Trips in 2009

For memory sake, 
I wanted to document all of our travels in 2009.

Starting with ....

Hood Canal - Jan 2009

Hood Canal *Round 2 - Feb 2009

Girls trip to Chelan - Feb 2009 

NYC - March 2009

March Madness in Kansas City - March 2009

Griffin's 1st Bday in Dallas - March 2009

Vegas - March 2009

Victoria, B.C. - April 2009

Spokane Hoopfest - June 2009

Knoxville for the 4th - July 2009

3rd Anniversary in Suncadia - July 2009

Vegas *Round 2 - Aug 2009

Tahoe - 2009

San Diego - Oct 2009

San Diego *Round 2 - Nov 2009

Dallas *Round 2 - Nov 2009

Thanksgiving in Midland - Nov 2009

NYC *Round 2 - Dec 2009

Christmas in Knoxville *Round 2 - Dec 2009

What a blessing to be able to travel as much as we did ...
19 trips!

Now, looking forward to 2010 most of all for our trip to THAILAND!!!!!!!

Cousins in Knoxville

A very sad situation happened over Christmas ....

my camera battery died!

The last time I got myself in a bind like this, I bought an additional charger that would plug into the car lighter adapter to save myself in dire situations, but too bad I left both in Seattle .... UGH!

I'm waiting to get the chunk of pictures from everyone else, so I will leave you with a picture of the cousins!!  

Taylor, Hannah, me, Gabe, April, Ryan 

Wishful Wed ....Santa

The wonderful Teresa - from Blooming on Bainbridge, spiced up the Wishful Wednesday button this week, and I don't think we could be any more festive to bring in 2010?!?!  If you aren't already a follower of hers, go visit her asap!  She is definitely a top contender in my book of lovely ladies, and it doesn't hurt that she's from the south living in the Pacific Northwest!  It's people like her who brighten my day (as well as everyone else's), are brought into my life for a reason, and I get oh so excited every time I see an e-mail pop in from.  Plus, Doogan and my pups are long lost friends, and maybe one day I can cook as perfectly as her!

Okay, moving on, this past week's topic was dedicated to the last Wishful Wednesday for 2009 ...

'I wish' .... Santa would have remembered 

my Canon Rebel XSi was on my list!

I became obsessed with this camera after playing with Arrie and Jordan's and Abby's, and I have been dropping little hints to only be shot down each time by the hubby.  He says we don't need a big fancy camera like this right now, but when we have a little bun in the oven then by ole' means it's reasonable.  If you say so ......    

Abby and I both had the first model of the Canon Elph, then we both upgraded to the recent version, and I would have really loved to upgrade again to this beauty!  So, at least I know I have something to look forward to once I am pregnant!!!  Just throwing that out there -- hah!

Add your post response to the link below with MckLinky by clicking "YOU ARE NEXT," and hope everyone can visit at least two other blogs and leave some love!

Movie Night

Last week, I had the joys of winning the Deluxe Cocoa Sampler from Keeping up with Kelly!  She has a giveaway a couple times a month, and maybe you will be the next lucky winner.  Thanks Kelly, what a perfect treat for a chilly night!

You better believe I made myself a yummy cup of Mint Hot Chocolate (my fav!), built a fire (actually hubby did), and turned on a Pixar film!!  I would have made some popcorn, but I am still bitter that I bought the pack of 1,000 from Costco, which is 99% Fat Free and tastes way too healthy.  Next time, Homestyle it is!!

I am a huge fan of Pixar films and finally just got around this evening to watch Up!  Carol told me to get my kleenex ready, and for some reason I didn't cry or even come close!!  And, I am an emotional movie watcher - remember me and The Blind Side??  I thought Up was hilarious, and Gabe and I found ourselves enjoying the cute and well made movie.  

Ratatouille is still hands down one of my favorite Pixar film, as well as the classic Toy Story series.  Gotta love lines from that movie!  For some reason, Wall-E was a little too slow for me, but everyone else liked it but me it seems .....

What's your favorite Pixar film?


**By the way, how in the world did I get 499 READERS???  It all happened within the blink of an eye -- amazing!!!

Wisful Wed Topic ....Santa

Well, the holidays are officially over, 

so I thought I would dedicate one last Wishful Wednesday to 2009.  

'I wish' .... Santa would have remembered _____ was on my list!

Although we are thankful for all of the gifts received as well as the most important gift, time shared with loved ones ..... BUT, what would that one last gift be that you mentioned you wanted and wished was still under the tree?? 

