Merry Christmas!

2009 was a pretty typical year in the Hemmings household—which means that it included some incredibly fantastic times (such as our first-ever family trip to Disneyland!) and a few challenges, too (like trying to carve a somewhat orderly life out of the chaotic “remodel-recovery mode” in which we continue to operate). We survived—and thrived, as revealed in the “firsts” and “favorites” of each of us listed below:

KELLEN, 9

Firsts: piano lessons and recital, pet guinea pig (Root Beer), swim team (Kiwanis Piranhas), weekend campout (with his Webelos pack), magazine article assignment (for Living Without, about having food allergies).
Favorites: Pirates of the Caribbean (Disneyland ride), backstroke, French Children Sing (piano piece), “Oh, snap!” (catchphrase).

KERRICK, 7

Firsts: Ebay purchase (a Webkinz lava dragon), pet guinea pig (Prairie), swim team (Kiwanis Piranhas), overnight campout (with Kellen and Dad), top tooth lost (knocked out on accident by his friend with a bungee cord).
Favorites: Tower of Terror (Disneyland ride), freestyle stroke, Scout-o-Rama event, trading Pokemon cards, rock-climbing/rappeling (at an indoor gym).

KENNAH, 4

Firsts: bicycle (with pink training wheels), Webkinz (a pink pony), manicure/pedicure (with pink polish, of course), Broadway-scale musical (Little House on the Prairie).
Favorites: Cinderella (whom she met along with ALL the princesses at Disneyland), Pinkalicious and Purplicious (books), girl time (with mom, friends or cousins), babies (real and toy), shoes (all kinds).

KEILLOR, 2

Firsts: tricycle (he can steer, but not quite pedal), true trick-or-treating experience (he wore his “punkin’ suity”), haircut (NOT! He’s never had one, as mom can’t bear to do it yet!).
Favorites: It’s a Small World (Disneyland ride), “Super high!” (way to be pushed on a swing), “Beary, Doggy, Froggy” (stuffed animals), cars (real and toy), balls (all kinds).

SONYA

First: www.hemmings.com (blog!).
Favorite: Splash Mountain (Disneyland ride).

SHAWN

First: Cub Scout den leader.
Favorite: Thunder Mountain (Disneyland ride).

Wishing you all many firsts and favorites in 2010!