Falkland Island Warmer

So, I've discovered that I don't like Drambuie. It's the licorice. I really hate licorice and anything that tastes remotely like it. :(

The ONLY recipe that I could find exclusive to the Falkland Islands was a drink recipe, called the Falkland Island Warmer. Apparently it was created in the Falkland Islands a long time ago. Figuring that a drink recipe is better than no recipe at all, I spent about $40 on a bottle of Drambuie (read: licorice water) and made the drink. Yuck. But if you like Drambuie, then I'm sure that this is the drink for you!

Two's Company...

My sister, Sara, officially moved out of our house on January 10th. She is now living across town with her long-time boyfriend, Bret.

Sara and I have lived together for 25 years... all but 3 years of Sara's life! A quarter of a decade!

Here's a picture of Sara packing up some of the last of her belongings (see how sad she looks?):



And here is a picture of Bret pretending to comfort her while she pretends to cry:



In actuality, Sara, Bret, Elliot, and I are all quite pleased with the new arrangement. We see each other often, so there hasn't even been much of a chance for us to miss each other.

Because Sara moved out, we had to get our adoption home study updated to reflect the changed circumstances. Our caseworker came to our house and looked around, and asked us a few questions. Now she will correct our paperwork and that new home study will be sent to childrens' caseworkers, allowing us to eventually get matched with a child for adoption.

So many exciting changes!

President Obama

Regardless of personal political preferences, yesterday was a historic time for all Americans. Elliot and I had the opportunity to go watch the inauguration during lunchtime yesterday at our friend Sheila's house.

In case you missed the inauguration benediction by Dr. Joseph Lowery (leader in the civil rights movement) here it is:

Happy MLK Day!

His last speech:

Happy Birthday, John!

Yesterday was our friend John's birthday. We met with him and two friends for dinner. In the picture, left to right: Elliot, me, John, Amy, Chris.

New Year's Wedding

Jen took this picture of us at her brother-in-law's wedding on January 3rd. Thanks for the picture, Jen!

Thanksgiving weekend at Disney World

The day after thanksgiving, Mary and I visited with her Mom and extended family at Disney World. It had been a long time since we had been so it was fun for us to remember what it was like and watch younger kids experience it. Nowadays it's all about the pins.

(Mary's cousin, Joseph)

I found out that they are collectible souveneirs that are perfectly designed to be flashy and desirable. Apparently you can just trade for them with anyone at the park who has them, even staff.

Also it's about fireworks

At Animal Kingdom it was all about animals(not surprising),

and the manimals (surprising).

(Mary's cousin, Jacob)

Also, it was a little about drumming.

But most of all it was about relatives having fun!

(with Mary's cousin, Theresa)

Happy Birthday, Mom!

Happy birthday to my mother!

Elliot and I went to breakfast with my mom, dad, and Laura this morning. Here's a picture:

Hello, 2009!

Happy 2009, everyone!

Auld Lang Syne: