Hi Family,

Not sure if grandma has spread the word, but Ben and I got engaged last Friday! He planned a romantic proposal at one our favorite restaurants, Crustacean in Beverly Hills. It was our anniversary on Thursday and Ben had booked me in for a manicure and pedicure and had dinner reservations on the Friday. He coordinated the proposal with my mom and Dane and the owners of the restaurant. Without my knowing, Mom, Dane and Ben met at the restaurant earlier in the afternoon and set up a hidden video camera to capture the proposal, make the table all pretty with the most beautiful floral arrangement of orchids and rose petals all over the table, they also arranged a bottle of champagne for us to celebrate. After they set up, mom and Dane went back to Ben's parents house where Dad was hanging out with Bens parents and they waited for Bens cue to head over to our apartment. I was so fooled. . .while we were on our way to the restaurant, Dane, Mom and Dad and Ben's parents went to our apartment and decorated it with tons of rose petals, chocolate covered strawberries, and sparkling apple cider. They even put a heart of rose petals on our bed with our initials inside it, they are so sneaky, I had no idea I was in for another surprise when we went home. Little did I realize, when I called them to tell them the news that they were already on their way to the restaurant to celebrate with us, it was such a nice surprise to be able to celebrate with our family.

Just wishing everyone a Happy Day! Does anyone have any exciting news...post it! Staci has created a new blog for Miles, http://milesofsunshine.blogspot.com/ so check it out if you get a chance. It will be full of fun things once Miles arrives! Everything in Virginia is going well. Travis, Adalei, and I can't wait for spring to get here so we can go do some fun stuff and see some cool places in D.C. and the surrounding area. Come out and visit we would love to have family! Love you all loads and loads!


Adalei loves carrots!

Just wishing everyone a wonderful day! Adalei turned 6 months old yesterday! I can't believe it, she is getting so big. Hope everyone is doing well. We love you all!

The Stamps kids all say hello!



Fox lost his other front tooth this week:

Brian and Dean transplanting a Majestic Palm Tree

in Dean's backyard...only about 300 pounds...UGH, but

it turned out great (hope it survives.)

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Here are some pics from Switzerland last weekend.

Dana and John x

Just another day at the Stamps home with the kiddies! THIS is livin'!











Julia was a snake in her past life.

Hi Family

Been a while since our last post, but across the pond in the Melsom household has been very busy. After returning back to London after our honeymoon, I immediately went back to CA to apply for my visa. Came back to London in October, started working at Tiffany & Co for the holiday season, spent Christmas up in Northampton with Johns family (my new in-laws) and New Years down in London. Working at Tiffany's was a lot of fun and I am still working there, but only temping. Its working out perfectly with my schedule and flexibility. I have been working a few days here and there and will be working a bit more regularly since Valentines Day is coming up. Im heading back to CA at the end of the month for the entire month of March. Hoping to make a trip out to St George to see Grandma and Grandpa, just not sure when that will be yet.

Last weekend John and I went out to Swizterland to visit with Alan and Pauline at their chalet. We got a lil skiing in, weather was beautiful, such a nice relazing weekend. Will send a pic soon, just need to upload pics!

Other exciting news, our wedding is feautred in Ceremony Magazines OC 2008 edition! You can check it out online, since its only available for purchase in Southern California and online, but please check it out!

http://ceremonymagazine.com/featured.html then scroll down to Kelly Melsom!

See you all soon

Lots of love

Dana and John

Me and Maria spent 2 days in Savannah, Georgia and Hilton Head, South Carolina for a little get-a-way. We ate lunch at the famous "Lady & Son's" owned and run by the celebrated television chef Paula Deen. The food was divine...lots of bacon grease in absolutely everything. We walked the entire city and saw everything. This bottom photo is of the Mercer House where the movie "The Garden of Good & Evil" starring Kevin Spacey was filmed. So much fun and so historical.

Dean & Maria @ Disneyworld MGM Studios

to celebrate Maria's 40th Birthday.

We had fun, you should have all been there.

I commissioned Steph to paint a portrait of Maria using my all time favorite photo that I took of her on our honeymoon almost twelve years ago. Look how fabulous and fantastic Steph did on capturing Maria's soul in every brushstroke of this piece of art. It is exactly and identical to the photo I gave Steph to copy. Steph you are so incredibly TALENTED.

Unfortunately, thanks to FEDx, the portrait was lost during shipping to Florida. I opened the tampered with package to only discover 2 pieces of bubble wrap. You can only imagine how sick I felt knowing how much work Steph slaved to produce such a great piece of art.

Dean & Maria visiting Celebration, FL (The fake little town designed and owned by Disney...a bit of Stepford Wives in real life) where they make fake snow blow around. It acutally felt like snow as it was only 40 degrees the night we visited. [How do you like my new glasses? Trying to look like my older brothers Brooks and Scott...DUH]

Whitney visiting Florida for Christmas.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to everyone.

Love, Dean & Maria

Just seeing if everyone is getting ready for Christmas?!? I went skiing for the first time last weekend...and I am hooked!! I love it...but I know I need to be careful about my knees..they arent in the best of shape...but I did really good for my first time...lets just say...you will all be seeing me in the 2010 Winter Olymipic in China, performing some sweet jumps!! Love you, and MERRY CHRISTMAS! ~The Tolands

Christmas in Orlando.

Maria's mom visiting Florida for the holidays &

visiting Gaylord Palms annual ICE sculpture event.

http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1196531147
Check out Grandma Terry and Grandpa Brooks doing their elf dance.

Check out the Deskins. All ready for Christmas and wishing everyone a very very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! www.elfyourself.com/?id=1170047615

Hello all here is a link to our little blog tribute to Lochlan.

http://zachkatiekellyfam.blogspot.com/

LiL' Lochlan sporting the "Ray Bans" (mini Brooks)...Enjoy!! Love you all!

Just a shout out to all. Hope everyone had a scrumptious Thanksgiving!

Daddy just farted in her face....this was her reaction.