2009.

Inspired by G.Baxter this morning, I decided to do a quick photo recap of the crazy, swirly, and amazingness that has been 2009. I know I will leave a ton out, so if I happen to forget to mention some 2009 memory that is very dear to your heart, that's what comments are for :)
 
Almost one year ago, Chris and I rang in 2009 with some fantastic people, although Chris was sick almost all of new years eve, and I spent most of the night finishing my 3rd book of the Twilight series it was still a pretty good time. The next day we went down to the beach and rode bikes and hung out all day, one of my favorite new years' so far.

In February we got Disneyland passes for my birthday

and so began the new tradition

For less than ideal reasons we also got to visit the East Coast in (New Jersey & Philly)

Us at our first ever Lacrosse game, Go Wings!
Sightseeing (we got to see Oozaki too!)
Late Feburary we got to be a part of our friends celebrating their 10 year anniversary in Vegas! We got an amazing deal and got to stay at the Bellagio! best.hotel.ever.
March came along, and it took us on a roller coaster of emotions, March 29th we said goodbye to South Campus, Furnace, and South Hills Church.
As a result we had one of the most memorable Easter Services ever, sunrise service at Jameson park.. what would become known to some as "Chrisroads Church" or "Jameson Community Church"

After that was the Easter Egg Hunt at the Sheshack,(RIP) for those of you who were there or have heard the story, this is the madness that started it all, the epic battle of two boys, and one pool.

Late April we took a road trip to Solvang with my family

Chris performed his first wedding ever-- knocked it out of the park

Summer Fun at Medieval Times


San Fransisco for my niece's graduation
In June we moved out of our apartment and in with probably the best roomies known to man

When we interviewed in Virginia
and celebrated our one year anniversary in Virginia Beach

Shortly after we interviewed in Des Moines, and well we all know how the rest of the story goes ;)
But before that happened, a little of this happened first
I started my long term sub position at Citrus Hills (and all the stories that took place their with my infamous 7th period class)

Keeping with my new year's resolution to try more new things, I had my first piece of chocolate covered bacon at the OC Fair
Chris' 2nd wedding (this is the rehearsal) our good friends the Webbs!

So when Chris left in August we had a few of these

and a final trip to San Diego

and once he was in Iowa from August to October there was a lot of this

he bought this (enter bananas)

I flew back to Iowa for this:

no, not the pastries, the Official Launch of Gateway Church

after moving to Des Moines, Iowa on October 11, 2009 we have:

 Gone to the STORY '09 conference with the Gateway staff and got to spend a few hours in Chicago!

Had my sweet sweet Rose come out and visit within the first month of being out here! She and Josh drove our Xterra out for us!

And a month later Bob and Co. played a show in Des Moines!

We were able to spend Thanksgiving with Kara and the family and finally meet this little lady!

 

In December we had the ultimate Christmas Vacation experience

We also had a few more So Cal visitors, and enjoyed SOOO many good times with these two crazies!
Got to go home the week before Christmas (refer to my previous blog for all those fun details!)

Through all the changes it's been an amazingly, swirly, eventful, and breath taking year! Chris and I are so unbelievably blessed and loved.

As always we won't stop believing...