As we are coming to the end of the year, it seems appropriate to look back at 2009.

Some things have not changed – the kids have very obviously grown a few inches each, but they are the same lovable Eric and Justin. Same personalities, likes and dislikes, and the same challenges. Work continues to present challenges for both myself and Terry, and my travel schedule was pretty hectic at times. We had some good times with good friends, especially over the summer, though not as often as we may have liked. We enjoyed another season of football for Justin. Next year will be his last before playing for high school, which is a whole different world.

Some things have changed quite a bit – we welcomed a new and furry family member, Duke, who has easily settled into our home and our lives. We’ve made a few new friends in the neighborhood as well as through football. One of the biggest changes: Terry’s parents will arrive today or tomorrow, making Arizona their permanent home. Their first move since 1972!

I logged the frequent flyer miles with trips to Sacramento, Hollywood, Las Vegas, and the Bahamas. Of course our vacation in Hawaii was the best of all. Terry got to travel a bit, with a business trip to Las Vegas and of course Lake Tahoe where he won the Hawaii trip – he can’t wait to go back to Tahoe next year in hopes of getting another prize like that one.

We enjoyed some family visits – Terry’s Aunt Bobbie and Uncle Vern visited us from Ohio and Terry’s brother Tim came with his brood all the way from Switzerland in April. Easter was spent with them as well as Terry’s cousins Russ & Sherri and their family. My brother Damian visited over Thanksgiving and my Mom and stepdad just left last week after a 2-week visit.

2009 presented many challenges, but truly challenges are opportunities. I hope that 2010 holds many good opportunities in store for us as well.

Best wishes to you and yours for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

After another evening sleeping with the slider doors open to the soft island breezes and sounds of the ocean waves, we awoke and made our way down to the hotel’s lagoon area. We spent all day there and it felt GREAT! We enjoyed a shady cabana, cool tropical drinks and even went out for a little kayak ride. Terry got some snorkel gear and was able to see some really cool and colorful tropical fish. We read, listed to our iPods and just generally lazed around. Seriously, my butt was even sore from just being sat on all day. And I don’t feel guilty, nope not one bit!

We enjoyed a fabulous romantic dinner at the hotel’s restaurant Brown’s Beach House. What a delicious meal and beautiful atmosphere! Once again we left stuffed and turned in for the night. Lazy day, but that’s what vacations are for, right?