A Year in Review 2009

I know that Darlynn is the usual keeper of the blog, but I thought for the holidays I'd provide this update and "year in review".

2009 started off great with a trip to Orlando.  Greg did all the driving and we made it from Philly to Florida in under 16 hours.  We had a great time on what will be our last "family" vacation for a while seeing Disney, Universal and Sea World.

February saw Bob make a job change to Marriott leaving Best Buy as soon as the 52" Flat Panel TV he won for being an awesome salesman was delivered.  He took his talents to the Front Desk at the Towne Place Suites in Willow Grove and was so much happier.

In March the girls both performed at halftime at a 76ers game and at month end I left Idearc Media, however unlike Bob I am still unemployed.  Greg continues to work at both Sunoco and delivering papers to keep the family afloat, and hopefully in 2010 I will find something too.

April was host to the 2nd annual Simply Darlynn Dance recital with the theme "Christmas Everyday". The show went well and the kids were fantastic.  This program has been so beneficial to so many and we are really blessed because of Darlynn's talents.  We have started again and her group of students has really grown and this year's recital promises to be just "Magical".

In May Katelynn turned 9 and celebrated with a "Make-your-own Pizza" party at Uno's and then a mall shopping trip.  It was quite a day as she is really growing into quite a young woman.

Soon Darlynn completed 10th grade and Katelynn finished 3rd, both with all A's.  The girls danced a beautiful duet, along with all their other many dances in another fantastic Motion n Dance Recital.  This recital also was a success for me as I completed my first year teaching Musical Theater and both my classes gave wonderful performances.  

July started with Darlynn traveling to New York for the Hill Cumorah Pageant, and the girls dancing in Wildwood and ended with Darlynn turning 16.  She celebrated by taking flying lessons and her Aunt Penny throwing her a huge 'Sweet 16" at her home in Bensalem.  Even the DJ commented that it was bigger then some weddings he had worked at.  Darlynn spent most of her time changing like a host of the Academy Awards with a new special custom made outfit for each activity change.  And from the glow in the dark margarita glasses to the sparkler filled singing of "Happy Birthday" the Stars were really out that night.

In September Bob turned 19 and submitted his mission papers. Darlynn started school and was placed on a fast track doing both 11th and 12 grade work so she could graduate a year early in June of 2010.  I returned to teaching Seminary, this year the topic of study is the Book of Mormon. I also must have done okay at the studio because I am also teaching Musical Theater again, this time with 3 classes.

The next few weeks went quickly as we shopped and prepared for Bob's departure.  He entered the MTC on November 18th to begin serving in the Utah- Salt Lake City South Mission.  We are so very proud of him, but can't wait until 11/11 when he can return home to us again.

Now we are at the holiday season with it's hustle and bustle and are working to enjoy a busy 2010 with Darlynn's graduation, dance performances aplenty and all the adventures Bob will be having.  So you'll want to keep in touch.  

We hope everyone has a wonderful, healthy and successful 2010.  Happy Holidays. Patty.