Happy New Year!

 Each year seems to get faster and busier, but 2010 takes the cake! However, it was undoubtedly an unforgettable year with lots to be grateful for. To briefly review, Bill successfully and safely completed his 5th deployment aboard the Mesa Verde as part of the 24th MEU. He was gone from January to August assisting with Haiti Relief Efforts and Training Exercises in Jordan, Kuwait, & Djibouti. He was also able to enjoy some port stops along the way in Greece, Croatia, Dubai, and Spain.

Once Bill returned to the United States, it became a whirlwind as we spent a great amount of time traveling and getting ready for our move to Arizona. For instance, in September we were able to spend some time in Pawley's Island, SC and also made it up to the Finger Lakes Region to visit my family and participate in a Family Wine Tour:) 

In October, we headed down to Savannah, GA where Bill proposed in front of the Forsyth Fountain on 10/10/2010 (I said yes of course!).  Savannah was gorgeous and we are most definitely looking forward to returning some day! We were also able to make a trip to Richmond, Kentucky with some friends to attend Eastern Kentucky's Homecoming Football Game (Bill's Alma Mater).  EKU won!!

In November, we enjoyed driving up to New York in order to spend the Thanksgiving Holiday with my family. On the way, we were able to make stops at Monticello and Gettysburg to get a quick history lesson while breaking up the 15 hour drive. During our time in New York my family put on a festive Southwestern themed engagement party, which allowed us to catch up and celebrate our engagement with several friends and family. We also made it over to Canada to view Niagara Falls!

In December, we tied the knot at the New Hanover County Justice of the Peace on 12/10/2010. However, we are still planning on a destination family wedding sometime in 2011...details to follow! 9 days later we said goodbye to Wilmington and some GREAT friends then got on the road headed for Arizona....Fortunately, we were able to stop in Tyler, Texas to spend Christmas with Bill's Family and celebrate our marriage with some champange and cake!    

We have since completed our cross country road trip and arrived in Yuma, Arizona just two days ago. We are happy to FINALLY be here!! As 2010 winds down, we are in the process of settling in and looking forward to a relaxing and low key New Year's Eve. However, we are hopeful that 2011 will be as great as 2010 was! We are very optimistic of our time here in Yuma, Az and look forward to the next 3 years as we develop professionally, build new friendships, and explore the West Coast.

We wish you all a very Happy New Year with Best Wishes for 2011!!