Christmas and 2010

So Ben and I headed back to good ol' Michigan for the holiday season... or should I say holiday "drive." Yes, that is right we DROVE to Michigan this year, 20 long hours in the car and yes we are still married :) Overall, both ways were an easy drive with very few traffic or weather issues.

We got to see many many family members and friends while we were back for 2 weeks and it was amazing to see them all! So fun to catch up with them.

We got some great gifts - lots of dishes for me (maybe a hint?) and lots of backpacking items for Ben (maybe also a hint?)

Then we got to ring in the New Year with Ben's family and celebrate my birthday with both sides of the family and a little sledding!

It was a great trip with lots of great memories.

But thinking back 2009 was a great year as well. We have so much to be thankful for.

Jan. 2009 - I turned 23
Amy came to visit us in Texas

Feb. 2009 - Celebrated our 1st Valentine's as a married couple
My mom came to visit

March 2009 - Seth & two of his friends came to visit
Saw our 1st Houston Rockets game
Ben's 1st backpacking trip

April 2009 - Spent Easter in Houston

May 2009 - Celebrated our 1 year anniversary
Went canoeing in Arkansas

June 2009 - Ben's parents came to visit for a week

July 2009 - Experienced a VERY hot summer!

Aug. 2009 - Drove to Michigan and back for a week of vacation
Ben started his second year of graduate school

Sept. 2009 - Another Labor Day not at Holland State Park :(
One year at my job

Oct. 2009 - In Michigan again to celebrate with Staci - her wedding day
Ben took another backpacking trip to AR

Nov. 2009 - Spent a week in beautiful Cancun celebrating my grandparents 50th wedding anniversary

Dec. 2009 - Had a wonderful Christmas just the two of us
Saw the Nutcracker Ballet in Houston
Traveled to Michigan
Celebrated the birth of Christ with many family members
Rang in the New Year with family and new friends

And there is so much more.... 2010 is a year of anticipation for us. We are excited and yet nervous for the coming summer and move to Louisiana and all of the things God has planned for us after that. We look forward to the ways He is going to work out all good things for us.

We hope and pray you all had a blessed Christmas and Happy 2010!