Top 10 in 2010

So, it was hard to narrow it down, but I think these are my favorite moments from 2010 (in chronological order):

1. Week with Ank-

There are a few sweet benefits that I get as Ted's wife, and one of them is being related to his Aunt Chris. She is a very selfless, fun, and beautiful woman who loves my kids. After Ryder was born, she traveled all the way from Washington to spend time with them. I loved having her in the house and having a few kidless trips away from home. At the time, I was still getting up twice a night and trying to manage Finley's constant temper tantrums. It was such a relief to have the help.

2. Trip to Indiana/Illinois-

We flew to Indiana for Ted's college reunion where we visited his old fraternity house (iiick) and walked around his college campus. It was fun listening to all of the stories and memories connected to that place. We stayed with a sweet couple that opened their house to us and several of Ted's college friends. The highlight of the trip was hanging out at the house, watching the boys jump off of a rope swing into their pond and shoot guns at targets, and Ted getting to ride a bike with his old biking coach. From there, we drove to Illinois to spend a week with Ted's family, which was also a great memory for us. I think we spent everyday at the beach in the beautiful 70 degree weather. Finley did not want to leave.

3. Bike Ride with Linda-

Linda and I did the Mesquite Rodeo bike tour together. It wasn't a tough workout...actually the first time I had been on my bike in a year. That first ride after having a baby always feels sweet. I loved winding through the country roads and having a long uninterrupted conversation with a treasured friend.

4. Gunbarrel Lake House-

When Ted went out of town for work, mom and I packed up the kids and drove to Gunbarrel city to stay at a lake house there. We had one perfect day, when Finley played in her baby pool for a few hours, Ryder slept on a blanket, and mom and I enjoyed staring at the lake.

5. Summer Fun Days-

I think we spent the entire summer in our backyard running through the sprinkler or sitting in a baby pool. Our favorite days were Wednesdays, because we met with two of my friends and their kids in different locations to play. Finley has been playing with Miles and Elle since she was born, and I have cherished the friendship that I have with their moms. Here are the three of them at the Science Museum.

6. Projects with dad-

My dad and I both have the irresistible desire to create things. I think it drives our spouses crazy, because it involves a lot of trial and error. I had several things in mind that I wanted to make with him, so while Ted was out of town, we spent quite a few hours in the garage and in Home Depot...just good dad time.

7. The Fair with Grammy and Pappou-

While Grammy and Pappou were here in October, we loaded up the kids and took them to the fair. I wasn't sure if I would enjoy the fair with a baby and a toddler, but it ended up being a beautiful day, and such a sweet memory for us. Finley got to feed camels, watch a dog show, ride a race buggy, and eat a corny dog...she's now a true Texan. 8. The Butterfly Museum-
The fall was really pretty here. We lived in the double stroller, walking to the park with our new neighbor and her little girl. We spent one Saturday at the Butterfly museum in Fair park, which is basically a big glass room with dozens of butterflies. Finley LOVED standing in a room with butterflies floating all around her. Afterwards, we ate lunch and wrestled in the grass by the pond. It was a really pretty day, and a playful moment. Sometimes, those simple days just feel blissful.

9. Family Photos-

We surprised my mom for her birthday with a family photo shoot. She has been wanting to accomplish this for years now, but has struggled with making the arrangements. Finally, the date was set, the photographer showed, and the weather was amazing. We had such a great time hanging out by the lake, taking pics of the entire family. I know it meant a lot to my mom, and to all of us.

10. Thanksgiving week in Boerne,

We loved spending a weekend in Boerne for Thanksgiving. We fished, poked around Gruene, rested on the deck overlooking the lake, and went to my cousins' wedding. It was a fun adventure, and a great excuse to spend more time with my favorite people.

It was a full year...full of God's blessings, challenges, tears, and triumphs. We started the year with an energetic 22 month old and a cuddly little newborn, and finished the year with a talkative toddler and a walking one year old boy. I learned a lot about myself as my role as a mom seemed to multiply and change. I learned that each day is a gift, no matter the difficulty or ease. I'm savoring every moment, and thanking God for His constant provisions.