And here comes 2009 . . .

Here I sit on New Years Eve, just me and the kids (Brian has duty tonight), listening to the fireworks popping outside, wondering . . . where the heck did 2008 go?

Here we are one year ago tonight, hanging out down in the cul-de-sac by Heather's house (no, that's not Zander in my lap . . . it's Quinn, Heather's son . . . and no, it wasn't really cold enough to have to wear hats and jackets, but we were just trying to get in the "New Year spirit") . . .

Now there is Zander . . .

This year has flown by in record time for me. It's hard for me to believe that this spring we will have been here two years already, and it's hard for me to believe that my babies aren't babies anymore. Where does time go?

In retrospect, this year has been a good year for us. We live in a beautiful place surrounded by awesome friends. We have perfect weather (most of the time), we have a nice comfortable home, and everyone has been pretty healthy this year. We have all adjusted to our new life and our new schedules, and despite the busyness, we still managed to find a lot of time for fun. We had a lot of great visits with a lot of guests this year, and we also found time to squeeze in a couple vacations, to Michigan and the Big Island. Brian is doing well at work and school, and the kids seem to be enjoying all their various activities. And I have had the chance to enjoy the joys of being a stay-at-home mom. Yep, I'd say we've been pretty lucky.

This is not to suggest that this year has been without its disappointments too. Perhaps the most significant event in this category was the tragic loss of the crew of Coast Guard 6505 on September 4th. This was a very difficult time for Airstation Barbers Point and its families, and is something that will remain in our hearts and memories forever. There was also the death of several other family friends this year, including the father of my three and five year-old cousins. And as is the case with most people, the economy hasn't exactly been very kind to us this year either. But hey, we are starting a new year, right?

I'm generally not a big fan of New Years Eve. Off the top of my head, I can only recall one New Years where I had an absolute blast (D.C. 2003, details to remain on the DL). Otherwise, I find this holiday to be rather disappointing, as it usually involves way too much alcohol consumption followed by crazy driving on the roads, too much money spent, and a fairly anti-climatic moment that passes in one second. I know, I know, I probably sound like the New Years Eve grinch, but that's okay, I'm an ol' lady now so I can complain.

So I'll just go curl up on my couch with my girly movies and cookies, and enjoy the arrival of this brand new year. What are you doing tonight?