The Way I See It: Best of 2009

These are my favorite moments of 2009. I tried to pick 10, but didn't even come close. I guess it was just that great of a year.

#1 - HSM on Ice

I took my niece to see High School Musical on Ice. She loved watching the show and I love watching her.

#2 - Snowboarding

Mark and I were blessed with many opportunities to go snowboarding this year. One of my favorite days was the day we took our nephew, Caden. Mark worked hard to help him learn and he was doing great by the end of the day.

#3 - Senior Trip

Mark and I were honored (and thrilled) to be asked to chaperone my sister's senior class trip to Winter Park. We had a fabulous three days playing, tubing, snowshoeing, sleigh-riding, rock-climbing, and shopping. We love these kids and already miss them! Why do seniors have to graduate?

#4 - New Belgium

In May, we toured the New Belgium brewery in Ft. Collins. Free beer and good friends. Need I say more?

#5 - Sharing our News

In June, we spent about a week confusing our friends and family with the news that we are adopting a baby. I made my mom a "grandma's brag book" and the first page said, "It's a boy." Her first response - "What?" It's hard to say "We're expecting, but we're not pregnant" and have people catch on right away. But after all the confusing, we have been so blessed by the excitement and support of our friends and family. Maybe next year "Picking up our baby in Ethiopia" will be one of my top moments of 2010.

#6 - Mark's Graduation

I was so proud of Mark for working hard to earn his bachelor's degree at the University of Phoenix and I loved celebrating this accomplishment with him.

#7 - Sister trip to NYC

We had a blast and I desperately want to go back and do it all again. Shopping, Broadway, pizza, Little Mermaid, shopping, Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Times Square, taxis, Central Park, carousel, shopping, ice cream, squirrels, fountains, exploring, and shopping. I loved every minute.

#8 - Vegas Baby

In May, I was honored and surprised to receive the "Coach of the Year Award" from Pikes Peak Volleyball Club. The prize? A trip to Vegas, of course. Mark and I had an amazing three days doing Vegas like we've never done it before. We got to stay at a nice hotel and everything! I think the highlight of the trip was attending "Beetles: LOVE" a production in the Cirque du Soleil family. It was simply stunning.

#9 - California

In late July, I had one last summer hurrah and spent four days in California with Emily and John. They were anxiously awaiting the birth of their little girl and I was blessed to share in those moments. A highlight of that trip was our maternity photo shoot on the beach. I'm not sure I'll ever have an opportunity like that again!

#10- Eliches

Mark arranged a trip to Eliches for my birthday. My nephew, Caden, was a fabulous roller coaster buddy and was willing to try anything. Hopefully next year, Arlee will be tall enough to ride the big rides.

#11 - Mark's 29th Birthday

Every year, Mark spends his birthday doing the same things. 15C - Chipolte - Tony's. Every year we have a blast. This year was no exception.

#12 - Little Sister goes to College

While I was completely heartbroken to leave my sister at college, the day we moved her in was so much fun. I loved that I got to be there to help her build shelves and put her clothes away. I am so proud of her and miss her terribly.

#13 - Colorado Springs Balloon Classic

This Labor Day tradition is totally worth getting up at 5:00 in the morning to attend. It's a beautiful "morning date" and you can get funnel cakes for breakfast. :)

#14 - My New Niece

Little Ava Grace was added to our family on September 29, and oh how we love her.

#15 - Our Big Win

Winning third place at the Junior High tournament this year was a wonderful experience. I know it doesn't sound like much, but it really was a major accomplishment for these girls. There truly is nothing like watching your team succeed after you've coached, and coached, and coached them.

#16 - The State Volleyball Tournament

After all these years of coaching, I had never attended the State Tournament before. It was thrilling to watch so much great competition and I am still dreaming of getting to actually coach a team at this tournament some day. That would be quite an honor.

#17 - Meeting Harper O.

I waited 4 months to meet this little girl. She is so special to us and it was amazing to finally hold her and get to know her. We are hoping that she doesn't grow up too much before we get to see her again.