Top Ten of 2008

I've been thinking about this topic for a few days now (thanks Lins) and think I've come up with the top ten things about this past year. All in all, it was a great one for our family and we're anxious to see what 2009 has in store for us.

10. Arctic Blast 2008! For all of you northwesters, you catch the reference. Our news coverage of all the snow was relentless and quite dramatic. But for the family and me it was beautiful.

I'll admit that we did experience a bit of cabin fever, but it was so much fun to build a really impressive snowman, to see Carter out sledding with the neighbor boys and Kyle plowing through the neighborhood. I love the snow, and I loved having a white Christmas.

9. Holidays - A bit vague, yes, but none the less the holidays were extra special this year. Not only did we celebrate with family and friends, but Carter really, really grasped the meaning and festivities this year. For Halloween, he chose his own costume, enjoyed a week of fun activities, said "trick-or-treat" and "thank you" at the eight houses we hit in the neighborhood and then enjoyed the candy he received for several days.

We hit a whole new high during the Christmas season. It was truly a miracle to experience the joy and wonder this season through such innocent eyes. Carter had a blast helping us decorate the house, making cookies, picking out the perfect tree, participating in Advent at church, wrapping presents, visiting Santa, decorating a gingerbread house, etc.

And through it all, we were doubly blessed to have Kennedy celebrating with us. Carter showed his little sister the ropes and she enjoyed the holidays as much as an infant could. I also have to add that getting to dress her up was an added bonus for me!

8. Potty Success - After several months of using the potty intermittently, Carter reached full blown "potty trained" status in November. We are so proud of the big boy that he is and were relieved at the ease of reaching this milestone.

7. February 14th - The day we were told that we would be welcoming a little girl into our world. After fully convincing myself that I was carrying another boy, I was shocked and overjoyed to learn that our little baby was in fact a girl. I didn't fully trust the ultrasound, so I went back for a second scan two weeks later. Thankfully the results were the same.

6 -4. Wonderful Family Vacations - We were fortunate to do quite a bit of travelling this year. With two trips each to Arizona and San Francisco and a wonderful summer trip to Eagle Crest, we enjoyed lots of time with family.

Justin and Stacy hosted us for a wonderful weekend in the city. We had so much fun exploring San Francisco.

Nana and Pops always love having us visit and we're so thankful they live in such a fun place. We always enjoy our trips to Arizona.

Our annual summer trip to Eagle Crest with the Phelans

Back in Arizona in October. Visiting Stillman Railway Park - Carter loved the trains!

3. 5 Year Anniversary - Kyle and I celebrated our fifth anniversary in March. It is hard to believe that it's been five years already...although so much has changed in that time. I am so thankful for the love that he gives and am constantly amazed by the father he has become. I am so lucky to have found such a supportive, forgiving, strong, faithful and loyal man to marry. I can't wait to see where the next five years will take us.

2. A nephew is born! - On September 23rd, we welcomed our first nephew, Bennett Justin Simon. He is such a welcome addition to our family and we love him so much. We can't wait to watch him grow and feel so fortunate that our kids will have a cousin so close in age.

1. Kennedy Marie Phelan - Nothing could top the joy we felt when Kennedy was born on July 9th. We had been waiting so long to meet her and were a little nervous about her arrival (after having such a scare with Carter). But God had wonderful plans for us and after just three and a half hours Kennedy came into this world in the most peaceful way. She stole our hearts from the first second we looked into those big, wide open eyes, and our lives will never be the same. What a blessing she is!

Such a good big brother!

Then - July
Now - December