As I look back on our family web site and what started as a way to keep Nick in touch while he was at grad school, I see what’s turned into a nice family journal over the past few years. Our guests have now reached far beyond the original intended audience…most likely due to the cute baby pictures rather than our lives being so exciting.

End of year is always cause for reflection. This year we’ve certainly had events to look back on. But before we get to that, I’m long overdue for some looking forward. I’ve sent out word, but here’s the formal posting: Elyse and Tim are pregnant! Baby Katz is due May 17, 2010. We find out if grandchild #2 is a boy or girl on Dec 22nd. Our vote is for a healthy baby!

So if I look back on this past year, it would definitely be defined by becoming grandparents for the first time. If you look anywhere on the site you’ll see it covered in Hayden’s name. Although Nick and Ashley moved back to Macomb, IL this past June, we’ve been video conferencing quite a bit. It’s a great joy to see Hayden’s face light up when he sees those funny looking people on the computer. And of course our faces light up when we see him “dancing” around to Lady Gaga. They’ll be here the day after Christmas. I can’t wait to give him tummy raspberries in person!

While the economy took a turn for the worst in 2009, we’ve been lucky enough to keep working. The restaurant is slower and I took a cut in pay and in hours. Going down to 30 hours has been a blessing in disguise though. It allowed me to train for the 39 mile Avon Walk that took place this past Sept. Many Friday’s I spent with Danny, walking 7 miles. Danny had never done this amount of walking before and he found out he actually enjoyed the “walk therapy”. After getting over his griping about hurting, he found out the end result was pants that were too big for him. While the Avon Walk is in doubt for next year since it’s moving to Santa Barbara, some sort of walk/run is in the works so that we’ll continue to be motivated to train. After all, Danny turns 60 next year and he wants to prove he’s not just an old grump.

In keeping with the “we’re really not old” theme, we went out bought a 2006 Corvette. How appropriate that it’s bright yellow, since this is Danny’s favorite color. Andrew and Kathleen turned us onto their Corvette Club, PCC and the rest is history. Again, this site is full of PCC news, although I haven’t put in our last trip to Temecula or the upcoming Christmas party yet. By end of January, I’ll be turning in my leased BMW and that yellow Corvette will be seen on the 241 toll road 3 times a week. I hope the Highway Patrol will be looking the other way.

This past Sept. Luke and Lani started their senior year of high school. Both are doing good. Lani is heavy into drama and has a great set of friends because of it. Luke made the varsity soccer team. He is also already been accepted to ASU for next year. We’re waiting to hear back from the other schools that both have applied to. Keep your fingers crossed.

So life keeps moving on. Nick and Ashley celebrated 2 years of marriage this year, while Tim and Elyse celebrated one year. One grandchild this year and one next. Next year is another Circle K Cruise Year. The destination will be Alaska. I guess it’s all about the kids, grandkids and the travel. If this is growing old, I like it.