Remembering 2009

As we get ready to celebrate the start of 2010, I would like to reflect back on the year of 2009. It was an amazing year with many things to remember.

Here are some highlights from 2009:

(in chronological order)

1. Celebrating Valentine's Day at Tenaya Lodge with Steve and Carson - We played in the snow, went sledding, took a horse drawn carriage ride into the winter wonderland, not to mention that when I called, they had us on their friends and family list which discounted the rate on our room tremendously!!

2. Celebrating the lives of ones that passed -

Jim Cheatham - Father, Grandpa, Uncle, Brother, Friend and Helicopter Extraordinaire

Shawna Kilbert - Mother, Wife, Sister, Aunt, Friend and and Inspiration to all that knew her

3. Our Family trip to Newport Beach and Disneyland - Definitely wasn't the most relaxing trip but we did manage to have a good time as we went to the San Diego Zoo, visited with friends, played at laguna beach and wore ourselves out chasing Carson all over Disneyland.

4. Master's National Swim Meet - Steve competed in his first swim meet since High School. Watching him enjoy his passion was truly amazing.

5. The spontaneous purchase of our cabin at Bass Lake -

One Sunday in April - Dad called to ask if we wanted to buy a cabin at Bass Lake with them. I said no.

Monday - Went to Bass Lake to look at the cabin that Dad and Debbie wanted to buy. Told Steve we should go in with Dad and Debbie to buy the cabin. He said no.

Tuesday - Dad and Debbie decided to purchase the cabin with or without us and made an offer on the cabin.

Wednesday - Took Steve to see the cabin. We agreed to purchase the cabin with Dad and Debbie (aka... one of the best decisions we ever made)!!

Thursday - Offer was accepted and we were in escrow.

6. Bringing Brady Robert Schmidt into this world - I call him Brady Boo and he is "Sweet as Pie."

7. Sitting in the boat on Bass Lake, at 8 o'clock in the evening, with Steve, Suzanne and Brady, listening to Beast of Burden while Carson swam in the lake - I think this was my favorite night of the entire summer. It was a calm night with just the family hanging out. No stress. No drama. No obligations. Just enjoying each other and our love for the lake.

8. Potty Training Carson - This summer we potty trained Carson and by September he was completely potty trained. No diapers, not even at night!!

9. Taking the French Boys to Las Vegas - Steve drove Suzanne, Thomas and David to Vegas. I flew and met them there. We stayed at Bally's but partied at the Playboy Club at the Palms. I think my face still hurts from laughing so hard on the drive home.

10. Discovering my Passion for Photography - I slowly learned to use my Canon Rebel, took a photography class and acquired TWO kick ass new lens' for Christmas.

10 1/2. Celebrating the holidays at Bass Lake - We celebrated both Thanksgiving and Christmas at the cabin at Bass Lake. I am excited for this tradition to continue year after year.