I’ve taken quite a break from this blog, but with this post I’m committing to revive it for the new year- posting with a focus on books (with a goal of reading 52 books by the end of the year), cooking (I have a new KitchenAid mixer and Cuisinart food processor to play with, thanks to my in-laws and husband!), knitting (too many projects in the works to even think about), and other random things, and hopefully an occasional music guest-post from Ryan.
In the meantime, here are some highlights of our 2009:
- A full house of friends for the inauguration in January, including Scott, and Jason and his wife Jodie. The inauguration itself, while COLD, was amazing.
- A birthday weekend extravaganza in February that ranged from seeing pandas at the National Zoo to a knitting store to Annapolis to an awesome CD store in Baltimore.
- A wonderful visit in February from our friends Monica and Todd during a short break from their mission trip to Honduras.
- A spring break visit from my amazing friend Beth in March.
- Ryan spent time with his family in Madison during April…a much-needed break from Starbucks craziness!
- I traveled to Wisconsin in July for our yearly family gathering at my aunt and uncle’s cabin in Wisconsin- it was cold this year (highs of 55, in July!), but a fantastic time. I don’t just say that because a trip to the Leinenkugel’s brewery was involved.
- Ryan’s family came to visit us in August for a week, with lots of sightseeing, game-playing and fun family time for all.
- We celebrated our one year wedding anniversary at the end of September with a weekend trip to Delaware (the first state!). We even managed a side trip to Philadelphia for part of an afternoon.
- Our house was busy during October, with an extended stay by our new friend Sue, a long weekend visit from our friend Laura, and another visit from Ryan’s family, this time to celebrate his mom Lettie’s birthday.
- Our household grew in October as well, with the addition of a third cat, Wrigley. She’s adorable, crazy and a bundle of energy.
- November brought a promotion for me (official title: Director of Advocacy and Policy) and a visit from the ever-lovely Amy Johnson over Thanksgiving.
- I was able to be with my family in Iowa for a long weekend before Thanksgiving and spent a lot of great time with my nieces and nephews.
- December was a busy month that didn’t afford a trip back to the midwest for Christmas…we missed our families a lot, but had a quiet, low-key Christmas at home. Also, I knit a sweater for Ryan!
- And last, but certainly not least, we welcomed a new member of our family into the world- we are proud to be the aunt and uncle to Everly Suzanne, born to Katie (Ryan’s sister) and Shawn just this past Monday!
It’s been quite a year, stressful and crazy, amazing and blessed. Happy New Year to all…see you in 2010!
Ramblings, musings, and other stuff 