As 2008 came to an end (not a moment too soon), I thought it might be therapeutic to look back at the events of the year.
JANUARY
January began, as most new years do, with cleaning up the Christmas crap that we were too lazy to clean up in the preceding week. Also with a bit of torture for our pets. That is normal isn't it?
Although I hate people who keep their lights up/on after the holidays - this tree is an exception. It is in front of an amazing house in Kirkwood and I went out of my way to drive past it every day. I love it.The final bit of Christmas celebration came in January when the extended family all came together. We were all there. I got a great gift. That is all I remember. Oh yeah - there may have been alcohol...
Although it may be under-represented in this retrospective, I spent a great deal of time this year working to get President-Elect Barack Obama elected. One piece of that was creating fliers for distribution in the neighborhood.This part should really be on Bryan's blog, but because you have not seen these pictures, I thought I would include them here. As Bryan was out taking photos of historic St. Louis-y things, a person came out of the building below to ask why he was taking pictures, and offered to let Bryan come in an look around. It is a beautiful building.
After a resounding Obama win in Iowa, my mom, Bailey and I settled in for a nervewrecking and disppointing New Hampshire primary. Bailey dressed for the occasion.FEBRUARY
Super-Duper Tuesday could not have come fast enough - and we were ready.
I took a picture of my ballot, which is evidently not allowed. Oops. Do you see Barack Obama's name on that ballot? How amazing is that?
I am not sure what we were celebrating, but here are the animals each getting a treat. We were honestly not racing them.
Bryan gave me this for Valentines Day. Isn't it adorable? And super soft.
For the first time of this year I had the chance to see Ramona and Peyton. He is getting so big!
I also saw my first Blues game. Well, second really, but I was serving drinks for charity during the first one.
During this part of the year Bryan was off on Mondays and Tuesdays, which made President's day the first day of the year that we had off together. In an attempt to do something fun and exciting we did what every young couple would do - we drove to the state capital! Ha. As it turns out there was very little to see. Also, we did not consider that we would not be able to get into any builings because it was a national holiday. Prior proper planning.
OMG - Look at this great gift from Audra. It remains perched nicely atop my monitor at work. Yes We Can!
Scout got into the toilet paper. I decorated him with it as punishment.
The highlight of February was seeing Barack Obama. I had a front row position, and I got to shake his hand and talk to him for a moment. It was incredible.
MARCH
March began with a lot of snow. A lot.
It is also, sadly, the month that we lost Chelsea. I am still sad about it, but she lived a very long time and we loved her. Bryan always called her Grandma. It was very cute.
By this part of the year my relationship with Di'Onna was in full swing. I enjoyed being a Big Sister. Here she is in prehistoric times - at the Science Center.
Next was a celebration of Kevin's birthday, complete with DDR (there is video - if you haven't seen it, you should!).
And a leap year party, Audra & Brad style. There may have been alcohol here as well.
I took a picture of my ballot, which is evidently not allowed. Oops. Do you see Barack Obama's name on that ballot? How amazing is that?
I am not sure what we were celebrating, but here are the animals each getting a treat. We were honestly not racing them.
Bryan gave me this for Valentines Day. Isn't it adorable? And super soft.
For the first time of this year I had the chance to see Ramona and Peyton. He is getting so big!
I also saw my first Blues game. Well, second really, but I was serving drinks for charity during the first one.During this part of the year Bryan was off on Mondays and Tuesdays, which made President's day the first day of the year that we had off together. In an attempt to do something fun and exciting we did what every young couple would do - we drove to the state capital! Ha. As it turns out there was very little to see. Also, we did not consider that we would not be able to get into any builings because it was a national holiday. Prior proper planning.
OMG - Look at this great gift from Audra. It remains perched nicely atop my monitor at work. Yes We Can!
Scout got into the toilet paper. I decorated him with it as punishment.The highlight of February was seeing Barack Obama. I had a front row position, and I got to shake his hand and talk to him for a moment. It was incredible.
MARCH
March began with a lot of snow. A lot.
It is also, sadly, the month that we lost Chelsea. I am still sad about it, but she lived a very long time and we loved her. Bryan always called her Grandma. It was very cute.
By this part of the year my relationship with Di'Onna was in full swing. I enjoyed being a Big Sister. Here she is in prehistoric times - at the Science Center.
Next was a celebration of Kevin's birthday, complete with DDR (there is video - if you haven't seen it, you should!).And a leap year party, Audra & Brad style. There may have been alcohol here as well.
