Year in Review

What a wonderful year this has been. I can truly say that my family has been blessed with many many wonderful gifts this year. Of course the biggest blessing of all is the birth our our daughter Julia. It was a big decision for Mark and I to start all over by having a baby. With Nina already 10 years old, I wasn't sure that i wanted to go thru all those sleepless nights, diapers, feedings again but it has been all WORTH IT!! Julia is just a wonderful and we couldn't be more excited for the years to come with her. Hard to believe that she was ever this small. Julia at 5 days old.

Nina has just grown so much this year as well. She is really maturing into a young lady (already talking about going to Middle school and wearing makeup, aaahhhhh). She has really adapted well into her new role as big sister and we couldn't more pleased with her progress at school and all her activities. Thank goodness she loves to be involved and active!

Nina at Rehoboth Beach, DE.

One of the best times we've had this year has to be our trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE for Pop's (Peter) 60th birthday. It was great to have a family vacation where we could relax and take it easy for the week. Plus it was fun for me to meet the rest of the Friedman clan. Mark is the oldest of the cousins and I really enjoyed meeting them and spending time with them this week. Of course anytime that I'm able to spend my vacation on a beach, I'm happy! Hoping in 2009 that Mark and I can enjoy another beach vacation for just the two of us. :) hint hint Grandmas and Pops.....

Sally at the beach

Mark and his first cousins

Also this year, we have been blessed with the birth of my little niece Marissa. My sister and i have shared similar paths the last couple of years with both of us getting remarried and having little girls. My nephew Andrew, who turned 16 years old this year, is still the only grandson but he's the oldest so he has that in his favor. ;) Marissa was born one week after Julia and it is amazing how different they are. She is a little peanut at 13 lbs while Julia is now 18 lbs. Plus she is quite the mover as she is already crawling around and pulling herself up. Julia is probably the most laid back baby ever and is content to sit and watch everyone else. She has no desire to move around just yet.

Monica, Kurt and Marissa at the Plaza Art Fair.

Also new to the family this year is Laura's boyfriend David. Although Mark and I haven't met him yet (we are both very eager to), we have heard great things and hope to meet him in 2009. David and Laura moved in together in October in an apt in Brooklyn.

My parents have had a quite a changing year as well. My dad retired from Union Pacific RR after 36 years of service. I am so happy that he now gets to enjoy life and not have to work those crazy schedules anymore. He has been busy with golfing, biking, sleeping in late and helping mom. (is that right Mom?? I'm sure Dad is a big help around the house) With Dad finally retired, Mom has been on the hunt for their dream lake house in the Ozarks. After several trips down to look at houses, I think she may have found one. One weekend in August, Mom, the girls and I went to my friend Rachel's lakehouse in the Ozarks (Mark was off doing boy stuff this weekend). While we were down there, Rachel took us to a friend of theirs house which they just happen to have for sale. Mom and I fell in love with this house. A few weeks later, Dad saw it and actually liked it as well. It does have its cons as well but I believe my folks are negotiating with the owners. So hopefully, we'll be having lots of trips to the lake in 2009.

I would have to say that this year has been a big BABY year not just for us but for our friends as well. This year we welcomed Brode Bradshaw (Dec 28th) (Brice and Laurie), Marjorie Hotop (Dec 31) (Chris and Coleen) (close enough to 2008), Colin Coryell (Jan 25th)(Scott and Laura), Jackie Kennedy (Feb 13th) (John and Jolyn), Taylor Ruemker (Mar 27th) (Jan and Matt), Skylar Vasko (Mar 31st) (Todd & Gigi), Calvin Hacke (June 4th)(Andy & Susan), Alexa Regas (June 22nd)(Matt & Jen), Madeline Etler (Sept. 18th) (Dan & Theresa) and Reese Miller (Nov. 10th) (Lance & Lisa). And I am so excited for 2009 as we await the arrival of baby boy Brown in April (Mike & Margie), another baby Hotop in May (Chris & Coleen), baby girl Sullivan in May (Jon & Sarah), baby Reid in June (Jeff and Cindy) and baby Mattoon in June (Kory and Teresa). I'm sure I've missed someone out there but as you can see, it's been wonderful year for us and our friends.

Now it is the best time of year as we celebrate Christmas. Mark's family is here with us this year. I'm looking forward to our visit with them and spending the holidays with family. There's just nothing better to me. :)

Hope you all had a wonderful 2008. 2009 shall be another great year for all of us.