Looking back at 2009

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!

I think 2009 has gone by the fastest so far for me. I am not sure if that is because Parker grows so fast or because I am getting old, but it is sad another year is already over. It does not seem that long ago that we were in Winter Park with my family just after the new year enjoying time together, sledding and a horse sleigh ride. I still remember how cute Parker was “wweeeeeee wwwwwweeeeeeee” down the hill and got Grandpa Cline to push him back up that hill several times.

I spent a lot of time at the zoo with Parker during the first part of the year; he enjoyed seeing all the animals. We also ventured to the Children’s museum in Denver which he loved and we thought for sure we would get back there soon but time passed us by. I guess we just need an excuse to drive up there since we were able to see Rory, Tina and Kevin Cline after their college visit to Boulder.

Parker caught on quick to the idea of Easter this year and finding all his goodies. We made another attempt this year for Parker to sit on the Easter Bunnie along with Santa’s lap and both times it was only happening if he was sitting on Nick or myself. We won’t give up though!

I went on my first Hut trip with girlfriends. We hiked for 3 hours, UP, in high altitude, about 3 miles to a beautiful cabin in the mountains surrounded by so much beauty. It was a great adventure and next time I hope to make that trip with Nick.

Parkers second birthday of course came way too fast! We had a nice little party for him at a play center. He enjoyed opening his gifts and it was the first time I heard him say “mine” when the other kids were crowding him and trying to get into his stuff. It was funny and I cant say I blame him, it was HIS birthday!

In May, Nick and I enjoyed a day of white water rafting with friends. It was quite the adventure with the high rapids, us putting a hole in our boat and me getting tossed overboard. Can’t wait to do it again!

We had such an amazing summer, mainly because Parker is so much more active allowing us to do some great things together. This year he continued to love the water park and would stay and play all day if we let him. He got a hiking backpack so he could hike on one of our backs and had a great time. Every time we would go he would talk about “hiking” for days after. He started riding his bike and although he needs help moving along he is just thrilled to ride. He also continually wanted to play soccer and actually improved his kicking/running in a very short time. We made it up to Estes Park twice and enjoyed watching Parker feed the chipmunks “chippies” and explore the national park. We kept the tradition going of him getting to buy a stuffed animal at Noah’s Ark and he picked an elk since he saw his first ones, a great big flock of them.

Over Labor Day weekend we visited old family (my grandma Cline’s) in Dodge City Kansas, it was nice to see faces we have not seen in a while and to see so many little ones running around. It would have been so much better if my grandparents (Cline) were around to see as well.

The fall was enjoyable with farm activities on the pumpkin patch, Parker as a Golfer for Halloween, Visits from Nicks mom and over Thanksgiving Nicks friend Ben. Parker also got potty trained and it seems like it was a lot easier then I thought it would be, although I think Nick did most of the work.

We can’t forget all the fun we have had with our friends and family visiting. It is so great to have wonderful friends that have kids Parkers age. Parker loves to see his friends and usually would be just fine if I left without him, he enjoys their company so much. It is always great to have our family and friends from out of town visit; Parker is so happy for the extra attention and spoiling.

For Christmas my parents visited and once again parker loved the spoiling!! Parker enjoyed baking a lot of cookies over the holidays and in general loves to help out in the kitchen.

It is hard for me to believe we did not get on a plane once this year, which is very unusual for us! I think that will change in 2010 but those trips will be more limited than before now that parker can not sit on our laps.

Heading into 2010 Nick and I are making huge career changes. Nick has been and is working on obtaining Networking, Security and Cisco certification to enhance his knowledge and just became an Air Force Reservist. He starts the first part of January and will continue with his studies at the same time. I started back to school full time in the fall for Occupation Therapy Assistance degree and have resigned from my current employment so I can be in a classroom starting this spring semester. I will graduate in May 2011 and hope to move onto my masters at some point after that. Right now I am just happy to of made such a huge change for myself and be heading in a more rewarding career path.

We have had a wonderful year and feel very Blessed for the people and opportunities we have in our lives. Parker continues to be such a blessing and we enjoy having him in our lives. We are hoping for an even better 2010 and the same for everyone in our lives.