Here is our Christmas card and picture this year. I'm sure it won't get to everyone we know and love, so I thought I'd put it up here for fun.
It was the best of times. . .
It was the worst of times.
2008
This year held lots of changes for our family – primarily Darren’s anticipated graduation from USC Dental School in May! Lots of family joined us on this special day and we were all so proud of Darren.
Mostly we were just happy to stop paying tuition and finally, finally be “making” money instead of “paying” money.
We were so sad to leave all of our wonderful friends in Los Angeles (we miss you still), so we drove away in late May with our eyes full of tears and our hearts full of memories.
The tears could’ve been from the inland smog or just frustration from the downtown traffic on I-10 at the 110, it’s a toss up.
We spent a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in June with Stacie’s family – enjoying the scenery, white-water rafting, Yellowstone Park, horseback riding, wildlife, alpine slides, hot springs, trams, and all kinds of fun with the cousins.
The best part was seeing all the grandparents in their wetsuits. Priceless.
In July, after a month of enjoying the perks and fun of living by family in Arizona, we made the exodus to our final destination – beautiful Boulder, Colorado – where we’ve settled and Darren has bought into a dental practice. We love Colorado – the “family-land” lifestyle, the outdoor activities, the mountains, and the great weather. We’re sold.
Last week it was 13 below zero. 13 below zero. They tell me it’s abnormal, but I don’t know.
Sweet little Davis turned ONE on July 11th, and we celebrated with all our family. He’s walking and talking (“No”, “I want”, “Bye”, and “What’s that?” being the favorites)
Stacie proved what a great mom she is by putting his birthday cake right in front of him as everyone sang to him – only to have him curiously reach out and grab his flaming birthday candle. Let me tell you – it was party OVER! Call C.P.S.
Darren became a legit and licensed dentist in June and began seeing patients in July. He really enjoys finally practicing and being a partner in his own practice.
He’s had some interesting experiences – like when one patient came in wearing dentures he bought off e-bay, sold because the owner died. True story.
This fall Dane started preschool with great enthusiasm. He attends a cute little Presbyterian Preschool where he’s made new friends, learned to do the monkey bars, is starting to read, and has picked up the habit of saying an abbreviated version of the Lord’s prayer over his snack.
Now his belief that our prayers are WAY too long have some confirmed validation.
In September we took a road trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota – a very fun and educational destination. Did you know there are crystal caves all over the Black Hills?
Poor Dane threw up all over the car as we drove through Custer State Park, attracting buffalo from miles around.
We traveled to Canada for Halloween weekend to surprise Darren’s parents on their 45th wedding anniversary. All 9 siblings, spouses and offspring (minus 3) were in attendance and the surprise was successful.
The kids favorite part was the new kittens in the hay shed. We don’t know why the kids’ forearms were covered in scratches. Could it be because they kept putting the kitties in pots with lids? Hmmm.
Dalton turned 8 in November and chose to be baptized a member of our church. He was so earnest in his desires and we enjoyed helping him prepare. Lots of family traveled to attend and it was wonderful to share the experience.
Deep down Stacie truly believed/hoped that he’d forever be more obedient and never trip his brother or say “stupid” or “fart” again. Wrong. But he is a great kid.
Darren got to take a 5-day unlimited golf trip to Palm Spring, CA, with some colleagues in November. He seriously golfed 2-3 rounds a day (that’s 18 holes per round?!). He was in heaven. This was his reward for such hard work in dental school . . .
at least that’s what Stacie kept telling herself as she slipped into the depths of insanity. That, and “I am earning one sweet girls’ trip.”
Darren and Stacie took a trip without the kids to New York City to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary. They packed it all into 4 days and made wonderful memories.
Stacie realized that she can leave her children and they’re OKAY! (thanks Grandma!) They don’t die without her. Isn’t that amazing?
Well, after this eventful 2008, we’re hoping our 2009 is full of peace and happiness. We wish the same for you and extend our love at this special time of year.
