Duke, age 11 1/2

Duke is one year older and wiser. He enjoyed a full year

of travel, swimming, walks and playing at the park.

He lives for the times when the kids are home and loves

playing outside with them and all of their friends. He is

still crazy for tennis balls and loves to play catch and

swim. He dressed up as a hotdog this year for Halloween

(instead of his usual monkey) and enjoyed going

door-to-door "visiting" the neighbors. He adds an

element of delight and love to our lives and for that,

we love him dearly.

Garrett

Garrett has been a busy traveler this year.

In 2009, he has visited the following states:

Hawaii, California, Washington, Nevada,

Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, Illinois,

Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina,

Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, District

of Columbia, Nebraska, Massachusetts,

Texas, Florida, Delaware--I think that's all.

He went on his annual fishing trip to Yellowstone

and a couple of golf trips with friends.

He cheered and wept for the Cougar football program.

He coached Collin's little league team and

has learned a lot about karate.

Stacy

It has been an exciting year, one that has passed all too

quickly. In 2009, I ran my first (and so far only)

half-marathon and also ran in the Ragnar Relay

(a no-fun 2-day 3-leg run). I also enjoyed July 4th in

Cedar City with my family and a couple of trips to

California to visit with Garrett's. Garrett and I went to

Washington DC with my sister, Carrie and her husband,

Eric. We also spent a week in Hawaii. I have been busy

volunteering at school, carpooling, reading, and spending

time with the kids on adventures.

It has been a blessed year....

Collin, age 7 1/2

Collin has had quite a busy year. He has:

• lost 4 teeth
• started 2nd grade
• played little league and is now in karate
• loves playing Star Wars, Hot Wheels, Legos, GI Joe, Transformers
• creates science experiments
• loves riding his bike and playing with friends

Claire, age 5

This year has been an exciting one for Claire. Here are some highlights:

• was in ballet and tap and is currently in gymnastics
• started Kindergarten in August and tolerates school
• still loves dressing up, playing house and singing all the time
• turned 5 in October with a hula girl birthday party
• learned how to ride a 2-wheel bike
• loves going to bed at night and sleeping in

Ain't she a beauty?!

A couple of weeks ago, Claire wanted to

dress herself and put on make-up.

This is not an unusual request.

Normally, she dons a princess dress-up

or ballet outfit, but this day was extra special.

On paper, it all should coordinate,

yet something is not quite right.

The navy blue sunflower shirt and navy blue
sunflower socks match (true)

The denim skirt does go with navy blue (true)

The green and white polka dot leggings
(hidden by the skirt) do coordinate with the
green around the sunflower (true)

And the sparkle silver eyeshadow does match

the sparkle silver shoes (true)

Where did it go wrong? For Claire, nowhere.

This is the ultimate in four year old fashion.

She is a trend-setting diva amongst her peers.

And yes, she has a mom who took her out for

a day of errands dressed like a beauty queen.

Child abuse or ultimate child love?

I guess it depends on how old you are.

Mr. Duke E. Pants

I have had several inquiries as to the whereabouts of

Mr. Duke E. Pants. Mr. Pants is still kicking.

At 10 1/2, he still loves his walks, playing at the park,

chasing the kids around, barking at the UPS man,

tennis balls and napping. I have stopped "coloring"

the gray hair around his mouth with a sharpie

because it just takes too much time now so he is

looking a little older, but still acts like a puppy.

He joins me on a couple of runs during the week and

has decided the roadrunner that scurries across our

back fence is worse than any cat. I snapped this photo

a few days ago. Duke still lives a better life than most

people and enjoys the creature comforts of being an

indoor dog to a family that loves him.

Thirteen Years

Garrett and I just celebrated our 13th wedding anniversary this week.

We cannot possibly be that old, which means that we got married at a barely legal age.

Let the good times roll....