Happy New Year!

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone so quickly.  We went through a lot of new and exciting things and have many memories to take with us... 

BEGINNING
In the beginning of the year, Mike endured a new daytime schedule while student teaching and found this experience to be both challenging and fun as it gave him a real taste of teaching as a full time job. 

MIDDLE
In April, we decided to upgrade to a larger unit within our complex and love our new place!  We are spoiled with a larger kitchen, extra bedroom, and cozy fireplace.  In May we felt that it was time to sell the sports coupe and get a larger car, so we got the 2009 Honda Pilot and love the extra space and the convenience it added to grocery shopping!  We tied the knot in July and got to spend 10 wonderful days with Mike's side of the family who visited from the east coast.  We were very spoiled with the company and miss the family gatherings at the pool.  We enjoyed our honeymoon in Maui and Oahu 3 days after the wedding and can't wait to take another vacation!

END
We celebrated Mike's grandma Mame's life and memory during her memorial service in September.  Although it was very sad to see her go, it was very nice to meet the rest of the Bridges family and spend a few days with them in Massachusetts.   In October, Mike finished his credentials program!  And we also found out that we were expecting during a doctor's visit on October 20th!  November brought some sad news as we had to put Duke, our family dog of 14 years to rest... but he will always be a part of us!  After a couple of interviews at a Charter school, Mike landed an interview with another local middle school and they liked him so much, they hired him on the spot and he will have his own 8th grade Science class starting January 4, 2010!  We celebrated a wonderful pre-Thanksgiving dinner with the Bautista side of the family the week before.  Then we shared the baby news with Mike's mom's side of the family in Irvine on Thanksgiving Day and got to see his cousin Susie who is also expecting and due in March.  December was a great month with lots of family time.  We had a wonderful Christmas and were very blessed with the generosity of our families!

Can't wait to start making new memories for 2010 and wish everyone love, joy and happiness throughout the year!