We hope 2010 has been a great year for you. For us, it has been full of good memories and pleasant surprises. We celebrated the engagement and then wedding of Mike’s brother Bryan to Amanda Thompson, took a cruise to Alaska and, after many hard months of trying, we were ecstatic to find out that we are expecting a baby girl!
In March, we attended (and I was a bridesmaid in) Hannah and Simon’s wedding. The wedding was in Boulder, but there was no lack of Brits in attendance, which made it all the more fun! The following month, I had a business trip to Dallas, so Mike tagged along and we got to take a detour to see my mom’s hometown and visit my uncle Lynn. May was Brenda and Joe Sanchez’ wedding at the gorgeous Arrowhead Golf Course.
June brought us a visit from Colin and Mariko for James and Jamila Cox’s wedding ceremony and then we followed them back to Oregon for the reception. We had a ton of fun in Oregon, trying wines and fancy donuts and hanging out with the Blessings and the newlyweds. We spent July 4th with Mike Piel and Emma at Mike’s family’s place near Buffalo, WY. They have land up there with cabins and a clubhouse and plenty of hiking, fishing and open space—gorgeous! Later in the month, we took another trip to Wyoming to visit dad and Crystal in Saratoga. While we were in Saratoga, we went on a hike and did some fishing along the way. Another highlight of the summer was a rafting trip we took in the Royal Gorge. We also took a four-wheeling trip with the Cox’s later that month and Mike was introduced to his first true off-road experience.
We found out in July that we are expecting a baby! Mike was instantly really excited to get the news, but I think I am still in shock! I’m six months along now, due April 7th, and so far so good. I’ve been feeling fine, except for some back pain, and am thankful to have dodged many of the negative symptoms I heard so much about when I was first pregnant (so far).
In August, we attended my 10-year high school reunion (and Mike’s in November). It was crazy for both of us that it’s already been 10 years since we graduated! It was fun to see everyone and remember the old days of high school.
In September, we continued our tradition of visiting a new state every year by taking a cruise to Alaska. The trip was amazing! We saw whales up close, a bear, sea lions, dolphins and all kinds of other wildlife. We also enjoyed all the wonderful food, including a chocolate buffet one night. The shows onboard were another highlight and we saw a comedy show, dancers, trapeze artists, etc.
In the fall, I took a business trip to San Diego, which was great because I got to see Susan, who I hadn’t seen in far too long! When I got back, we took a weekend trip to Breckenridge with Carter and Ashleigh and another couple. The house we stayed in was lovely and we really enjoyed relaxing time with them. Shortly after we returned from Breckenridge, I took a business trip to Vegas and brought Anna, Beth and Carolyn with me, which made it all the more entertaining. In November, we took a trip to Washington, DC to surprise Nathan for his 30th birthday! The trip was great and he was definitely surprised. When we saw him for the first time, Nathan looked at me like I was crazy and he could quite figure out what the heck I was doing there. We finished off the year with two very important weddings—first, Lindsey and Anand got married at the Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception, which was gorgeous! I was a bridesmaid and enjoyed learning all about the Indian traditions (and Indian dances) that were involved in the wedding. A few days later, Bryan and Amanda were married in Thornton. Mike was a groomsman and had a wonderful time seeing his younger brother get married and participating in the festivities (even though he says it’s a bit strange to see a ring on Bryan’s finger)!
Anyway, that’s what’s been going on around here! I hope you’ve had a wonderful year and that you’ll let us know what you’ve been up to.
