Trip Home to Illinois and Tennessee

Jess and I were able to go to Tennessee to visit his family the week before Christmas for a few days, then off to Illinois to see my family for a few days. It was such a great time - We miss everyone so much already. Here are a few pics from the trips.


Trip to Illinois
Here is Uncle Jess with our niece Emma Grace.

Jess, my parents, my sister, brother in law, niece, and I all went out to a nice Italian restaurant on The Hill in St. Louis. The food was delicious and the company was even better. These are just a few pictures with my mom and dad after we got home from eating.

My mom and dad got Emma a new wagon for Christmas. She didn't know what to think of it at first, but then loved it. We didn't think she would ever get out.

Precious Emma! She was so sweet the whole time. She loves to kiss, hug, and tickle you. She is so perfect and I love her to pieces. She was much more interactive than the last time we saw her and has a lot of personality. She is going to be a handful that is for sure. :)

Sarah, Bryan, and Emma Grace

Our Trip to Nashville
My wonderful in-laws.

Jess and I hanging out after opening up all of our wonderful gifts.

All the Rainer kids. It was so great to see everyone since we don't see each other all together very often.

Jess and I are so blessed to have the most wonderful families ever. They spoil us and make us feel special every time we come visit. We are thankful for the time we had at home even though it was way too short.

The Year 2008

1. Jess and I celebrated our 1 Year Anniversary in FL where we went to Disney World and Cape San Blas. It was wonderful!

2. My family celebrated my Grandma's 100th Birthday with a party in IL at my parent's house. It was so great to celebrate with her and my family

3. Jess ran his first 1/2 Marathon! He did such a great job and met his goal to run it in less than 2 hours. I was and am so proud of him!!!

4. Jess was able to attend 2 Alabama games, both times being able to go on the field before the game. I was able to go to 1 with Jess and his family. The games are always a great experience. Jess has turned me into a Bama fan! 

5. I completed life guard training (for my job). It was two horrible weeks, but I got through it! I was the oldest in the class and the only one that never was a part of a swimming team. Definantly  the minority. 

6. Jess got promoted at work a few times and also finished 2 semesters of Seminary. 

7. Jess and I were able to celebrate Christmas with our families and able to be with family on the actual day of Christmas this year! 

Jess and I are truly thankful for all of the blessings of the year. The Lord has been faithful and continues to give us more than we could ever ask for. We have had a fun year full of laughter and tears. We have said good-bye to dear friends, made new friends, taken a lot of trips to see family, seen friends get married, seen a lot of precious babies born, worked hard, decided to serve in our church, and the list goes on and on. Jess and I have had a big year of growing in our relationship with one another and in the Lord and I am so thankful for the lessons we have learned and the lessons the Lord has taught us. I am grateful the Lord is in control. I am so glad I have a God that forgives, is patient, and loves me no matter what.  Jess and I are stronger than we have ever been and I fall in love with my husband more and more everyday. 

I hope everyone has a great year!

Love,

The Rainers