Happy Holidays 2009! THE YEAR IN REVIEW

BEST HOLIDAY WISHES from MIKE, LISA, & CARSON!

Looking at pictures is so much more fun than reading a long letter, don't you think? We had a great time looking back at this wonderful year as we enjoy the Christmas season. Here is our decorated house this year--complete with REAL snowflakes falling softly...the cold is always a little more bearable during the holiday season. :)
One year ago, Carson was 15 months old, Mike was still a high school athletic director, and the movie "CARS" didn't have much relevance in our house! My how things have changed. :) Here is a family portrait of us taken during holidays in 2008: Carson looks so little compared to the agile rugrat that he is today :). He got his picture taken with Santa last Christmas, but as you can see he wasn't completely comfortable with this experience. He liked Santa a lot more when he wasn't sitting on his lap!
Carson has always been an extremely happy child! He had a tons of holiday spirit last year...and his enthusiasm has grown exponentially this year. He absolutely LOVES watching the last 20 minutes of "The Polar Express". We are thinking about taking a train ride sometime over the holidays which will only fuel his fire for trains and Christmas!

Carson has grown up so much in just one year! He still looks like a baby in this picture. I love it.

Here is the whole family enjoying Christmas dinner at our house last year. :)

We went to "Wildlights at the Denver Zoo" with Grandma and Grandpa B and Devin & La Nan's family when they were in town. It is a fun tradition that we plan to continue this year.

Carson really loves the snow! In this picture, he is playing in the snow for the first time in early 2009 :) He reminds me of the movie "A Christmas Story" with how bundled up he is! ha ha

We spend a lot of time in our unfinished basement that has become a huge play area for Carson. He runs around and drives in his car--and in this picture he is trying out his new slide:

In March, we traveled to Maui for Spring Break. If you count Carson as in-utero, this was his second trip to the islands! Maui is such a wonderful place. We went to our favorite beach nearly every day in Wailea, and Carson sat in his first sand hot tub on this trip!

I just love this picture because it has "attitude" written all over it. Carson would not take off these sunglasses during the whole trip. Every time his daddy put sunglasses on, Carson did too.

We just love Maui, and we are returning there yet again in March 2010 for Spring Break. We stay at a condo and cook most of our own meals. Carson loved to explore and find bananas growing in trees and swim in the pool. This past year, he loved to rock out and sing the "Hakuna Matata" song from the Lion King--I bet we watched it 50 + times on this trip!

This is one of my favorite pictures of this year. Daddy and Carson are walking in the surf and having a great time!

On March 23rd, Mike and I took an evening to celebrate our 13th wedding anniversary--yup, "Lucky 13"!! We had a romantic dinner in Ma'alea while Bob and Jeff babysat Carson. :)

In the Spring, Carson became obsessed with driving. He wanted to "Drive, Drive, Drive" whenever he possibly could. We spent a lot of time ar the Orchard outdoor shopping center near our neighborhood at the playground/jumping water area. We also stopped every time at the information booth where Carson played in these rentable cars that were locked to the side of the building. :)

He loved to drive Mommy and Daddy's car even if the vehicle was parked in the garage with the garage door shut. I guess it is just the little things that keep kids entertained...

In April, we became co-owners of a boat with Bob Franklin. Mike has always wanted a boat, and I always love to ride in them. :) It reminds me of those good old Boulder Reservoir days! We took the boat camping during the Summer, and we explored Carter Lake and Boyd Reservoir. We are definitely looking forward to a lot of boat excursions this year! Of course, Carson was in heaven when he got to drive the boat...

Darren, Cherish, and Eden came to Colorado for a visit in April. It is always so good to see them, and Carson & Eden are so cute together! During this visit, we took the kids to the Children's Museum in Denver. I really like this picture of bruder and schwester!

