My life this past December...

Goodness! I know it’s been a very long while since I have blogged. We’ve had just a few life changes and events that have prevented me from writing ;D. I am going to do my best to update you the best I can. I think the most fun way to do this will be through pictures! Let me start off by saying it has been a real whirlwind but I wouldnt change a thing!

First, John and I ended our journey in Miami with a bunch of fun outings:

Duffy's-one of our favorite sports bars- we watched the State game and then went out afterwards:D

Check out that view:D

THE HEAT! :D We decked ourselves out so we could show our support here too!

After the game we walked over to Bayside and got some drinks, 

listened to music, and people watched.

Of course we went to the beach. *sigh* one of the things I miss the most- especially in this cold weather.

I got to go out with my staff- not as their boss! haha. They are the best. They also made me a box full of cards and pictures. It was beyond sweet and made me cry (duh). At dinner, they told the waiter it was my birthday. haha. they are one of the things I miss the most.

All the staff members that came to wish me goodbye- amazing group of people.

After a bunch of fun lasts, including a lot of cuban food (duh), we loaded up another trailer and headed back to Raleigh. Our last 13 hour drive. I cried as we pulled out and I can still envision Miami on that day. Right before we left, some of my staff- Josh, Danny, and Tyler, came and said their final goodbyes. I love those three guys and miss them like crazy.

Of course we did that trip in one shot. haha. We had to get back to Carter! He was so happy to see us and of course spoiled rotten when we got him back. haha. We crashed that night at the Martins house and then got up and headed to our new home. 

 Carter was not amused as we unloaded the trailer. haha

 LOVE HIM! words cannot describe how much I missed him!

We spent the next few days unpacking. Then Monday I started my new job! It just so happened to be resident appreciation week, so I got to meet a lot of the residents throughout the week. It was nice. It was incredibly busy and I was very overwhelmed with the new job. I love it! but it's a lot more different than I anticipated. haha

The next weekend my mom moved. So we went to her house that weekend and helped her pack up her house. A very exciting time and incredibly exhausting also. Sunday was split between helping mom pack and John's grandmas 80th birthday!! We celebrated by taking her out to lunch as a big family and then did cake at her house :D

Mr. Martin and Grandma!

I love these two!

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

The next week John started his job at WRAL. Our schedules were and are complete opposites :( which has made it incredibly hard to make the transition to NC easy or find furniture! Let alone get to spend some time together. We are very thankful, of course, and have had to get creative when it comes to settling in our new home. haha. 

The holidays were also thrown right in! Which was very exciting and again very exhausting. Too much going on at once can make for one very tired Anna! haha. Our second weekend home in Raleigh, Krystal and Josh came to visit for the holidays and brought Bailey!

  

Carter loves his girlfriend! Even when she takes his toys...dont worry- he stole them back. They took turns looking at each other pathetically. It was adorable.

 We opened presents before we went out to the State game one night. Carter and Bailey got to open theirs too! (Dont you love all our furniture? Or rather lack there of? Haha. We only had our Christmas tree up and beach chairs for a long time.)

 And we celebrated Carter's birthday! I cant believe my boy is 2!!!

 Aunt Krystal made him and Bailey Red Velvet Cupcakes for dogs!

 

Present time!!

  

 HAPPY BIRTHDAY CARTER!

 

  

Then we crated them together and left for the game. They were surprisingly very good!!

 

GO PACK!

 

 At some point we all went to Big Boss and hung out. It was another great night :D

 

Next came Christmas! Of course we found time to spend with both families. Unfortunately, we both had to work some, so we got creative again :D We celebrated early with Johns family and then spent Christmas with mine on Christmas day. Which included both sets of my grandparents for me! John only got to see part of them because he had to work :(. 

Of course Carter got some presents!

 and Grandma cuddled with Carter

 John got a sweet flying helicopter that Carter really wanted to play with!

 and of course they all took turns cuddling some more. haha

Of course John and I were beyond blessed with gifts this year again. 

But were really happy to just be home with family :D

  Carter wished everyone a very Merry Christmas too!

 Christmas at my Mom's- Mawmaw and Pawpaw!

We enjoyed each others company

 Just hangin out...;D

Soon after Christmas, AMERICAN AQUARIUM HAD A SHOW IN RALEIGH!!! :D So we got the gang together and went out for sushi and then to the show. ALWAYS a good time.

 I adore these two!

 My sister and her boyfriend came too!

 LOVE this band!

 

John and I spent every free minute we had looking for furniture. We went a good month without couches and a table and chairs. Furniture shopping was extremely fun, but again, overwhelming!! We found an amazing dinging room set off craigslist that we got an amazing deal on! The couches were also a good deal, but are place holders until we buy a house.

I cant even tell you how many tables we looked at. This had everything we wanted though! Cherry wood, pub height, and 8 chairs! All for an amazing price and it's in GREAT condition.

 Here is Carter checking out the couches the day they came home. He's decided he doesnt like the pleather though and stays on the floor. haha. We ended up with some black "leather" couches. A couch, love seat, and recliner. All for $300! It'll do for now! :D SO glad to have something to sit on other than beach chairs. haha.

 

And that brings us to New Years! John had to work :( but we had our usual get together at Hutch's so he could come after he got off work. One of my RAs, Josh, was actually able to come to the party! His mom lives in Cary, so he was in town for the holidays. Small world for sure, but it was nice spend some time with him. It was incredibly weird mixing my two lives though! We had a wonderful time!

Me and Josh! HAPPY NEW YEAR!

  

Again, love these two! :D 

That pretty much rounds out the end of my 2012. SO much happened and I am so very, very blessed for all that the Lord has provided to us. December was a VERY eventful month, to say the least!