A Happy New Year

Because we didn’t send a Christmas card this year, I never really took the time to reflect on 2008 as I normally would. In an attempt to wish you all a Merry (belated) Christmas and Happy New Year, allow me to share some highlights of life here on the East Coast~

Kelly completed her first year of teaching and took a much needed break from children during the summer. In June, she went with her sister to Washington DC and bonded over early American History. Then it was off to Florida to meet mom and Tyson for some beach time and some Red Sox games at the Tropicana Dome.

The balcony of the Newseum

Ah...Coronas and Pina Coladas on the beach. That's the life!

She filled the rest of the time working almost full-time on planning Tyson’s sister Tabi’s bridal shower & bachelorette party. While being employed as a BAMOH, she did manage to find time to sit on the deck and read, search for cocker spaniels online and go for runs…occasionally.

In August, we headed out West. Only after our trip to the beach did we settle in for wedding-planning support. We are so blessed to have friends that are willing to make time for us when we are in Seattle. We always wish we could see everyone every time and we’re so grateful for all of you!

Ocean Shores

The beautiful bride to be!

Tyson began brewing his own beer this summer with a home-brew kit his wife bought him for his birthday! She proudly drank his first brew which was a clone of Mac And Jack’s American Amber, not to be found on the East Coast. It’s a fun new hobby that Tyson shares with a few friends out here. We enjoyed some kayaking this summer and a visit from Bryan, which always brings some random adventures.

The Brewmaster's tool

Feeding each other their ordered "side of bacon" with the nachos. How very Bry and Ty...

The Charles River

In addition to our Seattle visit, August was also marked by our camping trip in Acadia. We had waited so long to make it that far North in Maine and we were so thrilled at the views and the scenery. It really was like a little taste of home.

How much higher are we going?

Fall started off at gunshot pace. Tabi’s wedding was the second week of school so after meeting the class, we hopped on a plane and immediately morphed into “Tyson and Kelly – ultra-supportive wedding planning all-stars!” I guess Tabi can confirm or deny that…From the first night, we were thrilled to be a part of every detail as if we were not visiting from 3,000 miles away. It was a special time with family that we truly cherished.

Bachelorette Party - Woo!

Spa Day

Mr. and Mrs. Adkins

Mr. and Mrs. Puetz

After we returned from Seattle, our lives were forever changed by Buddy. After a year of searching for the perfect cocker spaniel and then debating between a puppy and a 1 or 2 year old, the decision was made for us. The staff at school knew we wanted a dog and someone knew of a family that had to get rid of a 2 year old cocker – for free! So we picked up the very cutest dog we’ve ever met and he joined the Puetz family unwillingly at first but has now settled into a very comfortable (and spoiled) life. Don’t worry, we watch the Dog Whisperer and try to practice pack leading as consistently as possible! But we also buy him a lot of toys…

He will destroy that bone is less than 30 seconds

2008 ended with a celebration of 5 years of wedded bliss.  Tyson sent 5 enormous stems of our exquisite wedding flowers to my school as a surprise. The principal called me down to “talk to me about something in his office” so I had to go through a bit of panic before receiving the long amaryllis stems. We spent the 20th together inside, watching the snow fall all day and trying to decide how badly we really wanted to go out to dinner! It was all worth it when he surprised me with one of the most romantic restaurants in Boston (according to me, not according to any reviews). With champagne and a little sparkly surprise, we toasted to the journey we’ve been…across the country…through ups and downs and back again. We grown tremendously since that special day at Tracy Castle and we are thankful for the Lord’s faithful provision in our marriage.

The beautiful flowers

New York City

We ended the year with our now-annual anniversary celebration in New York City. It turned out to be our Christmas celebration as well due to 2 very recent Seattle trips. Although we missed our family over the holidays, we look forward to seeing them as soon as possible!

In looking forward to 2009, we are thankful for good health, low rent (a big deal in Boston!), good friends, a growing church, and more New England adventures to come! We spent New Year’s Eve planning our trips for the coming year so stay tuned…we might be coming to see you in 2009! And don’t worry…in return for a room in your home, you are always welcome to a room in ours.

Wishing you all a blessed 2009!

Love,
Kelly & Tyson

We're going to the World Series!