The Cards Are Pouring In...

Thank you to EVERYONE for all of your wonderful Christmas cards!!! When we got home our mailbox was flooded with wonderful photo cards, letters, and sweet notes. Thanks to all of you for thinking of us 1/2 way around the world. Also, thanks to those of you who sent them to either Cary or Rockford. We loved getting all of the cards!! Thanks!! Perhaps you will get one from us in 2011...when we return...please keep us on your lists as we are just taking a break from mailing them out!! Hugs and Happy New Year!! Your cards and children are all beautiful!! I always look forward to the photo cards and letters!!

Tower Receives New Name

As I'm sure you've heard and seen by now...the Burj Dubai is now the Burj Khalifa. Kicking ourselves and so sad...we missed the fireworks that marked the inauguration on Monday night the 4th. Our plane landed about three hours too late and the "party was over!" We knew we were going to miss it. Our tickets were booked months ago and the grand opening was suppose to be December 2nd. What is even more crazy...we could have gone VIP style. Jon along with 5999 were invited to the park area, which consisted of the VIP area, and front row seats!! It would have been truly amazing. Even though Jon wasn't there, RJA was represented by International Executive VP, Jim Antell and Arron Vanney Jon's co-worker. They said it was "Just AWESOME!" The tower was renamed after the Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, president of the UAE. It is said to be a name that reflects greatness. The glass and steel structure is now, officially, the tallest in the world at 828 metres and welcomes tourists to visit the site. We've heard the crowds were HUGE and parked all over the place to watch the magnificent site!! I must say, we would have had the PERFECT view from our couch...but that's the way it goes!! Jon ran out the next day and bought all the local papers for our collection. Funny thing...all of the paraphernalia that's been made will NOW have to be remade in the new name. Signs all over town will have to be remade and quite possibly ALL of Jon's documents!! SO, yes...SURPRISE to us too..hooray the "Burj Khalifa" is now open!! I actually LOVE the name and think it has nice meaning & it's very middle eastern. Can't wait to view the city from the 124th...and see Armani hotel!!

Burj Dubai OPENS...

Be sure to watch the news because today, Monday, Janurary 4th, marks the GRAND OPENING of the Burj Dubai tower. This is the original project that brought us to Dubai. Jon has had the opportunity to work on this project since 2004. He has access to the building whenever he wants and plans to take our family up to 124, At the Top, to view the city in the near future. We can't wait!! So, watch the news and let us know what they say... Smiles :-)

Great Visit

We are in London and on our way back to Dubai. We are in the British Airways lounge and have about 4 hours to kill. So...thought I'd blog. We sure had a nice visit! Our time in Chicago and Wisconsin sure flew by and we are thankful we got to see as many people as we could. Thanks to everyone who had us over, planned parties for us, let us 'camp' out at their places, and made time to see us over the busy holiday season. We miss you guys already!! See you this summer!! ***Our summer trip might require a private plane...we are headed home with 8 overseas suitcases that weighed between 48-53 pounds each, three carry-ons, and a BIG overage charge from American Airlines! Thanks mom & dad for helping us out!! Next trip would you be able to buy us our own personal plane??? JK !!!

Bye Bye Gpa Joe Cool & Grandpa Jo Jo

This is a post in loving memory of my grandpa Joe who passed away last night. I feel VERY fortunate to have got to see him yesterday morning with Jon, Fayth and my folks for a really nice visit! He actually looked great when we first arrived and went down hill from there! He passed away peacefully early last night in his favorite place...a recliner chair. No pain, no suffering, just fell asleep. Fayth got a special ring, from her friend Karolyn, and was so excited to show grandpa and put it on him. It was really adorable the interaction between the two. We will never forget our last time with him! He was always a wonderful grandpa to me and my sister and we'll miss him terribly. The "exchanging" of gifts at Christmas won't quite be the same...he LOVED shopping, giving gifts and receiving them as well. One of his favorite all time presents...a Nike stocking hat from me & Jon. He wore it for about 13 years...no joke!! We will be with my family in spirit on Tuesday evening and Wednesday when he is laid to rest. This morning we will be leaving to head back to Dubai. I want to remember my grandpa the way I remember him best...my "sneaky" smokin' buddy and funny jokster!! Love you grandpa...xxxoooxxx...Suzy.

Bye Bye MaggieMae...

I'll miss you and your kisses!! Can't wait to see you this summer and on Skype!!

Little People's NYE

Thanks to Dick and Gloria Schlee...we were able to head out as adults and leave our lovely ladies at home with Dave's parents!! They played duck duck goose, ring-a-round-the-rosie, ate HUGE ice cream sundaes with sprinkles...chocolate chips...and m&m's, played dolls, had cutie party hats, and even had a sleepover in Mia's room! How did the evening go???...let's just say Dick & Gloria had a ton of fun but I wouldn't be surprised if they went to bed at like 4:00 today!! The girls went to bed fine but then at 10:30 decided they needed to be up and ring in the new year!!Gloria got them both back down by 2:00 am!! They played musical beds for awhile and finally fell asleep. Oh, lordy...bless Grandma & Grandpa Schlee!!

Fun Photos from NYE...

And just some other photos from our fun evening at Ali's!! Thanks everyone for the great night, fabulous food, super laughs, and birthday song & wishes!! You are my best buds and I love you!! Jules, you were missed...but glad we got you via phone TWICE...sorry...it was the "drinks" talking the second time!! Happy New Year!!

P.S. As you can see...Guitar Hero was a "highlight" of the evening and Dave rocked the house!!

P.S.S. Also, for some reason, "tongues" were hanging out all night long as well!!

Got Milk??

No...it wasn't about the slogan "Got Milk" last night for my friend Ali...It was "Got Bacardi Coconut"...and boy o boy was she a hoot!! This is just a blog dedicated to her...the hostess with the "mostest"...and yes...she had the "mostest!"

Happy New Year!!!

Happy Happy 2010!! May it be your best year yet!! Enjoy the new decade!!