New Years Day

Judd spent his last day before deployment with the kids. We spent 4 hours building Dax's and Annabelle's lego sets. The kids didn't even leave the table the whole time. It was a great day. Judd spent the rest of the day packing and preparing for his trip. Chase decided that he was going to go with Judd he climbed in the bag and even brought his own pillow.

Happy New Year

We had a great 2009. So much has happened this year. Annabelle is becoming quite the little dancer, and has started to read. Dax loves school, soccer, started basketball, and learned to ride a bike in 1 week. Chase turned 1 and transitioned from baby to toddler. Judd finished his orthopaedic surgical residency. We sold our house even though the market was at a low. We lived a transient life starting out in a hotel while Judd studied for the first part of the orthpaedic boards. We transitioned to Utah for a month between assignments while Judd spent 2 weeks in Maine--also studying for the boards; Judd PASSED Step I of the boards. We moved from San Antonio Texas to Bellbrook, Ohio where we found the perfect house for us in a great little small town community just outside of Dayton. I found two great gyms to work at in the Dayton area. Judd walked into a busy orthopaedic practice at Wright Patterson Medical Center. Judd had the hunt of his life with his Dad and brother. We went to Hawaii for a conference without the kids for a week. And to round out the year, Judd got a short notice tasking 2 weeks before Christmas to deploy with the Army in Afghanistan for 6 months to follow a month of training in Fort Lewis starting January 4th. So here is to next year, though we may start it apart, may we reunite stronger then we were before.

Our 2nd Christmas

Since we can't go home this year for new years like we had planed due to Judd Deployment. The Robins mailed all of our gifts to our house. They got here on Dec 30. The kids loved it they got to open presents two different days. All of the kids got new sets of Legos, Annabelle got a new boy barbie and a car, Dax got math games, Chase got a Chuck fire station. I got new Uggs and a Coach purse, Judd got a new shirt, sweater, and a gift card to cabella. Plus much more. We were really spoiled.

Dax's Telescope

Dax was so excited about his telescope. It is all he has been talking about for over a month. Judd got it all set up on Christmas but it was to cloudy. Every night Dax would ask if it was clear or not. Finally on Wednesday he heard the weather say it was going to be a clear night and he asked his dad if they could try. Dad was able to see the moon and a bunch of craters. I think it will be a good gift if I can figure out how to use it while Judd is gone.

Christmas

This was the first Christmas that we have ever spent without our extended family. I was having a hard time with it, I just didn't think it felt much like Christmas. Judd and I had to step up this year and take care of everything that our parents use to do. I made sure to make some of our favorite foods, but we also tried some new things, Judd grilled up some of his pheasants on Christmas eve. We watch the Christmas Story and read the scriptures as a family. It was really nice, our family was able to slow down and share the true meaning of Christmas with our kids. On Christmas day we stayed in our PJs all day except Dax who had to put on his Nike right after he opened them. We took our time opening presents and let the kids play with them all morning. There was no fighting and the kids stayed in the family room all day. I made ham and all the fixing for Christmas dinner. We missed all of the family. It turned out to be a great Christmas with the kids, and I will always remember it.

Hawaii

Judd had a conference in Hawaii and I decided to tag along. It has been 6 years since we last went to Hawaii. We dropped the kids off in Utah on our way there so that I could relax and Judd could go to the conference. Even though it was a vacation of sorts Judd worked out every day. He found the pull-up bar that he used on our honeymoon and put it to good use. They put on a great Christmas Luau. The dancing was better then the food. While Judd was in meetings all day the other spouse and I had lots of fun. I learned to surf, which I still need lots of practice at. I went scuba diving and saw an old boat, lots of turtles, and spotted eagle ray. I even petted and octopus. We also decided to go para-sailing, it was beautiful. Each night I would meet up with Judd and we would go to amazing restaurant. Judd took one day off and a group of us decided to go to the east shore. We had a great time kayaking, boogie-boarding and just playing around with friends. It was a great time. I was able to forget about all of my worrys.

Chase's 1st Hair cut

The night before we left for Utah we took the whole family to top cuts for haircuts. Chase really needed one his hair was curling up around his ears. He was really good for the lady. She even used the shaver. Chase loved the feel everytime she put it up to his head he would lean in and smile.

Annabelle's Dance Class

We signed Annabelle up for Dance at her school this year. It wasn't the best of programs but she still had some fun. There were to many kids in her class so she would act up to get attention or pretend she couldn't do it. I will be finding a new place when the new year begins.

Annabelle's Christmas Program

Annabelle's did a great job on her Christmas program this year. She sang Alligator Stomp, I'm getting Nutting for Christmas, Who comes around on a special night, and Jack and Jill. She was really funny during most of the songs she was really concerned with her hair and with what Chase was doing. But she still knew all the words.

Annabelle's Birthday

It was so hard for Annabelle to wait for her birthday this year. Everyday leading up to her birthday she would ask is today my birthday? and Then ask how many days? She came home from Church the Sunday before her Birthday ready to open her presents because they sang happy birthday to her in Primary. Then on Monday we took cupcakes into her class and they sang Happy Birthday to her. She was so confused all week. When her birthday finally arrived she thought we were teasing her. I took her to the store to pick out her cake and she chose a giant snowman cookie cake that had more icing then cookie. She was so excited to open her presents she got her first Barbie, she had to style it up right away. Now every time she plays with her Barbies she has to give them a bath and do their hair.

Decorating for Christmas

It always takes time to decorate for Christmas but this year was crazy. We couldn't find half of our decoration, we had to buy a new tree and all new lights. Between Judd and I we had to go to the store around ten times to get everything we needed. The kids had lots of fun bringing us Christmas Decorations. Judd decided that he was going to decorate the trees and bushes this year instead of the house it took him two days getting everything wired. But he said it was all worth it when Dax went outsides and saw the light and Yelled "Daddy this is Delightful". After one day our tree was halfway undecorated thanks to Chase but is was still a good Thanksgiving weekend. Lets just hope that it won't take this long to decorate next year.