Goodbye 2008, Hello 2009

We have had such a great year with lots of joys - the birth of Erika, Marilynn continuing to turn into a little lady, promotions for both me and Ken, and visits with family and friends throughout the year. Here's a brief recap of the year in pictures - looking forward to ringing the New Year tonight! Happy New Year everyone!

January: Marilynn rang in the New Year 2008 for us and tried to stay up to midnight.

January: Marilynn got sick on her 2nd birthday, so we had a small party for her at home.

February: We hit the slopes for some sledding!

March: Uncle Christian came up for a visit.

March: Marilynn had her first Easter egg hunt.

April: We took one last vacation to Seaside, Oregon before Erika was born.

May - the birth of Erika on May 11 - Mother's Day!

May - Ken's mom came to visit just after Erika was born.

June - Marilynn spent most of the year potty training - and is still trying!

July - Marilynn loved spending most of the summer at the beach by our house.

August - hanging out in Sequim.

Fall - can't have a Fall without at least 4 trips to a pumpkin patch!


December: Erika celebrated her first Christmas!

Happy Camper

Ken's family has this annual tradition of going camping the day after Christmas -rain, sleet, or snow, they always seem to make it happen. This year, we lucked out with really nice weather so Marilynn went along for one night and had a blast. She was the tough one of the Mills girls. Erika and I stayed at home with Maw Maw and enjoyed hot coffee, a warm bath, and manicures.

Christmas in Review

We had a great Christmas with Ken's family in Texas, and thankfully Ken was able to get out of Seattle on Christmas Eve. despite all of the snow to make it just in time for Christmas morning. The girls and I headed out to Ken's Grandma's house on Christmas Eve. (sadly without Ken) and even more sadly, I didn't get a single photo with his Grandma. Anyways, it was a great chance to catch up with his family and introduce Erika to the Mills/Kight/Walker clan.

Erika with her great Uncle Michael.

Erika with Ken's cousins - Julie, Kaci, and Tori

Erika and Marilynn with Paw Paw (Ken's dad) and Cousin Jake.


Then, we had a great Christmas morning with Ken's brothers and their families at his parents' house. Marilynn got her first car! Yes, I know, she must have been a very good girl this year (or at least very loved by her grandparents).

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you and yours a very Merry Christmas! We're so thankful for another year of blessings - the birth of Erika, another year of health for all of us, two great jobs, and wonderful family and friends. Hope you are having a wonderful holiday wherever you may be today.

Early Christmas

We're heading out to Texas in a few days, so we had an early Christmas with my parents last night - in the middle of a snow storm. Marilynn took the liberty of opening everyone's presents for them - how kind of her! She had a blast, and as she was settling down for bed, she whispered to me "Mommy, I really like Christmas."

Proof of Those Pearly Whites

My Little Cookie Monster

Making Christmas cookies is starting to turn into a mommy-daughter tradition. Marilynn just loves helping out in the kitchen, so we made a few Christmas cookies this weekend, and
Marilynn had a blast decorating them.

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow!

We woke up this morning to 2 inches of snow on the ground - nothing like a bit of snow to get you into the Christmas spirit! Marilynn had a ball throwing the snow around in yard with her boyfriend next door. They just ran back and forth between their two yards all morning - well, until it got too cold!

Best Buds

I know this phase won't last forever, but right now, Marilynn and Erika are the best of friends. Marilynn is always looking out for her little sis. And, Erika just lights up when she's around big sister Marilynn.
Marilynn loves driving around Erika in her baby doll stroller, and Erika puts up with it. Yes, yes, I know this is not considered "manufacturer approved." But, a girl gets desperate for ways to occupy her two kids during a snowstorm and while her husband is gone all weekend at a football tournament.


Marilynn is my new favorite babysitter

They love to just cuddle on the couch together - it's very cute!

This was our "attempt" at a cute Christmas card photo - getting two kids to smile at the same time is no easy task.

Erika's Two Front Teeth

The Christmas season must be upon us, because Erika got her "two front teeth" just a few weeks before Christmas! I tried to get a few shots of the tooth, but just couldn't quite get her to open her mouth. Oh well. She turned 7 months old yesterday and she's starting to develop quite the personality. Definitely now letting us know when something is not right and then also giving us such big hugs and smiles when things are right.

Party Girl

Here's a few pictures from a birthday party of one of Marilynn's friends from school. They rented a bounce castle at the local community center and she had a blast!