boyfriend visit:)

Andrew left this morning from his 8-day visit to Colorado. It was his first time in the state! We did lots of fun things like go snowshoeing, outdoor ice skating, visit the zoo, tour the mint, and see Garden of the Gods. We played some games and watched some movies. And I got to hang out with Andrew more than ever before!! It was so awesome there are no words. Forgive me for my inadequate description of the amazingness, but the truth is, he left this morning and I am sad.

But, for the first time ever, Andrew and Sarah took a picture together:)

We went snowshoeing to Brainard Lake. It was fun.

We all had lunch and cheesecake on Sunday. Mom, Dad, Sarah, Andrew, Paul, Becca, Ben, Rachel, and Charlie. What a good-looking bunch!

Andrew took me on a fancy date to the Melting Pot. They had complimentary valet service which we both thought was way over the top. We were seated in a little private section with a fire place. And the waiter set our chocolate fondue on fire for effect. Wow.

2009 is over!!

2009 was a crAzy year!!
Here are some top memories from 2009:

memories of place:
--living on my own (without a roommate) for the first time ever!
--living with the greatest couple ever in Chandler, AZ
--moving back in with my family and happily sinking into home
--visiting my beloved CO 4 times as an AZ resident
--visiting AZ twice as a CO resident

specific memories with friends:
--standing up with Kimmie as she became a Mrs.
--standing up with Bethany as she became a Mrs.
--camping with Christy in her sister's living room
--discovering Tempe Town Lake with Crystal and Melissa
--playing doggie midwife with Jessica to Rosie's first litter of puppies
--having the best birthday with friends and birthday surprise from Christian and Jim
--spontaneous hang-out with Amanda that was way more fun than what we each had planned
--last-minute light railing to Lux Coffee with Jessica M. and reading together
--having dinner and praying at the Myers with Ephrem, Walter, and Scotty
--going to the Outer Banks with Linnea
--playing tennis with Bonnie, when it was at least 95 degrees at 10pm... and then watching Kung Fu Panda
--going on a date with Andrew that I wasn't sure yet was a date, and eating ice cream on my now-favorite park bench

other things:
--becoming involved in the life of a God-loving church in Gilbert, AZ
--starting to run--running and then having Mojo with friends, and surviving my first 5K, with Bonnie, Namoi, and Jim
--starting to date someone who is a fantastic combination of God-fearing, brilliant, and fun
--being astounded by God's faithfulness at every turn
--looking back at the end of the year and realizing I love God more now than when it started. Praise Him!