Happy New Year and belated Merry Christmas

Momma did some debating over the value of sending the traditional lick'em, post'em, and drop them in the mail box cards this year. In the end we decided to send them, after the holidays because that is just how it works in the house of two full-time working parents of two, adorably, high energy, enthusiastic boys on overdrive.

My  late Grandma Bernell was so wonderful at "keeping the cobb-webs" out of my mailbox as she would say. We are so thankful for all the greetings that have delighted in keeping the cobb-webs out of our mail box this season. We are overwhelmingly grateful to have such wonderful family and friends. A card, and this note, is a small way of showing our gratitude and helping to keep the cobb-webs out of your mailbox and spice up you inter-webs.


We are lucky to have rang in 2012 with gusto in Tahoe with horn blowing and streamer throwing (at 8:00pm but it was midnight somewhere) with cousins, in-laws, and moms and dads.

Before 2011 is too far gone I want to review some of the big highlights: Eric goes snow skiing and sledding for the first time; Noah begins walking on his first birthday; Eric learns to ride a bike; Noah begins using words; Dadda turns forty years young; Eric graduates to scrimmage play in soccer; Momma runs Hood to Coast, a half-marathon, and completes 2 marathons both under 4 hours; Eric turns 5; Dadda begins a new job and closes up his in-home shop of ten years; we successfully fit our family of four in our queen-size bed on at least half of the nights of the year - because who doesn't love to snuggle or "nuggle" as Noah says.

In addition to all those BIG moments we have more small moments than I can count that collectively made 2011 another very special year.

(Insert highlights slideshow here when Momma figures out how)

Feel free to add your moments in the comment section!


January
Eric goes skiing with Momma and Dadda for the first time
Noah holds his own cup

February
Noah begins walking on his first birthday

March
Tara is a honored to be a bridesmaid for her dear friend since kindergarten, Meghan Rydell
Tara's dear friend Susanne meets the boys

April
Aaron turns 40 years young
Family visits Monteray for Sea Otter fun
Noah says his first words of "No, hi, and buh (ball)

May
Eric graduates from sneaker hockey to roller hockey
Momma runs a Mother's Day fun run
Mother's Day fun with Oma and the cousins

June
Noah starts to grow some hair
Father's day cookout
Roaring Camp railroad with Montoyas

July
Eric learns to ride his bike
4th of July at Oma & Opa's

August
Noah's first trip to Montana
Fishing trips
Picnic at Aspen Grove
Montana State Fair
We meet Caleigh and Graham of the Varrassee clan
Momma runs Hood to Coast with Team CLIF

September
Eric turns 5
We celebrate Aunt Kathy turning 60
Momma spends time with old-friend Maureen
Williamson's meet-up at Crissy Field

October
Momma runs Nike Women's Marathon in 3:59:32
Aaron "crews" Momma's marathon with cheer squad (Dempseys, Eric,Noah)
Eric and Noah are baptized
Pumpkin patch with Ryan, Spencer, & baby Caleb
Halloween at CLIF Bar and Alameda - Eric in Batman costume made by Grandma and Noah as a Scarecrow inspired by Stephanie Bolstad & Elliott

November
Aaron starts his new job at www.horoscope.com
Tara and her brother Sean run the Chico half-marathon together
We visit Santa
Eric and Noah build tours
Noah says his first sentence "I want a bear"
Dempsey party


December
Tara runs her marathon PR at Cal Internation Marathon 3:51
Holidays with family, friends, and a trip to Tahoe