GoodBye 2009, Hello 2010!

I admit, that there have not been new posts in the last few months of this decade; however I will try to make it my new year's resolution to be better at posting! We have lots of photos from the last couple of months, so check back this weekend and I PROMISE to post some new pictures! :) So in retribution, I leave you with a toast....

Here's to remembering the memories of 2009 that we all shared and experienced together, and Here's to the hope of 2010 that it may bring more blessings, love, friendships, and time together....

Happy New Year to All and to All a Most Blessed New Year!

CHEERS!

The Last of the Birthday Pictures!

I finally sorted through the last of the birthday pictures, here they are! Cake time, and then an evening of fun at Pump it Up. Both were a success!

Sharing

New Bike

Here are a few pictures of Ayden's New Bike and his new * bike hat* (Thanks Nana and Papa) He has actually done a pretty good job of wearing it! Although this last week has been very rainy so not much riding bikes has been done... :) Enjoy!

Birthday Fun

Ayden had a fantastic Birthday! He received so many presents, and Birthday wishes from family and friends. Here are a few of the highlights. More to come, but it's taking a while to get through the 200+ pictures we took! It seems Ayden still has to suffer from *first time parent syndrome*... :) Thanks again everyone for making Ayden's birthday so special! Although because he's been celebrating since mid-October, and Christmas is just around the corner, the poor kid isn't going to know what happened to all the celebrations and presents come January! HA!

This pig from our friend Deanna in AZ hasn't left his side since he opened it! So cute!

The inflatable from Aunt Angie and Uncle Brian

Ayden trying to help Dad blow it up!

Dad is *thrilled* with his sister and brother-in-law for the inflatable! But that's the prerogative of aunts and uncles! :) HA!

CARS!

Happy Birthday Marine Corps

Happy Birthday Marines, Past, Present and Future! This weekend Jeremy and I went to the annual USMC Birthday Ball. The evening is filled with tradition and friends. I have posted some pictures from the evening, and also attached some history of how this event was established.

History of the Marine Corps

Tanya and Kevin

CO and SgtMaj

Chad and Megan

Susan and I

John and Chad

The address that was written by Major General John A. Lejeune Commandant of the Marine Corps in November of 1921, it was then that the birthday ball was formally commemorated. This address is read at every ball, every year. It will give everyone some insight of the distinguished history of the Marine Corps. Enjoy, and Happy Veterans Day!

(1) On November 10, 1775, a Corps of Marines was created by a resolution of Continental Congress. Since that date many thousand men have borne the name "Marine". In memory of them it is fitting that we who are Marines should commemorate the birthday of our corps by calling to mind the glories of its long and illustrious history.

(2) The record of our corps is one which will bear comparison with that of the most famous military organizations in the world's history. During 90 of the 146 years of its existence the Marine Corps has been in action against the Nation's foes. From the Battle of Trenton to the Argonne, Marines have won foremost honors in war, and is the long eras of tranquility at home, generation after generation of Marines have grown gray in war in both hemispheres and in every corner of the seven seas, that our country and its citizens might enjoy peace and security.

(3) In every battle and skirmish since the birth of our corps, Marines have acquitted themselves with the greatest distinction, winning new honors on each occasion until the term "Marine" has come to signify all that is highest in military efficiency and soldierly virtue.

(4) This high name of distinction and soldierly repute we who are Marines today have received from those who preceded us in the corps. With it we have also received from them the eternal spirit which has animated our corps from generation to generation and has been the distinguishing mark of the Marines in every age. So long as that spirit continues to flourish Marines will be found equal to every emergency in the future as they have been in the past, and the men of our Nation will regard us as worthy successors to the long line of illustrious men who have served as "Soldiers of the Sea" since the founding of the Corps.

John A. Lejeune,

Major General Commandant

Happy Birthday Ayden

It's hard to believe that just 2 years ago today, we brought you into the world! You continue to bless our lives in new ways everyday! We Love you Ayden Christopher!

Stop and smell the roses

My fabulously thoughtful Husband bought me flowers last week. They were absolutely gorgeous! I kept making a big deal about how they smelled, so naturally Ayden had to try! Here are some pics of the attempts! :)

Cheese!

A surprise trip....

Heather here. I am in charge of updating the blog tonight in light of a surprise trip home to Michigan last week. Kate, Ayden and I were all able to get up to the Midwest to enjoy the beautiful fall colors, have some much needed family time, and most importantly, help Matt and Trisha celebrate the (very near) future birth of their first daughter. We were able to surprise everyone and had an absolutely wonderful long weekend. Here are a few highlights.

Please keep the Henderson family in your prayers in the coming weeks!

While in Michigna, Ayden was able to visit the fabulous Missy and get a haircut. We lovingly called her Edward Scissorhands. She was incredibly efficient. What a talent she has!!

Any early birthday present

A day at the Orchard

Happy Halloween!

Ayden wasn't sure about carving the pumpkin this year, but was very interested in looking inside the pumpkin.

Chad and Megan as the characters from Juno. Very funny!

Trick or Treat, followed by a *thank you* Ayden showcased his great manners!

One of the few pics with the Elmo hat on...

I hate this Mom!

After he was finished trick or treating he helped hand out candy to all the other kids. We had a great night!