Thinking of you,
Darren, Stacie, Dalton, Dane & Davis Rennaker
It was the worst of times.
2008
This year held lots of changes for our family – primarily Darren’s anticipated graduation from USC Dental School in May! Lots of family joined us on this special day and we were all so proud of Darren.
Mostly we were just happy to stop paying tuition and finally, finally be “making” money instead of “paying” money.
We were so sad to leave all of our wonderful friends in Los Angeles (we miss you still), so we drove away in late May with our eyes full of tears and our hearts full of memories.
The tears could’ve been from the inland smog or just frustration from the downtown traffic on I-10 at the 110, it’s a toss up.
We spent a week in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in June with Stacie’s family – enjoying the scenery, white-water rafting, Yellowstone Park, horseback riding, wildlife, alpine slides, hot springs, trams, and all kinds of fun with the cousins.
The best part was seeing all the grandparents in their wetsuits. Priceless.
In July, after a month of enjoying the perks and fun of living by family in Arizona, we made the exodus to our final destination – beautiful Boulder, Colorado – where we’ve settled and Darren has bought into a dental practice. We love Colorado – the “family-land” lifestyle, the outdoor activities, the mountains, and the great weather. We’re sold.
Last week it was 13 below zero. 13 below zero. They tell me it’s abnormal, but I don’t know.
Sweet little Davis turned ONE on July 11th, and we celebrated with all our family. He’s walking and talking (“No”, “I want”, “Bye”, and “What’s that?” being the favorites)
Stacie proved what a great mom she is by putting his birthday cake right in front of him as everyone sang to him – only to have him curiously reach out and grab his flaming birthday candle. Let me tell you – it was party OVER! Call C.P.S.
Darren became a legit and licensed dentist in June and began seeing patients in July. He really enjoys finally practicing and being a partner in his own practice.
He’s had some interesting experiences – like when one patient came in wearing dentures he bought off e-bay, sold because the owner died. True story.
This fall Dane started preschool with great enthusiasm. He attends a cute little Presbyterian Preschool where he’s made new friends, learned to do the monkey bars, is starting to read, and has picked up the habit of saying an abbreviated version of the Lord’s prayer over his snack.
Now his belief that our prayers are WAY too long have some confirmed validation.
In September we took a road trip to Mount Rushmore in South Dakota – a very fun and educational destination. Did you know there are crystal caves all over the Black Hills?
Poor Dane threw up all over the car as we drove through Custer State Park, attracting buffalo from miles around.
We traveled to Canada for Halloween weekend to surprise Darren’s parents on their 45th wedding anniversary. All 9 siblings, spouses and offspring (minus 3) were in attendance and the surprise was successful.
The kids favorite part was the new kittens in the hay shed. We don’t know why the kids’ forearms were covered in scratches. Could it be because they kept putting the kitties in pots with lids? Hmmm.
Dalton turned 8 in November and chose to be baptized a member of our church. He was so earnest in his desires and we enjoyed helping him prepare. Lots of family traveled to attend and it was wonderful to share the experience.
Deep down Stacie truly believed/hoped that he’d forever be more obedient and never trip his brother or say “stupid” or “fart” again. Wrong. But he is a great kid.
Darren got to take a 5-day unlimited golf trip to Palm Spring, CA, with some colleagues in November. He seriously golfed 2-3 rounds a day (that’s 18 holes per round?!). He was in heaven. This was his reward for such hard work in dental school . . .
at least that’s what Stacie kept telling herself as she slipped into the depths of insanity. That, and “I am earning one sweet girls’ trip.”
Darren and Stacie took a trip without the kids to New York City to celebrate their 10 year wedding anniversary. They packed it all into 4 days and made wonderful memories.
Stacie realized that she can leave her children and they’re OKAY! (thanks Grandma!) They don’t die without her. Isn’t that amazing?
Well, after this eventful 2008, we’re hoping our 2009 is full of peace and happiness. We wish the same for you and extend our love at this special time of year.
Thinking of you,
Darren, Stacie, Dalton, Dane & Davis Rennaker
