Goodbye 2010- A Photo Retrospective

Goodbye 2010. You've been a great, great year. I have only one complaint...you flew by way to fast. When I look back, I can't believe how much my tiny baby has changed, how we've all grown as a family, and all the amazing things we packed into 365 fabulous days. We were truly blessed this year, and I couldn't have asked for more.

This little blog was born in January of 2010, and I believe the decision to write it was one of the best ones I've ever made. Not only do I have so many memories recorded that I can't wait to share with Hudson, I also have become a member of the most fabulous community of bloggers.

Moving forward, into 2011, I wish everyone who's reading this the very best.

Here's to a bright New Year, and a fond farewell to the old;

Here's to the things that are yet to come, and to the memories that we hold.

May God be with you and bless you.

May the best of this year, be the worst of the next.

May you be poor in misfortune and rich in blessings.

May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.

Happy New Year! And HELLO 2011!

We didn't start the Fire...it was always burnin' since the world's been turnin'!

{LISTEN: Sunshine by Matt Costa}

The Winter Solstice Bonfire is a yearly tradition for Will and his friends. This annual event signifies the celebration of the shortest day of the year, and the most instinctual urges of the human kind: gathering together in the heat of a light in the darkness, huddling in the happiness of camaraderie. Although the earth was tilted on its axis that night, very far away from the burning sun...we felt full of warmth and happiness, thanks to the magnificent bonfire.

Hudson and I bundled up in layers and layers of warm clothes, so that we could join the party for a little while. Luckily, our friends Lisa and Andrew had come into town to enjoy the event, so they dropped by to get Hudson and I, and we went to the bonfire together. By the time we arrived, the party was in full swing. There's something about the cold December night air combined with the crackling sparks of the majestic fire that creates a hypnotizing atmosphere of enchantment. The fire causes the full grown men to transform into the inquisitive boys that stay hidden deep inside their hearts for much of the year....taking turns throwing wood on the fire to see who can create the biggest flame, heckling one another, and laughing their heads off. Eventually, the hyperactivity slows down, and you find yourself standing around the beautiful sight in silence, hearing nothing but the chirp of crickets in the woods and the snapping of burning wood. It's times like these, in the still of the night, that I find myself reflecting on the happiness of my life. All the love I feel for my little family, and all of my friends, too....even the ones that couldn't be there at the grand gathering.

This was Hudson's first year at the Winter Solstice Bonfire. I loved watching him as he stared at the enormous display of heat and power, looking deeply into the fire's burning heart. He stayed a safe distance away, wrapped in the warmth of our arms, solemnly regarding the blaze. 

The bonfire was beautiful this year. Hypnotic. Joyful. Mysterious. And lots of fun.

Although Hudson and I were enjoying ourselves, we pulled ourselves away, out of the cold and into a different kind of warmth...the toasty confines of our favorite Italian restaurant. We left the guys behind to party the night away, which they did wholeheartedly. I couldn't help but laugh at the grainy cell phone footage Will texted me later: all of the guys around the fire, singing Christmas carols and baying at the moon.  

Oh, Christmas isn't just a day, it's a frame of mind.

On Christmas morning we woke up to the most beautiful surprise...not only had Santa dropped lots of goodies at our house, a true Alabama Christmas miracle had occurred: our street had been covered by a lovely blanket of fresh white snow, and delicate snowflakes were tumbling from the gray skies above. We never dreamed that we would experience a white Christmas...the flurries fostered a perfectly wonderful morning full of enchantment. 

We woke little Hudson, and he quickly sprung to life....a happy little ball of energy. I waited in the living room for him with Santa's special delivery, and the look of delight on his face as he pattered into the room full of presents is truly something I'll never forget. His big, pretty eyes lit up with amazement as he spotted the toddler-sized 4 wheeler that Old St. Nick had chosen especially for him. Untraditionally, Santa had wrapped all of Hudson's gifts this year...I think that the big guy knew that Hudson would love tearing into the festive paper. And indeed, he did. He ripped and tore, throwing tiny scraps of paper all over the living room rug, until he caught a glimpse of the toy inside the package, at which time he would squeal in delight! He had so much fun, and Will & I loved experiencing the magic of Christmas through his eyes.

{A White Christmas}

{Santa came!}

{excitement & happiness}

{lots of surprises & fun stuff!}

{big boy is going to be 4-wheeling & shooting hoops!}

{A computer...just like MaMa's!}

{Checking out Chuck the talking Truck!}

{happy boy}

{checking a few blogs out before getting ready to go to his grandparents' house.}

Later, around noon we loaded up and drove down the road to Will's parents' house for even more goodies, yummy food, and an annual viewing of Will's favorite...a Christmas Story. This year was special because it was Hudson's little cousin Henri's first Christmas! Hudson loves his cousin, and just can't squeeze her enough! We all had so much fun watching these two beautiful babies enjoy Christmas fun. 

{little Christmas angel}

{Henri & Hudson...so happy to spend Christmas together!}

{A big horse just for Hudson}

{Whoa Horsey!}

{Every little cowboy needs some boots!}

{Me & my sister-in-law Liza, wearing our matching warm headbands, with our sweet babies!}

{it's hard to hold a little wiggle worm!}

{Henri loved her Bla-Bla mermaid & bath toys we gave her!}

{Our little family!}

{Hudson with Greg & Martha}

{I'm hanging out with Elvis...and Will is making funny faces.}

{Happy Happy Baby Cousins!}

{I wonder what they're thinking?}

{Hudson is so happy to hold her hand!}

{two cuties}

{good hug}

{Hudson kept sneaking around to get behind Henri. He just wanted to be so close to her...he loves her so!}

{strike a pose...by the Christmas tree!}

{one more snuggle before we go!}

{another fun day!}

{Ho Ho Ho! Christmas 2010 was wonderful.}