A Year In Review

I didn't get a Christmas letter out, so this will be my replacement. It's great to look back at your year and reflect on all the blessings, isn't it? I know 2008 for us was a good one and I'm looking forward to what 2009 holds.
January - Brandon started semester #3 (out of 10 total including summers) at TTU in Odessa. Becky continued working at the probation department. Braylon was in preschool and doing well. It was around this time that he taught himself how to read. It didn't take any time for him to really take off and now he has a joy for reading. Blaine was in private day care and thriving.
February - Braylon had his 2nd ear tube surgery. He had some hearing concerns and still was getting ear infections after the 1st round of tubes fell out.
March - We took a family camping trip to Junction, Texas and enjoyed canoeing, hiking and especially just sitting around throwing rocks in the river. Go figure that - Nothing like little boys and skipping rocks.
April - Braylon turned 5. We celebrated by having a small group of boys inhabit our little house for 4 hours. Pretty wild and crazy, but a lot of fun for Braylon.
May - Our little family attended a favorite singing group's concert. Go Fish is big family fun - Check out their website.
June - Brandon started semester #4 which consisted of a clinical experience in Colorado City, Texas - about an hour drive one way. It was nice that he got to stay in Midland during the evenings instead of living there for the summer. The boys enjoyed summer gymnastics and an extended summer visit from their cousins Perry and Emma this month.
July - The kids still enjoyed gymnastics and we just kept our routine going during the summer.
August - We enjoyed our trip to Junction so much in March that we went back and took friends this time. This time we did all the above listed activities, but also went inner tubing down the Llano River. Brandon lost our only van key in the bottom of the river. We laugh about it now...But at the time it wasn't all that great to part with $450 to resolve the issue. Braylon started kindergarten (sniff, sniff). He was accepted at the last minute into a local magnet school when they had a last minute opening. A few minor behavior issues aside (he's the class clown), he is doing very well. Blaine started preschool where Braylon had attended the 2 years previous. The teachers tell us what we already knew...He's a sweetheart and does very well in class. Brandon started semester #5.
September - Blaine turned 3! We celebrated by treating several family friends to Chuck E. Cheese festitivies. Always big fun for the kiddos. Becky took a promotion at work and now supervises drug offenders.
October - The Hamiltons dressed as the gang from Scooby Doo for our church Halloween Trunk or Treat event. Getting Brandon to dress as Fred was enough entertainment for Becky for a good while... haha...
November - We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving at home with Brandon's side of the family. It was nice to not have to travel too much and just have some time to rest.
December - Brandon finished semester #5 strong. We celebrated Christmas at home with various family members. Brandon and Becky graduated from Financial Peace University.
A good year indeed.....