And then (the very next, very hungover morning) a birthday celebration for my mom and Robbie.
APRIL
This month has one of the largest numbers of pictures because it contains a vacation - and a Ryan Montbleau concert! We spent about 7 days in Chicago and saw a LOT of museums! Ha.
We arrived the day of the concert and we were pumped! It was at the Beat Kitchen and Lauren came with us - her first RMB show.
We used the super zoom on our camera to get pictures of the song list so that we knew what was coming, and what to request. By request I mean scream the name of a song. Over and over.
And this is Lauren's love, Laurence.
APRIL
This month has one of the largest numbers of pictures because it contains a vacation - and a Ryan Montbleau concert! We spent about 7 days in Chicago and saw a LOT of museums! Ha.
We arrived the day of the concert and we were pumped! It was at the Beat Kitchen and Lauren came with us - her first RMB show.
We used the super zoom on our camera to get pictures of the song list so that we knew what was coming, and what to request. By request I mean scream the name of a song. Over and over.And this is Lauren's love, Laurence.
And then they slept...
Through an entire day. Ha. This is the view from the roof.
The next six days were filled with museums, WALKING and funny pictures.
Bryan as Harry Potter.
This turtle was such a bully. He got a hold of this other turtle by the neck and would not let go. We almost got aquarium officials to intervene. I watched for more than twenty minutes.
The penguins at Shedd's.
We went to the Navy Pier (it was closed the last time we were in Chicago) and it was deserted. We were one of five people on the Ferris Wheel - but we got some cool shots.
Through an entire day. Ha. This is the view from the roof.
The next six days were filled with museums, WALKING and funny pictures.
Bryan as Harry Potter.
This turtle was such a bully. He got a hold of this other turtle by the neck and would not let go. We almost got aquarium officials to intervene. I watched for more than twenty minutes.
The penguins at Shedd's.
We went to the Navy Pier (it was closed the last time we were in Chicago) and it was deserted. We were one of five people on the Ferris Wheel - but we got some cool shots.
Curiously, the toilet system required multiple plaques worth of explanation. I am not sure that I approve of the toilet guessing how much water will be required based on the amount of time I remain in the stall. I have nothing more to say on the matter.
More drinking ensued upon our return to Lauren's apartment.
And also a round or two of spoons.
And then off to another day of museums and walking. Doesn't Bryan look cute?
Here are our directions from Lauren. I could not get the mirror in my pocket...
I think this is a submarine... or maybe an airplane? It would be a roomy airplane I guess.
More drinking ensued upon our return to Lauren's apartment.
And also a round or two of spoons.
And then off to another day of museums and walking. Doesn't Bryan look cute?
Here are our directions from Lauren. I could not get the mirror in my pocket...
I think this is a submarine... or maybe an airplane? It would be a roomy airplane I guess.
This replica of Chicago is awesome. It has the train going through it and everything!
I am not sure the significance of this... I look worried.
My worry is gone. We waited in line behind some kids to get up in this thing. I loved it.
Milking electronic cows, always enjoyable.
Clowning around.
This was old school for me. I wore a real one and was featured in the Daily Union in elementary school Who needs a cut out?
My first ever fried macaroni and cheese. Man was it good.
Lauren - is that green on your burger???
Here we are in the underground -
And posing as the most unusual primate...
I can't remember exactly where we were, but one giant section of it was filled with taxidermied animals. It was gross. Bryan liked it a lot.
I was super excited about the Freedom Museum, where I was able to picture myself as president. Literally.
And then we each got to vote for Obama again!
200 Days? That seemed an impossibly long time.
I should also mention that while at the Freedom Museum I recorded an audio time capsule about what I think elections mean - or something like that. It is likely available for review if you should happen to visit. Although, I would rather you didn't.
From Chicago we drove to Kansas City for another Ryan Montbleau show, at which we sold merchandise for the band. It was pretty great.
My worry is gone. We waited in line behind some kids to get up in this thing. I loved it.
Milking electronic cows, always enjoyable.
Clowning around.
This was old school for me. I wore a real one and was featured in the Daily Union in elementary school Who needs a cut out?
My first ever fried macaroni and cheese. Man was it good.
Lauren - is that green on your burger???
Here we are in the underground -
And posing as the most unusual primate...
