Ahh.. the sparkling snow. What a gorgeous way to begin the new year! But I'll get back to that in a minute... I thought I'd start the new year and my new blog project by trying to recap 2010; I guess sort of a cyber Christmas letter. The Parker family had an awesome year. We each have had some big changes and fun adventures.
When 2010 began a year ago, I was 4 months pregnant with our baby girl, Evelyn. However, at the time, we still didn't know if she was a "she" or a "he" because we wanted to be surprised on her birthday. In March, we decided that once my maternity leave was up, I would quit my job at the Convention Center, doing the wedding sales, and become a stay-at-home mommy with Josh and Evie and I would also get to take care of my niece, Makenzie. The BEST decision we ever made! I am having an awesome time baking with them, doing crafts, making messes, and watching them grow. 
It is so true that these early years go by so quickly! I have also joined a local MOPS group with a mom I met at Josh's old day care where I am making friends with other moms and getting some much needed, "grownup time" as well as a little added bonus "girl time."
Eric started out the year with an experiment of sorts. He had the opportunity to conduct CV's musical, Brigadoon. We weren't sure how it was all going to go but he had an amazing time. He also displayed exemplary citizenship and sportsmanship with his Pep Band when they went to State Basketball and played for AC Davis' basketball team when they had no band to help cheer them on. 
Of course on May 16, Evelyn was born on Eric's birthday so now daddy & daughter share their special day. Shortly after her birth, Eric went back down to Ashland Oregon to finish his final year at American Band College (ABC). He is now the proud holder of a Master's in Conducting degree from Sam Houston State University. (Go Bears!) Come Fall, CV had an extremely successful marching band season winning, 3 out of 4 of their shows (Go Bears!). November was a month to erase from history. Eric got meningitis, then stuck in Seattle over Thanksgiving week, I was left alone with the kids to get ourselves over the pass, then my Dad went into the ICU for a perforated liver and e coli infection and (apparently) all the stress landed me in the ER with a severe mastitis. Poor Josh got croup and had to miss Yo Gabba Gabba Live at the Opera House and Evelyn got an ear infection. None of us were able to make it through November unscathed, however after a good dose of rest, antibiotics, a make up trip to Disney on Ice, and an awesome trip to Florida has healed us up nicely.
Josh has grown up so much. It's fun to see the pictures of him early last year at the indoor water park at Silver Mountain. He was so timid in the water, sticking to the shallow end and not wanting to get his face wet. Now, after a summer of swimming with his buddies and fall swim lessons he is like a little fish! He is such a good big brother and has really deserved all the extra attention and privileges he's received.
He got a new bike after his sister was born and he had a blast riding around the neighborhood all summer and he got to experience his first roller coaster. He turned 4 in October and we did up his birthday party big time with a Superhero theme, games, capes and pulled pork sliders. (Josh's request!)
Evelyn has been the most wonderful blessing! She reminds me all the time of life's every day miracles. She is such a happy baby with so much love to give. 
Watching her grow is amazing and I get to "relive" all of Joshua's firsts through her as well. It's so funny to compare the two of them! They are so alike in many ways and so not alike in just as many. While Josh really could care less about food or where it came from, (honestly, he still doesn't), Evelyn is very particular and has refused a bottle from day 1, much more interested in the experience and comfort of eating. Hard in one way for me, but easier in another. I read somewhere that there are two types of people: those who eat to live and those to live to eat. Josh is a definite "eat-to-live-er" while I am hoping Evelyn falls into the later category... like her momma. Hey, I need someone who will go try the newest Ethiopian restaurant or neighborhood Bistro with me! So all-in-all we've had a great year. Here are some of the highlights:
January 2010: Josh (3) helps out the CV Pep Band and Cheerleaders cheer on the Bears at a basketball game
February 2010, Josh (3) takes a winter walk in Manito Park with Gammy, Papa and Mom
March, 2010, Josh (3) and Sidney celebrate St. Patric's Day
April 6, 2010 family photos taken before "baby" is born. Joshua (3) is already a loving big brother.
May 16, 2010 I finally get to hold my baby girl, Evelyn Lilly Parker. Born at 3:49 pm, weighing 7 lbs, 7 oz at 19 inches long.
June, 2010: Josh (3) and Evelyn (4 weeks) snuggle up for a Father's Day photo for daddy.
July 3, 2010: A family photo after Eric's graduation ceremony from ABC. Congratulations Eric!
August 2010: Mom & Evelyn (3 months) get to spend some quality time together in Clelan with Austin and Emily
September 2010: Joshua (3), Makenzie (3), and Evelyn (3 months) watch the first CV marching band practices of the season.
October 2010: I couldn't choose just one picture! Left: Joshua's 4th birthday party was a blast!
Right: Josh (4), Evelyn (5 months) and Makenzie (3) pose for a Halloween photo shoot.
November 2010: Evelyn (6 months) is growing into a little beauty
December 22, 2010: Eric, Josh (4), Evelyn (7 months) and I travel to Naples, Florida to visit Megan, Blake and new cousin, Claire (4 months)
Wrapping up the year with family in Naples was the perfect way to end 2010. It was a little shock to the system to come back to 3 degree weather though! But the sparkling snow is just as beautiful as the sun-warmed sand. I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring. There will be some big plans (Disney World!!) and some everyday moments. I hope this project will let us see the wonder in it all!
Happy New Year
-L
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