Copy the button and post your response to the sentence above on your blog this Wednesday, as well as come back and add your link to MckLinky so others can hop on over and read your response!  Try and visit at least two or three others on the list :)

****For all of my new readers, Wishful Wednesday is meant to be something fun to get us through those lovely hump days.  It may be a wish, a hope, a dream, or an aspiration -- some topics may be fun and playful while others more insightful -- but most importantly, it will give us an opportunity to get to know our fellow bloggers a little bit better, and see what makes us tick ....

ONE YEAR BDAY

weheartit.com

Oh my goodness, it just dawned on me that it's my blog's one year birthday!!

I had to refer back to my first post on December 14th, It's About Time, to confirm it hasn't been two years already.  This past year of blogging has been so enjoyable, an outlet for myself, and I believe I am a better writer because of it.  I have probably spent way too many hours posting about my life and staring at Google Reader, but it's because of all of you and my family that I find this form of technology so worthwhile.  I may have to tone that down a bit since some things are going on right now and life is about to get even more hectic, but know I have sincerely loved this crazy thing we all call the "blog-o-sphere!"

LOVE!

Family Fun

This is what we call family fun at the Smith house!!
Even Gabe's grandparents played -- how sweet, right?!

We decided it would add a little twist to pick a name out of a hat  and decorate that person's stocking instead of one for yourself.  Robin went to town at the store buying all the goodies, so off we went decorating  .... add a little Christmas music, cheery spirit, and overall a delightful way to spend Christmas Eve!

I was responsible for Nana's :)

*My mother-in-law is an elementary school principal, and my brother-in-law and sister-in-law are both teachers! By the end, we all felt like kids in art class!!

Check and Check

My full day of traveling proved to be eventful considering I almost completed two novels.  Granted they are quick reads, but two in one day is a record for me!  I arrived safe and sound after hopping a plan in each time zone, officially arrive in Knoxville a little before 1am.   

Just thrilled for a relaxing week with family and loved ones ....

 Hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas! 

Just Chillin'

Willis, just chillin', as we head to Tessa's for a puppy vacation while Momma is away.

Last year, my best friend's boyfriend made these stairs to set by the bed for Harley to be able to get up and down on the bed .... Ohhh the life of a 4 and a half lb spoiled angel!! They travel with her everywhere, and Willis thought he would plop on down awkwardly to get a better view and whimper the entire drive there.

He knows car rides dreadfully lead to either Dirty Dogs for a haircut, friends house for a puppy vacation, or doggy park/hike!

The pups love Tessa, so I am thankful they are in such good hands. I am off on a day of flying standby .... The joys of flying for free comes with a few disadvantages.

The Blind Side

I. Cried. Like. A. Baby. through pretty much the entire movie!  22x would not be an exaggeration!

I heard so much about this movie and was really excited about taking the hubby to see it last night since multiple friends said Gabe would love it too.  Sandra Bullock was amazing and loved her role.  It definitely lived up to the hype, so GO SEE THIS MOVIE this holiday because it will tug at your heart!

We are running out the door to church, and it's Ugly Christmas Sweater Sunday!  We love ugly sweater parties, and actually sent out our Christmas card two years ago with our picture in them.

Xmas card pic 2007

We thought it was funny .... my parents on the other hand, not so much!  I have to say, Gabe's sweater is a handmade piece of art that we found at the local thrift store.

WineDay

Last week was one of my favorite ladies birthday!!!

(I get my daily dose of Jay at Crossfit, which makes the workout all-the-much better!)

After 25, we agreed to stop counting, but we celebrated Jamie's birthday in style at Passport to Woodinville.  Approximately 35 wineries participated, and one flat fee gets you a fancy wine glass and wine tasting throughout the weekend!  This is their time to shine, and they go all out serving reserve wines and h'orderves!

Shelby was the official party planner who arranged the day:  coffee, nine stops to our favorite wineries, dance party, and then an evening of yummy steaks at  El Gaucho!  Starting off the day at Efeste, then went to Two Vinters, Covington, Hestia, Stevens, Matthews ...

Jamie, Shelby, Me, Carly, Alison, Jessika

Then, my personal favorite, JM Cellars, tasty wine with steak sandwiches and carrot soup 

.... Perfection on a chilly day!  

Our yearly picture in front of Chateau St. Michelle

HAHA - Classic!

Birthday Girl 

Getting in TROUBLE! 

These pillars were just asking for us to stand by them! 

And lastly, the gorgeous sunset - talk about God's country!

Next stop, CABO, with these ladies in less than two months!

**I visited my first winery after moving to Seattle, and I have to say, my fellow Texans are slightly missing out.  I am not a huge wine connoisseur or heavy drinker (had to throw that out there), but I find the environment at wineries really enjoyable, especially with girlfriends!