I can't remember exactly where we were, but one giant section of it was filled with taxidermied animals. It was gross. Bryan liked it a lot.I was super excited about the Freedom Museum, where I was able to picture myself as president. Literally.
And then we each got to vote for Obama again!
200 Days? That seemed an impossibly long time.
I should also mention that while at the Freedom Museum I recorded an audio time capsule about what I think elections mean - or something like that. It is likely available for review if you should happen to visit. Although, I would rather you didn't.
From Chicago we drove to Kansas City for another Ryan Montbleau show, at which we sold merchandise for the band. It was pretty great.
And then home - to shave!
MAY
These pictures are taken as I drove up highway 270 - I almost crashed the car trying to get them.
The rainbow pics were on my way to spend some time with on of my favorite kids ever. Peyton is so grown up!
Maureen graduated from high school this year - which is hard to believe. Hers was the first diaper I ever remember changing. Congrats to her!
This is just one of many YWCA functions that we attended this year. I chose this one because it had the best table tents. Seriously. Those are some nice tents. I wonder who did them?
JUNE
For the first time in our lives, we had things growing in our yard. Don't be too impressed though, they came in all on their own.
MAY
These pictures are taken as I drove up highway 270 - I almost crashed the car trying to get them.
The rainbow pics were on my way to spend some time with on of my favorite kids ever. Peyton is so grown up!Maureen graduated from high school this year - which is hard to believe. Hers was the first diaper I ever remember changing. Congrats to her!
This is just one of many YWCA functions that we attended this year. I chose this one because it had the best table tents. Seriously. Those are some nice tents. I wonder who did them?JUNE
For the first time in our lives, we had things growing in our yard. Don't be too impressed though, they came in all on their own.
Is this me and Barack? Was I drunk? Was I crying? Was I on TV? Did Obama just accept the nomination of the Democratic Party? Is my hair completely crazy? Yes on all counts!
While I cannot remember the specific occasion, one day in June I came home to a surprise McDonald's cake. I love these things! Seriously. I had not tasted one since I was a "Birthday Party Hostess" at McDonald's in high school. They are exactly the same.
Quick, can anyone name the band? That's right - it is Ryan Montbleau! We were lucky enough to see them three times this year. This time we brought the clan.
And we drank a bit... ha.
Much of the month of June was spent preparing for Circle of Women, a YWCA event. I had to make centerpieces which may look simple, but were very time consuming. Thanks to everyone who lent a hand!
The flooding during the summer was crazy. I have never seen anything like it in my life.
JULY
On the first of July we signed a lease on a new house. I loved it. It is unique, and as you can see in the picture, it has a storefront. That could be fun!
We also chose that day to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library! I had been there twice before, but Bryan had never been inside. It is amazing. Especially the show in the beginning.
And the gift shop!
Afterward we had dinner at a small place in Springfield - I cannot think of the name of it. They did have buckets of MGD for a very reasonable price. I am pretty sure the food was good.
While I cannot remember the specific occasion, one day in June I came home to a surprise McDonald's cake. I love these things! Seriously. I had not tasted one since I was a "Birthday Party Hostess" at McDonald's in high school. They are exactly the same.
Quick, can anyone name the band? That's right - it is Ryan Montbleau! We were lucky enough to see them three times this year. This time we brought the clan.
And we drank a bit... ha.
Much of the month of June was spent preparing for Circle of Women, a YWCA event. I had to make centerpieces which may look simple, but were very time consuming. Thanks to everyone who lent a hand!
The flooding during the summer was crazy. I have never seen anything like it in my life.
JULY
On the first of July we signed a lease on a new house. I loved it. It is unique, and as you can see in the picture, it has a storefront. That could be fun!
We also chose that day to visit the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library! I had been there twice before, but Bryan had never been inside. It is amazing. Especially the show in the beginning.
And the gift shop!
Afterward we had dinner at a small place in Springfield - I cannot think of the name of it. They did have buckets of MGD for a very reasonable price. I am pretty sure the food was good.
Here are my family members settling in to the new place.
AUGUST
Bryan made me cookies.
They did not want to leave the tray.
Even Scout was excited about the impending election. He demanded that we only buy him toys which reflected that excitement.
Bryan is so cute.
The most exciting part of August was the Democratic National Convention. We went to a watch party at the Moolah and had a great time. And great popcorn.
Bryan was very serious about the business of the evening.
They were very organized and had call sheets for each person as they walked in. During the commercials we all used our cell phones to phone bank.
This is the best!!!
