Reflections of 2008

What a year:

We're all a year older.
We had some major trips to the hospital.
We took a wonderful, much needed, family vacation.
We enjoyed some really great art exhibits, thanks to Spencer.
We spent lots of time in our pool this summer.
We took lots of trips to the Zoo and Aquarium.

I have been caught off guard by my emotions several times over the past few days. I'm sure it has something to do with it being the start of a new year.

One of my dear friends is also experiencing some heartache right now. Seeing her go through this and wanting to find a way to help her has made me remember all of the blessings we have experienced through other people this year.

My heart is full with love for everyone who helped us through this year. We experienced some really hard times, some really wonderful times, and lots of just everyday times. I'm glad some of those specific hard times are over, but I wouldn't give them up because they taught me so much. I am closer to my friends, family and ward members because of them. We've had people with us every step of the way to help us, celebrate with us, hold our hands, listen to our fears, and just be there. I can't express how thankful I am for each and every one of them. I know I don't show it enough, but I really do love them!!

Happy New Year and One More Reason to Blog

Happy New Year Everyone!!! We had a really fun New Year's Eve. We took the kids to see Zoo Lights at Hogle Zoo. We have never been before and didn't know what to expect, so we were really surprised that we had such a good time. Andraia's favorite part was hearing the "Twelve Days of Christmas" and seeing the lights follow the song. We also enjoyed seeing some of the animals that are usually 'in hiding' when we are there during the day. It wasn't too cold, so we really lucked out that way!





I also have another reason to blog this year. As I type this, my brother Mike is on his way to Moab. After a few years of living apart (off-and-on) from his wonderful wife, Shannon, they are finally both working and living in the same city. I am so happy for them to be together full time and owning their own house!! My family is pretty close, and we try to get together as often as possible, so we will really miss being with them. Moab isn't too far away though, so we will visit them as often as possible!! We already have the Spring Break trip booked!! Love you Mike and Shannon!! Keep in touch for the kiddo updates!

New Year's Eve with the Family

Happy New Year

This year we had Teri's parents over to celebrate with us. Of course, since our kids are young and wear us out, we called it quits before 11:00, but we had a blast anyway. Andraia's favorite part of the night was telling everyone to "Go Fish!" We played Book of Mormon Go Fish with Nana and Poppy, and she loved it when you had to take another card.

We also broke in Spencer's Disney Pictionary DVD Game. He is a great artist! But, of course, nobody beats the DVD animation! We had a great time trying to recall different characters and titles from Disney productions! Andraia 'drew' with her own marker and had the blue hands to prove it at the end of the night.

Brayden and Chloe just enjoyed hanging out with their Nana and Poppy. It wouldn't have been nearly as fun without them!