2009 – The Year in Review…(This is basically our Christmas Letter, for the record.)

If we seem preoccupied with our family, it’s because we are! A wise man once said, “In a world of turmoil and uncertainty, it is more important than ever to make our families the center of our lives and the top of our priorities.” When we built our “dream home” on the American River, we wanted to build a “gathering place” where we could come together, have fun & make memories, as we enjoy each other with wholesome recreational activities. The highlight of our 2009 was the beginning of a New Family Tradition – the Annual Family Reunion, Camp Middleton 2009.


(Missing: Leah & family; Terri’s husband, Ben; & Jill’s husband, Kiff).

We were also blessed with two new grandchildren (bringing the count to 21 – 10 boys & 11 girls) & so far…one more will join us July 2010! Paul continues to work hard at the office & serves as the High Priest Group Leader in our ward. Jenny stays busy keeping up with the family & serves as the 1st Counselor in the Relief Society. She tries to keep our blog updated with pictures so if you want to check in from time to time you will get a pretty good idea of what we’ve been up to.

Each year as I reflect on all we’ve experienced (most of which has been documented on this blog) – I am amazed…but I feel a sense of accomplishment & gratitude for the blessings of a very large family & an “every second counts” husband! It is fun for me to see it all written down in one place.

JAN- We went with Da Boyz (Rochelle’s boyz) to Disneyland to celebrate their dad’s (Brent’s) birthday, taking advantage of free admission for the “birthday boy.”

FEB – We enjoyed an unexpected visit from Jill & her girls at the Riverhouse.

MAR – We took a cross-Atlantic cruise with our good friends, Mike & Vicky Macias – from Rio to Salvador to Recife in Brazil, across the equator to Barcelona, touring Spain; Montserrat, Gibraltar, (a quick ferry to Tangiers, Morocco), then on to the Alhambra in Granada. Fabulous trip!

APR – Leah hosted a “girls getaway” weekend so the girlz (Rochelle, Jill, Leah, Nicole, Terri, & Jenny) could attend Women’s Conference at BYU.

MAY – We got to visit Gina’s family in Valencia, then off to Seattle to visit Jill & her family. While in Seattle, we met the Bassetts for a long over due weekend trip we owed them – the Ferry, Pike’s Market, the Space Needle, Snoqualmie Falls, the Underground Tour, Museums, great food, & fun.

JUN – Finished the outdoor kitchen just in time for a little “reunion” with Paul’s family (his parents, sisters & their husbands). Then we “moved out” so Paul’s sister, Karen, could have the Riverhouse for their family reunion. (Naturally, we crashed their party, went rafting, & visited with all the kids! It was great seeing everyone!) We also tested the capacity of the Riverhouse by hosting two parties on the same day! Kyle had a church group up one morning for rafting & a barbeque & cleaned up in plenty of time for us to hold a ward barbeque for about 150 people that same evening.

JUL – We hosted a sleepover with the local kids for the 4th of July; a flag raising ceremony with our new flag pole, a patriotic parade, rafting, lots of games, & family fun! Jenny went down to Bakersfield & help her mom pack up & move into a new apartment (G’ma Glenda sold her home of 20 years & moved into a senior living facility.) The entire Macias family came to play with us on the River. We met our “good neighbor” friends in Vienna, Austria & traveled to Salzburg; Budapest, Hungary; & Prague, Czech Republic - exciting to be in the heart of such historical cities. Cindi brought her little midgets out to play with us while she attended a friend’s wedding in Utah, then came & played with Jill & Terri for a few days before the big family reunion.

AUG – The highlight of our year was the 1st annual Camp Middleton (family reunion) – we packed it in! Lots of water fun; rafting, floating, pools, waterslides, & TRAINS! We went to the zoo & rode the train, made our own cardboard box trains, went to the train museum in Old Town Sac – All Aboard! We missed Leah’s family who were busy welcoming their new little one, our 20th grandchild, Lexi Elise Bassett, Aug 6th. Paul went to Utah the week after the reunion & brought Leah & the girls home with him to visit & attend Rick’s sister’s wedding.

SEP – We attended the annual Cowell Reunion in Templeton, CA. Paul was honored with a wonderful weekend at the Phoenician in Scottsdale, AZ for his hard work on the “Farm.” We stayed with the McGraths for a few days & enjoyed playing with the midgets in Mesa.

OCT – Kyle & his kids stayed with us while Amy got to visit her sister in NYC. Paul attended a financial planning seminar in Boston, MA & Jenny tagged along for a “fall colors” tour into ME, MA, & CT. Beautiful scenery & great history!

NOV – We made another trip to Valencia to help Gina get ready for their new arrival, then on to Disneyland to help the Holyoaks celebrate Macy’s birthday. We stopped in Bakersfield for an early Thanksgiving dinner on our way home to the Riverhouse. Ben & Dara came to visit & we celebrated Thanksgiving with Rochelle & family, Jill & the girls, Nicole & her friend Rob, & Ty. Our 21st grandchild, Donovan Paul Deceuster arrived Nov 29th.

DEC – Jenny went to Bakersfield to visit her mom & then off to Valencia with Paul to get to know little Donovan. We’re expecting a quiet cozy Christmas at home with Nicole, Ty, & the local kids.

Now, for the “Grand, Christmas Parade of Pictures Finale”…

Not everyone sent out pics this year, so I got a little creative! Happy New Year!