SEPTEMBER
I had my first opportunity to see Joe Biden in September. It was very exciting! My mom and I got there at the last minute, but we got great seats. It was an empowering speech.
We also had the unveiling of the History Wall at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center. It is one of the most enjoyable of the YWCA events I have attended.
OCTOBER
October was a great month. We took an incredible vacation which lasted nearly half the month. (I will spare you the details of that, as I blogged it extensively at the time.)
Just before vacation we all traveled to Chicago for a NKOTB concert! It was awesome. Lauren was kind enough to host us in her newly redecorated apartment. The concert was great, alothough I ended up pretty sick from something I ate at the fabulous restaurant we chose. That is sarcastic. The restuarant was so bad it was funny - but funny is good. I have no pics from the show, as we followed the rules about cameras and did not bring one. No one else seemed to have seen the rule! In any case, here is Lauren's place.
I got back from Chicago on Sunday and on Monday morning we set off on vacation. When we got back we had a fun birthday celebration for Bryan's mom.
And saw Barack Obama again! This time he was at the arch grounds and it could not have been a better day. The number of people was aboslutely amazing.
AUGUST
Bryan made me cookies.They did not want to leave the tray.
Even Scout was excited about the impending election. He demanded that we only buy him toys which reflected that excitement.Bryan is so cute.
The most exciting part of August was the Democratic National Convention. We went to a watch party at the Moolah and had a great time. And great popcorn.
Bryan was very serious about the business of the evening.
They were very organized and had call sheets for each person as they walked in. During the commercials we all used our cell phones to phone bank.
This is the best!!!
SEPTEMBER
I had my first opportunity to see Joe Biden in September. It was very exciting! My mom and I got there at the last minute, but we got great seats. It was an empowering speech.
We also had the unveiling of the History Wall at the YWCA Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center. It is one of the most enjoyable of the YWCA events I have attended.
OCTOBER
October was a great month. We took an incredible vacation which lasted nearly half the month. (I will spare you the details of that, as I blogged it extensively at the time.)
Just before vacation we all traveled to Chicago for a NKOTB concert! It was awesome. Lauren was kind enough to host us in her newly redecorated apartment. The concert was great, alothough I ended up pretty sick from something I ate at the fabulous restaurant we chose. That is sarcastic. The restuarant was so bad it was funny - but funny is good. I have no pics from the show, as we followed the rules about cameras and did not bring one. No one else seemed to have seen the rule! In any case, here is Lauren's place.
I got back from Chicago on Sunday and on Monday morning we set off on vacation. When we got back we had a fun birthday celebration for Bryan's mom.
And saw Barack Obama again! This time he was at the arch grounds and it could not have been a better day. The number of people was aboslutely amazing.
And the very next day we got to see Bill Clinton! Thank you so much to Kathleen for pretending to be our mother so that we could cut in line and get a GREAT spot!
Bryan had to work on Halloween, but we still did our traditional pumpkin carving. As usual, our pumpkins did not turn out nearly as well as the stencils...
Bryan and Scout take a nap. Only Bryan does not have any idea that Scout is there.
Guess what comes next? Not Ryan Montbleau, but Joe Biden! This time Bryan got to see him with me, and we had a much better seat than last time. Front row!
NOVEMBER
Finally it was November! ELECTION TIME!
Here is the line at our polling place:
Bryan and Scout take a nap. Only Bryan does not have any idea that Scout is there.
Guess what comes next? Not Ryan Montbleau, but Joe Biden! This time Bryan got to see him with me, and we had a much better seat than last time. Front row!
NOVEMBER
Finally it was November! ELECTION TIME!
Here is the line at our polling place:
And here is my ballot!
And here is Bryan voting!
We went with friends and fellow Obama volunteers to the St. Louis Democrats election night party at the Chase Park Plaza. Despite the fact that my purse was accosted by a chair thief, the night was a HUGE success. Did you all hear about it? Ha.
The rest of November was largely filled with traffic tickets. I got pulled over twice for having a headlight out - and got tickets both times! I also got pulled over for throwing a cigarette out the window, only I don't smoke. Here is the picture that I brought to court to prove that I had fixed the light. I printed it on giant glossy paper. It was quite funny.
I arrived home from picking up Bryan at work, the same night that I was accused of littering and blackening my lungs, and found two giant (35 lb) racoons in my house. This picture does not do it justice. I had a 20 minute video of their eventual capture by animal control, but I lost it!
