Happy New Year

We were happy to ring in the New Year with Kami, Richard, Adam and Austin this year. While waiting for them to arrive, James entertained us with a spectacular fireworks show.

The most exciting part of the night for us (boy times have changed) was when Lily went peepee AND poopoo on the potty. There was dancing, singing, cheering, and candy. You would have thought we had just won the lottery by the hoopla coming from our house. We have been struggling with potty training this week and have gone through many pair of big girl underwear everyday. There have been more accidents than successes, but I'm not turning back now.

We are definitely getting older and barely made it to midnight. I think all the lights were out at our house at 12:05.

The hand-me-down fairies (The Clines) passed on their awesome jump castle and we couldn't keep Lily out of it all day. She could have cared less that it was freezing cold outside. She had a blast jumping with her big cousins. They are so good to her. She must have said each of their names 50 times all morning and followed them everywhere. They sweetly played with her and she absolutely adores them. Thank you guys for the new outdoor entertainment. I think we are going to become very popular in our neighborhood now. Love what it does for the hair.

After a yummy lunch and some football, the Clines headed back to Irmo. We were then joined by Doncie, Poppy, Aunt Nette, Paul, Monica, Lee, and Gabby (Maggie was visiting her grandparents this week) for a traditional New Years lunch. We are all going to be healthy, wealthy, and wise this year. Gabby entertained a very exhausted Lily for us and finally we got both kiddos in bed. It is now 8:59, and I am in my PJ's and ready to sack out.

2008 was a year full of ups and downs. The biggest "up" however more than makes up for the downs: the arrival of our sweet little bee bug. It was a family/friend/church wide effort to get her here, but we did it, and she was every bit worth it. The Lord blessed us this year with a perfect little baby and she has brought so much joy into our lives. Our church family has experienced a hard year full of unexpected changes, but through this sadness, we are growing stronger as a church, as individuals, and as a family.

2008 IN PICTURES

Today has been a wonderful start to a new year. Good food, good fun, good family, and good friends. I look forward to 2009!

Happy New Year

Love, James, Taryn, Lily and Sarah Ellen