to my kid...

in december, madi attended her first funeral and her first wedding. the funeral, of course, was an emotional event as it was a close friend of our family that passed away. but the wedding a week later was a fantastic celebration. i think it helped me feel better about the way 2009 was ending. (on a very selfish note, it was fun to get madi all dressed up and girly...since we never get dressed up, ever. she wore the dress and sweater that my aunt gave me just after madi was born. so happy she got the opportunity to wear that darling outfit...more than once.) i have to add that our madi girl was fabulous at both of these gatherings. the funeral was at an lds church in newport which made it very easy for her and i to walk around and still be able to hear each talk. she fell asleep briefly after playing with her ribbon for a good 2 hours and chatting with the many late comers. thanks, madi, for being who you are. thanks for bringing a smile to the face of those who would have had a hard time smiling on such a difficult day.

before we left for the funeral

at the wedding ceremony, which was a catholic mass, again, she was fabulous. her and i would step outside every 10 minutes or so to look at some trees or flowers and then would head back inside. she loved the lights that lit the trees outside at the reception and had fun hanging with our old college buddies. she slept while we ate dinner and then kept us entertained as she ate her sweet potato. again, madi, thanks for being the coolest kid we know and letting mommy and daddy celebrate the marriage of our good friends.

at the wedding reception

to nancy, you are missed. you were an example of a strong woman, a dedicated and loving mom, the hardest of workers and you were just a pleasure to know. i describe you as a 'kind soul.'

to godfrey and lisa, congrats! may your lives be full of laughter and joy. love you guys!