This is the damage that they did:
And here is Bryan voting!
We went with friends and fellow Obama volunteers to the St. Louis Democrats election night party at the Chase Park Plaza. Despite the fact that my purse was accosted by a chair thief, the night was a HUGE success. Did you all hear about it? Ha.
The rest of November was largely filled with traffic tickets. I got pulled over twice for having a headlight out - and got tickets both times! I also got pulled over for throwing a cigarette out the window, only I don't smoke. Here is the picture that I brought to court to prove that I had fixed the light. I printed it on giant glossy paper. It was quite funny.
I arrived home from picking up Bryan at work, the same night that I was accused of littering and blackening my lungs, and found two giant (35 lb) racoons in my house. This picture does not do it justice. I had a 20 minute video of their eventual capture by animal control, but I lost it!This is the damage that they did:
We hosted Bryan's family for Thanksgiving and had a great time. Every year our table looks a little better. This year it was all one height, so that is a distinct improvement.
I made a cheesecake and fruit filled, cinnamon and sugar cornucopias as an appetizer. Aren't they adorable?
I made a cheesecake and fruit filled, cinnamon and sugar cornucopias as an appetizer. Aren't they adorable?
Here was our feast. Look at my apple pie crust!
After dinner Bryan and Ronnie entertained us with their choreographed dance to "I'm in the Lords Army." It was pretty great.
DECEMBER
We ususally get our Christmas tree from Home Depot, mostly becuase it is closer and cheaper, but this year they had no selection and the atmosphere was not at all merry. So, we went to Ted Drewes and bought a GIANT tree. It was probably overpriced, but everyone there was happy and helpful and drinking hot chocholate, so it was was worth it.
Even the animals felt the joy of the season. This is the pictures I took for Scout's stocking.
Sometime mid-month I had the chance to spend some time with Peyton again. Bryan had not seen him in almost a year, which is like a lifetime for a baby. We had a great time. Bryan posed for pictures while I made a scene out of play-doh. I did not mix the colors - they are barely laid atop one another. I swear.
One of the highlights of the Christmas Season was our trip to Historic St. Charles. The go all out with people dressed as all of the holiday characters, decorations in every store, carolers, hot chocolate, misteltoe and roasted chestnuts. It was awesome.
We also suffered another loss this year. My poor Kia succumbed to a patch of black ice. I will miss it.
The cat loves the train - and to knock ornaments off the tree.
Our Christmas celebrations spanned two days and began with Bryan's Family at our place. We had a great time. Especially Scout.
We had round two at Audra's and round three at my dads. Thanks for hosting guys. Bryan and I both got a ton of great stuff. Thanks everyone.
Here are Bryan and I trying on Lauren's glasses. I look like Lauren in this picture! I think we could both pull the look off.
After dinner Bryan and Ronnie entertained us with their choreographed dance to "I'm in the Lords Army." It was pretty great.
DECEMBER
We ususally get our Christmas tree from Home Depot, mostly becuase it is closer and cheaper, but this year they had no selection and the atmosphere was not at all merry. So, we went to Ted Drewes and bought a GIANT tree. It was probably overpriced, but everyone there was happy and helpful and drinking hot chocholate, so it was was worth it.
Even the animals felt the joy of the season. This is the pictures I took for Scout's stocking.
Sometime mid-month I had the chance to spend some time with Peyton again. Bryan had not seen him in almost a year, which is like a lifetime for a baby. We had a great time. Bryan posed for pictures while I made a scene out of play-doh. I did not mix the colors - they are barely laid atop one another. I swear.
One of the highlights of the Christmas Season was our trip to Historic St. Charles. The go all out with people dressed as all of the holiday characters, decorations in every store, carolers, hot chocolate, misteltoe and roasted chestnuts. It was awesome.
We also suffered another loss this year. My poor Kia succumbed to a patch of black ice. I will miss it.
The cat loves the train - and to knock ornaments off the tree.
Our Christmas celebrations spanned two days and began with Bryan's Family at our place. We had a great time. Especially Scout.
We had round two at Audra's and round three at my dads. Thanks for hosting guys. Bryan and I both got a ton of great stuff. Thanks everyone.
Here are Bryan and I trying on Lauren's glasses. I look like Lauren in this picture! I think we could both pull the look off.
And that was 2008 - at least as much of it as can be recapped in photographs. I suppose it is lucky that you rarely have pictures of the hard times you encounter.