2009... Good Memories!

As we finish up the last day of 2009, I wanted to glance back and the INCREDIBLE memories from this year.

The Zehnder/Olson family had some exciting times and wonderful blessings...

Ry-Guy made his entrance on April 29, 2009...

Our Family

First ride home in the car

and now... TA- DAH! Our happy little "Mister"

Tracy and Tim TIE THE KNOT!

a special shower for a special sister... read about that here...

and then the BIG day- with a beautiful bride, handsome groom and INCREDIBLE memories! I am so excited to have Tim as a brother-in-law... he makes my sis SO happy! They are not only in love, but absolutely PERFECT for each other.

Family picture time

Mr. and Mrs. Lesher

(for more pictures see Tracy-girl's page here)

We finished out the year with (drum roll here)

dun dun dun dun dun dun dun......

DAD'S RETIREMENT PARTY!

We had a photo booth, fun decorations, an incredible slideshow, good food and best of all... GREAT COMPANY to celebrate "Fireman Mike's" 36 (yes, that's right, 36) years of service for the Elk Grove Fire Department. I am so proud to have him as my dad... I beamed all evening with the comments people made about his time with the department. Although he is happy to be retired (and enjoys spending time with his sidekick Ry-Guy) I think he will always have a piece of him that misses being a part of the firefighter family. It wouldn't be fair to mention Dad with out special recognition for Mom and her hard work to support Dad, our family and run the house. God smiled the day he gave me Mike and Kathy for my parents!

Don't worry, you're not seeing double... we had a life size cut out of "Fireman Mike"

So many "artifacts" helped with decorations

As I remember back on the good memories, I must pause for a moment and remember those who have had their world turned upside down this year... diseases discovered, loss of a loved one, financial struggles... the list goes on an on. I pray for each of my friends, family and ANYONE with painful memories from this past year- may you find many blessings and peace in your hearts during the NEW year, 2010.

What will 2010 have in store for us???

I don't know, but definitely have my HOPES and WISHES!

wink, wink~fingers crossed....

What are your hopes for 2010??

Merry Christmas to YOU and your family!

(and Happy Birthday to Jesus!)

May today bring you exciting moments and happy memories.

A picture of Ry-guy with Santa (his GREAT GRANDPA!)

I have the same photo of me with Santa (Grandpa). I will try and dig it up so I can post it!

I got lost, but now I am found!

After several months I have decided to catch up! Maybe I will try a few shorter blogs and see if I can get a little more information up. We are very excited for our first Christmas with Ry-guy. He won't remember anything we get for him, but we will take lots of pictures. He loves ribbon, wrapping paper and lights.

More than anything, I feel so incredibly blessed to spend these holidays with my family- my healthy family. My heart aches for all those who have lost someone close to them- this is an empty time. May memories comfort those of you remembering lost loved ones these next few days and weeks.

This photo of Ry-guy and Gracie makes me laugh every time... after many attempts to have them look the same way at the same time... we get them to do it... but with their eyes closed!

He LOVES ribbon and wrapping paper!

One word... BLESSED.

What are you most excited about this holiday season?