Things I learned in 2009

• The years are going faster
• Take time to Journal because you do forget
• Life is short
• There is a heaven, cause my Grandpa just went there
• Teething is the worst
• We will always, always meet our medical deductible
• Sometimes the pool is too hot during summers in Rancho Cucamonga
• Disneyland is dangerous
• Cutco knives will cut 7yr old fingers
• A baby gate to keep everyone out of the kitchen is a must ($65 at ToysRus. Well worth the investment. I go hide in there now)
• Mental illness is everywhere
• Global warming is a hoax
• Jeans don't shrink.....we expand
• James gets lonely at night around 3am
• Hot Dogs are a preferred meal, no apologies necessary
• I don't like pork
• I would live at the lake if I could
• Snow is only fun when you have ski's on your feet
• Little dogs are good for 2 things. Pooping and barking
• Friendship is a necessity
• Cell phones are not to be touched in the car because hands free means, hands off
• Vacuums are under appreciated
• Vinyl flooring is always gross

2009 in REVIEW

The Larson family has survived yet another year. Good bye 2009, and HELLO 2010.

2009 Recap:

Fun at the beach!

Fun in the tub!

Shea played her first year of soccer! She scored 3 goals

I graduated with my MBA this year!

James broke his leg at the Happiest Place on Earth! Disneyland did not live up to it's reputation that day!

Peter and Elizabeth came to visit us for a week. We had so much fun! We went to Sea World, hung at the beach, and saw the Bodies Exhibit in Vegas!

Shea had her first B-day party. Happy seven!

We lost Grandpa Halls on June 30th. He left this world of pain and illness to be reunited with loved ones that have gone before him on the other side. Grandpa is healthy and feeling better than ever now. We miss Grandpa so much. We also know that he is happy and waiting for us to make our journey through this mortal life. See you on the other side Grandpa!
We went to watch The Utah Utes beat UNLV football. We had a blast with Conor and Jessie. We enjoyed lots of laughs, dirty Scrabble, Turkey Foot, Grandma's cooking and riding quads.

The Larson family THINKS GREEN. We thought it a dreadful waste of pumpkins to purchase and have a cute baby picture with a dozen pumpkins for Halloween. Save the planet, don't waste pumpkins. Instead, we dumped out our RECYCLING can and James REUSED and RE PURPOSED our junk mail. This is instead of wasting pumpkins for a photo opp.Think Green People.

2009 was officially completed by making it into this Larson Family portrait. For years I had imagined myself a part of these beautiful family portraits, next to Adam. After being in the family for 5 years, I earned my spot. I am next to Adam, beside Shea and holding our son James. My life could not be better. My life is exactly what my childhood dreams conjured up all those years ago. Of course, getting my dream was not easy. The challenges, consequences, learning opportunities, and growing, all made this journey a trial. However, I finally got what I wanted. I got Adam! And yes, it was well worth the wait!