The Year In Review

Goodbye Mr. 2008. You've served us well and we'll miss you. But now the game's over—the towel's been thrown. It's time for you to hit the showers. There's a new player in town and he's newfangled, fresh and cutting-edge. He's Mr. 2009.

But lest we be too hasty—tossing you aside without care, we'd like to reminisce about the memorable events you produced for us. Here are the Anderson family's top ten events of consequence of the year 2008.

#10. New Additions

With the birth of a new year, we're reminded of.....births. There were 4 new additions to the ever increasing Anderson extended family in 2008.

#9. Adam Starts Kindergarten

In August, Adam became a full-fledged student. He's honing his skills to a razor point. Coloring? No problem. Alphabet? Piece of cake. Recess? In his sleep! Socializing with the ladies? Whoa now.... hold on a minute. Those skills are best kept dormant until at least junior high. And speaking of junior high.....
#8. Conner Starts Junior High

Conner began junior high school this year. Which means going to school earlier, much more homework and an intense interest in having immaculately coiffed hair.
#7. Christian Hits The Terrible Twos

And so far, the twos aren't so terrible. He's one of the most fun kids you'll ever have the pleasure of meeting.
#6. 15 Year Wedding Anniversary

In December, Erica and I celebrated our 15th Wedding Anniversary. 15 years? It hardly seems possible.

I once had a teacher that taught, "the best marriages are when both husband and wife think they got the better end of the deal." For those of you that know Erica, you know that I made out like a bandit on this deal. Erica is hands-down the best and most beautiful person that I know. And I'm lucky to have convinced her to marry me 15 years ago. I love her more with each passing year. Happy 15 years. Let's go for 50+ more.
#5. Abbie's Baptism

Our little girl's growing up. Abbie was baptized in February with most of the extended family there to witness the occasion.
#4. Adam's Funny Sayings

This one isn't so much a single event as a daily occurrence. Adam will say something that makes us laugh nearly every day. He's a pretty funny kid. And often we have no idea where his reasoning is coming from. Like the time he stated he didn't like red licorice because it "tastes like dinosaurs."
#3. Conner Becomes A Deacon

In August, Conner turned 12 and is now doing the things any self-respecting 12 year old should be doing. Like camping, passing the sacrament, collecting fast offerings, going to school dances, styling his hair and wearing deodorant.
#2. Disneyland Vacation

What more can we say other than our Disneyland vacation was the most fun vacation we've ever had. (Christian's expressions in the above photos are not representative of the feelings of the entire family) It will be hard to beat our 2008 family vacation.
#1. One Year Anniversary of Abbie's Recovery

In July of 2008 we reached a milestone. The one year anniversary of Abbie's recovery from unnerving intestinal surgeries and subsequent battle with a hospital borne superbug. (Clostridium Difficile) Through several surgeries and the mental and psychological acrobatics that are prevalent in such a situation, we went through a spectrum of emotions that I know are best left unexplored. We look back and remember the wonderful support of family and friends and know that we are blessed to have Abbie with us today in prime health.

Well, that about sums it up. What a great year it's been. Here's looking to a prosperous 2009. Happy New Year.