It took me years and years to finally take the plunge into the 10K phenomenen that is the Bolder Boulder race on Memorial Day. Crystal was the perfect running partner--because we were in comparable shape and there was no pressure that would result in hurting myself due to competitive stupidity. :) I was so proud to finish--and my time wasn't that bad! This year, I plan to run the race again...and I think I am ready to run with my Mom who VERY possibly will beat me. I think I can handle it now...ha ha

The month of May is full of birthday celebrations and holidays. It is the perfect time to fire up the grill and hang out in our backyard with family and friends. In this picture, Carson and Collin (his 16 year-old cousin) were having an important conversation together. Carson really adores Collin and looks up to him :)

Once Summer rolls around, we eat most of our meals outside. Carson had a routine last year where he would check to see if any of the neighbor kids were available to talk/play. He would yell "Juju! Jaylee! Jett!" over the fence and hope for a response every morning!

In this picture, the family is ready to go celebrate the many festivities of Spring. Although we didn't have nearly as many weddings this year compared to 2008, we really enjoyed being a part of the few celebrations that we did attend. We still haven't had the opportunity to watch Carson dance at a wedding yet--we always have to go home early. It will happen though...

After living here for 8 years, we got our house painted in June. We absolutely love how it turned out!

At the end of the school year, Mike decided to interview for an open Assistant Principal position at Angevine Middle School. He got the job, and our world became topsy-turvy for a few weeks as Mike made the transition from Broomfield to the middle school level. The time commitment that is necessary to support excellent athletic programs was a difficult price to pay when he didn't get to see Carson as much as he wanted to. That has all changed now, and we love it!

Broomfield High School hosted a going-away party for Mike in June. Ginger Ramsay (the Principal) and Gary Davies (Head Football Coach) presented Mike with a beautiful plaque that now hangs in his new office at Angevine. It was hard to leave a job where he enjoyed the people so much that he was working with--but Carson really appreciates seeing his Daddy more this year :).

Believe it or not, this picture was taken on our front porch at the beginning of June 2008. This tornado was scary--we actually went down to the basement just in case it rolled towards the neighborhood. It caused a little damage, but a hail storm about a week later trashed almost all the roofs int he neighborhood! We had our roof replaced this Fall from the storm damage. It was crazy!

For all of you Colorado Natives out there--this will make PERFECT sense...

Carson made his first trip to Casa Bonita to help celebrate Crystal's birthday. We had so much fun, and it is so neat to see the "Casa Bonita Experience" through a kid's eyes again. Carson especially loved the divers and the puppet show. In case you were wondering--we ate BEFORE we went!! :)

When summer vacation went into full swing, Carson and I could be found at the pool or at the Denver Zoo a few times every week. Often times, we went with friends and had a picnic lunch after we looked at the hippos and monkeys. I'm sure that Sarina thoroughly enjoyed walking around in the Summer heat while pregnant... :)

Carson is always helpful, and he showed how he loves to help Daddy mow the lawn in this picture. There are days when Carson takes his lawnmower everywhere he goes :)

When Mike's break started in July, we traveled to a resort in Orlando, Fl for some rest and relaxation. Orange Lake Resort was HUGE--multiple pools, water slides, and a lazy river. In this picture, Jeff, Jodi, Big John, Mike, & Carson are enjoying some pool time:

Carson absolutely LOVED a water slide!

Here is everyone having a nice dinner in the resort. This trip was so much fun--but we won't be going back to Orlando until we venture into Disney World...it is too humid in inland Florida!

This Summer, it was typical for us to pack all the camping gear into the car, load up the dog, and bring the boat to Horsetooth Reservoir near Fort Collins. We had so much fun driving around in the boat during the day, and then lighting up the campfire at night. We were tent-camping, and everything was great except getting Carson to initially go to sleep. We would lay down with him and with every noise he heard he would say "What's dat"? He was a real trooper--he seems to love camping. Kava loves it too (our dog)!

On August 2nd, Carson had the privilege of being baptized by his Uncle Bryan who is a Catholic Priest. It was worth the wait for all of the logistics to fall into place, and we had a great weekend with friends and family.

Dawn and Jere Shellberg are Carson's Godparents. It was so special to have them at his baptism!Now that they live in Ohio, we cherish every moment that we get to spend with their family when they are back in Colorado :)

I love this picture of Uncle Bryan and Carson!

Ryan Shellberg and Carson are like two peas in a pod. They just play and play together. This picture is great--a very good representation of both of these cuties!

Of course, it is family tradition to play "Rockband" when the whole family is in town. Carson even played some sets on the drums!

