A Year Back In Review

I can look back over this past year, and realize that it was just "us" this year. No memories of what "was" at the beginning of the year prior.

This year was a tremendous year, with lots of memories and fun things that we all accomplished as a family.

Trials and tribulations have been evident in our lives, but we have stuck through it all, been thankful each day that we wake up with a healthy family, put a smile on our faces and walk down the street with the confidence that it will all eventually come our way.

My dearest sister-in-law, Shauna, sent us a book today with a title that is unforgettable, and means so much to our place in life. "If Life Were Easy, It Wouldn't Be Hard" This definitely struck a chord with us. We are thankful looking back over the last year for the family ties that we have.

Christmas last year was fun, my parents shared the day with us, and it was my first Christmas waking up with children of my own to watch open presents, and it was also Brian's first Christmas in a new family unit.

Mom and Brian made Christmas dinner.

While Dad and Lola took a nap.

Easter 2007 brought a new meaning to new beginnings with Brian and my decision to run off to Las Vegas to elope. After the hassles of nothing going right while planning a wedding, we made the best choice ever to run away together and do it for ourselves.

On Mother's Day Weekend my mom surprised us by having a little family reception and a cake for us to smear all over each others faces.

Not only was April 8th our wedding day, but my brother-in-law, Bob, while serving in Iraq flew an American flag over Iraq in honor of Brian. On Mother's Day Brian was given the flag that was flown just for him.

I don't have any pictures right now, but in May Brian and I attended his family reunion in Florida and had such a sweet time. We ventured to the Keys with Trevor and Calee, for a pseudo honeymoon...couldn't have asked for a better time!

Finally after 40 some odd years, my sister Rhonda married for the first time. I can honestly say that this was probably my mom's happiest day of her life. Rhonda and Bob decided to come to Reno on short notice, so my dad was not able to be there, but I made the bouquets and did Rhonda's hair, and it was absolutely beautiful. Not as cool as our wedding, but close :-)

In June we celebrated Chandler's birthday at the water park. It was tons of fun, with good memories.

My sister Kerri, my niece, and I also went to Wyoming to visit my grandmothers and also to celebrate my Grandma Willey's 90th birthday party. What a phenomenal celebration! (Sorry Mom, I know that Dad has something on his shirt, but come on...if he didn't would it really be right?)

This picture is hard for me to post because I know that it is the last picture that I was able to take with my dear Grandma Bunney. She was diagnosed with cancer, and it has taken over her body. It is even harder at Christmas time to know that it was the last. I had such a great time while there, and so happy I made the 19 hour trek to visit with her one last time, and tell her all about my new family.

Over July 4th weekend we made an impromptu trip to Fort Bragg, California with the kids. We had no reservations, no plans, we just took off for the coast, and we had a blast for 3 straight days.

We stopped at a hole in the wall on the way through to have breakfast, and took a scenic shot.

When we got there, it was foggy, and freezing. We stopped for a quick picture, but quickly got back into the warm car.

We found a Holiday Inn Express, that had a pool, and we swam for the night, and stayed inside. The next day was beautiful and we spent the day at the beach playing.

And at the end of the day we went for a scenic hike to watch the sunset.

The following day we hiked to a lighthouse overlooking the ocean.

We then found ourselves at the beautiful Glass Beach, where we could play in the waves, and look at all of the beautiful ocean glass.

And on our final day, we took a family horse ride on the beach. It was absolutely the funniest thing we have ever done. The seals were having their babies, and they were covering rocks within our site, and playing in the ocean.

Darby and Chandler began school in July after we returned home, and by the end of July Darby was already star student. We prepared a super cute board to tell about her favorite things and family.

Darby and Chandler have found a love for cooking and baking, of course Brian and I love the help in the kitchen!

Forrest celebrated his 13th birthday party at the skatepark with his good friend Jeremy.


And we were luck enough to have Granny here to celebrate with us.

Brian turned 36 and he spent the beginning part of August in Park City playing in the Kemosabi Golf Tournament with his brother. He had loads and loads of fun, and we were all able to get together at a fun function.

Gotta' Love Trevor!

Darby began cheerleading, and I coached. Our team placed 4th at competition.

The rest of the year has been so busy, with not much to talk about.

We find ourselves at this time of year caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and the holidays I sit back and just remember how blessed our life has been this year regardless of how hard it is. We have something that money can't buy, and it is a true family, with true values, and a family that truly loves every one of us.

Happy Holidays to all!