG!

Where are we going?!

Headed to Texas...FINALLY! 

A Very Quivas Christmas

Mike and I had our first Clayton Christmas on our house this year!  We bought presents and wrapped them, watching them pile up under the tree along with Christmas Exchanges for Texas.  In celebration of one more day of work, the season, and each other we went to our favorite Italian joint, Via Toscana.  For the first time I deviated from my normal ordering antics and went with the special.  It. Was. Incredible.

We also had some of the best conversations of the year, when I asked "What were all the things that made 2012 epic?"  We went back and forth recounting all the different things that made this year so spectacular, and reminded each other of some we'd forgotten!

I opened my sewing machine (my big present) before I started taking pictures.  You can see it in the background.  Mike went into a little local sewing shop after having asked his mom for advice.  When they showed him a couple of models he asked the most important question in sewing machine purchase decision-making: "Which one is going to be the least stressful?"  Honestly, I never would've though to ask that.

Here he is opening his Gerber Zombie Apocolypse Knife Set.  We are those people.

He also bought the dogs (me) these tags.  I laughed so hard.

Seriously.  He reverted to an 8 year old faster than I could say Dead People Walking.

Keebs really wanted to be a part of it, too, and stalked us with his evil Blue Eye the entire time.  It was greatness.

Company Christmas

Best. Ford Christmas Party. EVER.  I organized an epic pot luck right before the afternoon meetings...not the brightest idea, but man was it tasty!

 Thornton wanted a photo of him looking bigger than Nate.

 Aaaaaand Nate's payback.

We appreciate us some Blue Bell.  "Spoken like a true Texan," said Carp. 

Also, we're kind of terrifying.

 Celebrity Lanes upgraded us to our very own suite!  Private server, 4 lanes, and an incredibly fun evening!

Conn and I just tried to see how many different ways we could bowl.  He had just bowled between his legs from the back.  Incredible shot (I think he hit 1 pin too!)

Office ladies!

What a great team.  Besides being #1 in the country (which we are), we have some of the best people that work for the company.  I love them!

Kendra Squee

Gogh with the Flow

We stopped for brunch at Sam's No. 3 for breakfast before heading to the DAM for the Van Gogh exhibit. 

Unfortunately you couldn't take any photos, as there were several pieces I have no idea could be attributed to this artist.  Throughout the headphone-guided tour we learned quite a few interesting little tidbits.  By the end, when the infamous ear hadn't been mentioned I thought perhaps I was confusing the artist with someone else.

But no, with great talent often comes massive amounts of issues.  And I almost, almost, bought the rubber ear keychain in fond memory of the day.

Old

We spent over two hours in the Flagship REI store downtown before heading to The Curtis for our birthday extravaganza, including the Gogh with the Flow package courtesy of Mike's awesomeness.  That meant Starry Night red wine and "Dutch" chocolates waited for us when we checked it; I'm all about themes.

We also sported two of our new Goorin Bros hats we scored on sale.  They have some GREAT deals on hats on their website!  We might've splurged...

 He cleans up sooooooo well!

 I heart $5 Target tights.

Larimer Square at Christmas!

I finally got to try Bistro Vendome for dinner.  I think I'll stick to breakfast/lunch.  That cheese plate was just stupid.  But the food was, as always, excellent.

We ended the evening at The Corner Office which is (conveniently) located on the first floor of The Curtis.  Makes walking to the room to throw the coats in there a breeze!  Also, their late-night happy hour (9pm on  a Saturday?!  Really?!) is incredible!