This past year we did do some interesting things.
January took Deanna to Phoenix, Arizona for a photography conference. It was a really wonderful experience. Traveling buddy was Autumn, we had a lot of fun. We even had time to see some of Arizona, a really beautiful place.
In February, we went to Jamaica with Travis's cousins Shawn and Jaime. We had a wonderful time. It was a great vacation with my hubby and good friends.
March went very fast. So fast, I don't even remember anything happening! :-0April, we celebrated Skye's 5th birthday. This year we decided do things a bit different. Instead of the giant blow-out at Mama and Papa Tom's, Skye decided on Buccaneer Bay. We had 30 people there to celebrate. It was nice, and Skye really enjoyed it. After the party, Jaylie and Alivia stayed over in the hotel with us. We swam a lot! Went out for pizza and got their faces painted.
We also began the house remodel in April. We removed all the carpet and vinyl floors and replaced them with ceramic tile and laminate hardwood, painted the entire house, changed the back slider door into a solid door with built in blinds, we also changed all the blinds. We got a new dining table, fish tank, bedroom set, and office desk. Going to hold off on the kitchen appliances, but we did replace our troubled washer and dryer.
April was also the last celebration of Easter for my family. Every year, all the family would travel home for a weekend of family fun. We would start out on Friday night, hanging out at a hotel, having pizza and letting the kids swim. Then on Saturday, we would have a big Easter Egg hunt with a carry in meal, followed by a big cookout just to party the last bit we could with the family. Sadly 2009, was the last year, do to the cost and the work involved.
May came with Skye graduating Kids Alive Pre-School. Gotta say, I miss that place. For us, who do not go to church regularly, if was a source of strength for me. I recommend Kids Alive they were a great educational foundation.
May also, was the spout of Chickens that Papa Dean had. What strange animals to have as pets. We'll call it his senior moment.
June brought beautiful days and gorgeous sunsets. We tried to grow a garden at Papa Dean and Granny's but we only managed some radishes and peppers. Not bad for our first try. Oh, and this year we found so many four leaf clovers you would have thought we were going to win the lottery! Never did win money. But everyone is healthy which has to be some luck! Skye learned how to fly a kite for the first time.
July provided us a wonderful time for family. We took a huge group to Gulf Shores, Alabama. We rented a beach house and it was wonderful. There are always minor issues when you have big groups and lots of kids. But it was a great time. I would do it again in a heart beat! One house had, Papa Dean, Granny, Travis, Deanna, Skye, James, Candy, Tyler, Keaton, Kian, Kennedy, Nolan, Aunt Crystal, Uncle Tim, Nicole and Luke, and the other house had, April, Kenny, Trevor, Kevin, Ryan, and Clayton.
August, allowed us some time to get to the Chicago Zoo. We went with Shawn, Jaime, Anna and Owen. We had a great time. I'm a sucker for zoos!
August, also brought us the first day of Kindergarten. It was a difficult day, but only for Mommy. My little girl was so ready for it all. She and her friend Jaylie made the adventure hand in hand. Then she waved goodbye to me through the window.
August also was the first try at organized sports. Skye played Soccer! She was a pretty good goalie and a great cheerleader for her team:-)
September came in with deer hunting season. Travis took Tyler out. Tyler got a buck. A proud night for Tyler and for Travis. The family also grew during this time.
Granny and Papa Dean got a new puppy, Porsche.
The dishwasher broke....Contemplating new appliances.October came and went. I totally forgot the camera for Halloween. Skye was a beautiful Sleeping Beauty. Complete with ringlet curls everywhere.
November was hopping with photography work. But we managed to sneak away for Thanksgiving and spent it in Tennessee with family. We also got our Christmas Picture taken there for our cards.
December brought upon us a battle of real tree versus fake tree. Travis won with the real one. Just seems the same to me. It doesn't really smell anymore, it just cost us money, when we had one in the attic. We got a new dishwasher and a new microwave, the other stuff will have to wait.
December was also the breaking point for the dog hair! The dogs would not stop shedding no matter what we did. So Deanna shaved them and bought them sweaters. Not sure they are so happy about it.
We also have a new addition to the family. Travis rescued the little girl from a car. Called Deanna, one look at her cute face, how could you not fall in love. After a week, she finally got her name, Miley. She is Skye's Christmas present with responsibilities.
We are approaching the final days of 2009, looking forward to Christmas and time with family. Hope all is well for you and hope you had a wonderful 2009.Blessings to you all,
Deanna
