2008 - A Look Back

2008 was a fun year around our home. Kennedy started preschool and Alex started nursery. Tara stopped working part time and I worked even more. Every one in the house got bigger in 08, even though two of us weren't trying!

Alex stated the year still looking like "Baby Alex" and now he's every bit the big boy. He talks up a storm, even if he still only has a few topics (Wii, ball, Mommy). He still loves to tease, but unfortunately for Dede, he's learned how to take it up a notch. What a fun kid!

Kennedy left 2008 as a confident 4 year old. A student, a dancer, an athlete (kind of), and a friend. Kennedy tried several new things this year and we had a hit (school) and a miss (soccer). Overall Dede had a wonderful year - full of wonderful highs and a couple dramatic fits. What do you expect from a diva?

We had new beginnings (oven) and lost a few friends (Ariel the fish). It was a year in which our investments took a hit, but we were blessed to have enough to meet our needs. Can you believe we paid $4.19 for gas in September and last week in was $1.30? What a crazy year!

As we look to 2009 it will be fun to see what changes come to our family. Maybe a new pet? The possibility of a two party diet? The expansion of the team? A new car? We'll have to wait and see. So long 2008, Hello 2009.

A Look Back at 2008

Here's a fun, if not irreverent, look back at 2008. It was quite a year with financial meltdowns, political uprisings, and typical celebrity idiocy.

Christmas - The Day in Photos

Christmas Eve at the Cabin

We had a our annual Christmas Eve party at the cabin yesterday and as usual, everyone there had a good time. This year's party seemed especially fun. I'm not sure what the difference was, but the party was perfect. The sledding was awesome, the weather and scenery were beautiful, the food was yummy, the nativity was sweet, the present opening was quick and the company was enjoyable. I think this year's party wasn't rushed and we were all relaxed. We all just had a fun time.

Kennedy and Alex really loved the sledding this year. I think we spent at least two hours outside on the hill. The first time I took Alex down on the "flexible flyer", he seemed a bit nervous.


The "flexible flyer" is an old fashioned sled that is honestly the fastest sled around. We were flying down the hill and I didn't think we were ever going to stop! When we were done, Alex looked up at me and said "again!" I think he liked it.




Kennedy couldn't get enough of the sledding hill. After a few times of going down with mom or dad, she decided to go on her own. She found this little flat sled that she loved and she spent the rest of the day going up and down the hill on her own. I have to admit, I was quite impressed with Kennedy. She is usually a little wimpy with things like this, but she was a trooper on the sledding hill.



Both kids went for a few 4 wheeler rides and then we headed back to the cabin for food and the rest of the party.


After lunch, we did the nativity. Kennedy was a little sad that it wasn't her turn to be Mary but she was okay with being the "special" angel.


Alex wasn't so sure about being a shepherd until I gave him some sort of stick that looked like a crutch. Then he was fine. If he can swing something or hit things, he's happy. We won't worry that he looked like Tiny Tim with his crutch. He was cute anyway.


After the nativity, we gave my parents their gifts and then they gave us and the grandkids their presents.


My parents always do a little homemade present for all the grandkids and great grandkids. They always come up with the cutest ideas and this year was no different. They gave all the kids little wooden Christmas trees. I'm sure they spent a ton of time making them and they turned out wonderful. We have quite a collection of homemade gifts from my parents and they are all special.

I had to put up a pic of the present that my brother gave my parents. It was classic.


I love the tradition of going to my parents cabin on Christmas Eve. As our family gets bigger I know that someday it won't be possible to have it up there anymore, but until then, we will keep enjoying it.

New Look for Christmas

Alex has needed a haircut for quite a while. Actually, I've needed a haircut for a while myself. As an early Christmas present for Mommy, the little dude and I headed out in search of a barber shop that could accommodate a couple of shaggy dogs.

We settled upon Cookie Cutters, a shop that caters to kids. I asked if they would cut daddy's hair as well and their affirmative sealed the deal. I've heard of Cookie Cutters before, but this was my first time there. It's awesome for little kids. Games, slides, video, balloons - they had it all.

Alex did great while getting his hair cut. I was kinda worried when the boy before Alex started crying, but there were no tears from our little man. He sat in his race car and silently let the stylist cut off his golden locks.

It's amazing what a change a haircut is for a two year old. He looks so much older and a lot smaller. One thing stayed the same - he is still as handsome as ever. Now if only a haircut could do the same for his dad...