a) We rang in 2011 in Danville -- in our cute little house on Montague Street. We have some wonderful memories in that house, including a lot of Lucas firsts. We certainly miss our friends in Danville / NC and wish we still lived closer.
b) The Lucas milestones for 2011 were innumerable! He learned to name lots of animals (like the "doggie" he's pointing to here), a few letters, his colors, shapes, counting, and his all-time favorite: "NO!" He's recently learned how to argue in complete sentences (Mommy's favorite), how to tell us what is hurting him, right vers
us wrong (though we're still working on that) and how to (finally) pronounce most "r"s and "l"s. :o) It's hard to remember how little he once was... :o)
c) My "baby" sister, Courtney, graduated from college and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant into the US Army Nurse's Corps. Her commissioning was one of the most moving experiences of our family's life. We're so proud of all she has accomplished and for her selfless service to our country.
d) In May, my Dad was diagnosed with colon cancer after a weekend trip to the ER. He has endured surgery, chemo, and crazy family -- and is still getting better each day. We are so lucky for all of God's blessing, but his health and life are one that I am most thankful for this year.
e) Lucas turned 2 this year! We celebrated at "Aunt" Kim's house in Danville - with his favorite Elmo cake! As I reminisce about the past year I can't help but feel overwhelmed with love for all of our friends and family that made our first two years as parents unbelievably blessed: the Hayes', the Millers, the Deatons, the Schwanes, the AU VB extended family (which of course includes Deak!), Our St. Luke's Church Family... Danville holds a very special place in our family's history, and we are so grateful for all the joys we were able to live while there.
f) In July, our family relocated from Danville to Nashville as I took a job teaching at a school for children with learning differences. This huge life change came quickly and in a whirlwind of boxes, tape, and U-hauls we found ourselves in a different time zone paying way too much for a hotel room as we waited for the perfect place to live. Enter Korey's Aunt & Uncle: they allowed us to stay with them rent-free and gave Lucas a family to be a part of as he adjusted to his new home.
g) As Mommy started a new school in August, Lucas started a new school as well! He made some great new friends, including his best buddy Asher. Asher's Mommy works with me in the Middle School, so whether forced or not, these two little guys have become pretty good friends. We even got to celebrate Asher's second birthday with his wonderful family at Chuck E. Cheese... a trip that Lucas still tells to everyone he meets!
h) Lucas had a great time in Hendersonville trick-or-treating with his cousin Tanner. Lucas (of course) dressed as Woody from Toy Story, since he was Buzz last year. His favorite part: throwing the hat like a frisbee.
i) We are reminded almost every weekend how lucky we are to live so close to family. While in Nashville, we have spent many weekends traveling to see family in Chattanooga, Cowan, Calhoun, and Hendersonville. It was wonderful! We also enjoyed getting to live closer to a city... where more than just Averett University plans events for the weekends. ;o)
j) 2011 came to a close a few days ago, and we were able to welcome the New Year with some very close friends: Uncle Wuss & Mimi! We celebrated Russell & Meredith's wedding in October, where Lucas the ring bearer ran down the aisle to Uncle Wuss and told him "...I pooped!" Together we rang in the New Year playing the Wii and laughing at terrible Trivial Pursuit questions.
Of course, perhaps the most momentous occasion for our family in 2011...
k) On November 12, 2011 -- we were married at St. Luke's UMC in Danville, VA. We were so lucky to be surrounded by our wonderful family and friends - it will be a day we remember fondly for the rest of our lives. :o)
We are SO excited about what will come in 2012. Korey will finish his AmeriCorps year of service, and hopefully find work in Nashville sometime this summer. Ashley begins coaching at the Y this year (tomorrow!). Lucas will begin pre-school as a 3-year-old (he begins in the Pre-K class tomorrow as well!). And we will travel for our honeymoon... hopefully. :o)
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