Carson turned 2 years old on August 13th. My little baby is growing up so fast! When we got his 2-year-old pics back, we both wondered if this picture speaks to the future...

Carson had a "Yo Gabba Gabba" party this year--complete with a Brobee cake and a slip-n-slide. I think having a Summer birthday is going to be tons of fun!Mike and I found the perfect birthday gift for Carson considering his love of driving. I'm sure he will enjoy this jeep fpr years to come.

We tried out the slip-n-slide...

and after watching some of the other kids go down it first, Carson decided he liked it!

My Mom's 65th Birthday was on August 14th. Our family spend the better part of the Summer planning birthday festivities for her and gathering information from family & friends for a memory book. Mom had a 2 week long Birthday extravaganza! She spent a weekend in Austin, TX celebrating with Ryan and Devin's families, and then we surprised her with a trip to go to the beach in San Diego! Darren, Cherish, & Eden surprised her again at the San Diego airport :).

This was a phenomenal trip. We had so much fun, and it was great to watch Mom dive back into the ocean like she was 15 again! We saw some amazing sunsets, but most importantly we had a great time hanging out with family.

This picture was just too cute of the kids NOT to post--they are so adorable. We stayed mostly in La Jolla, and the beach area was beautiful.

Here is the whole gang at sunset. It was a wonderful time and a great surprise for Mom. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED! :)

Ugh. The CU/CSU bet of 2009. I will never be able to explain what it feels like to bet a 9 year-old and LOSE. Carson and I are still paying off the bet--we have to wear Colorado State T-shirts on Ju-ju and Jaylee's birthdays that are coming up. Carson's T-shirt even says "Start /em young, Raise 'em Right"...losing this bet HURT. :) This is how the college football season started off this year, but is is finishing very nicely-- GO OREGON DUCKS!!!

During the Fall, Carson was obsessed with elephants and loved to play with his animals all the time. It made perfect sense that his favorite place was the Denver Zoo. He went through a phase where he wanted to wear this elephant costume that Tyler Crispin gave him all the time. It worked out great becuase he didn't need to wear a jacket as it started to get colder! (Yes--those are 2 elephant backsides that you see in Carson's hands!)

In September, Carson was introduced to the family tradition of feeding the birds and chipmunks at Rainbow Curve in Rocky Mountain National Park. In this picture, Grandpa B is showing him the ropes of holding a peanut that will be taken right out of his hand. I'm sure we will get many more pictures of this in the years to come!

With a panoramic view like this, how can you NOT take a picture?

Carson was right at home at the Scottish Festival this year. It was all about the "bagpipes and cannons" for him this year. As usual, the whole Lowe family was up in Estes Park for this event--and even Aunt Maxine got to see her first Scottish Tattoo when she came up with my Mom and Dad. Carson's kilt always draws a lot of attention...:)

Here is the family all dressed up in formal Scottish attire at the festival banquet. We just love this family tradition.

This past Fall, Carson became interested in wearing Mommy & Daddy's shoes as he walked around the house. This lasted for about 6 weeks, and then he lost interest--but I feel a "cape phase" coming on soon (I hope) :)

Halloween was a blast this year! Carson was a Tiger (from The Jungle Book influence, I think).

Here is our little tiger...and a glimpse into his new passion--The movie "Cars".

This picture is hilarious. Carson's peek-a-boo makes me smile every time. :)

What a great smile!

Carson loves imaginary play--and he puts his animals through the same tedious chores that he has to do every day...like eating, brushing teeth, and taking a nap. There is some serious yogurt carnage in this picture for everyone involved!

In October, we had some wicked snowstorms that actually cancelled school for 2 days. It was AWESOME! We built snow tunnels and a snowman outside, and Carson is now considered to be a "snow professional"!

Carson named this snowman "Lightning McQueen" and even gave him hugs :).

Here is an outtake from our adventure to get some family pictures taken in November:

Nice work, Carson! ha ha. Here is a more serious attempt:

We are continuously blessed as a family, and we are lucky to have such wonderful people in our lives. May you find joy and happiness during this holiday season, and reflect on the memories that made 2009 special for you. HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

"Blessed in the season that engages the whole world in a conspiracy of Love"

--Hamilton Wright Mabi