The Best of 2010

As we look back at 2010 we feel very fortunate for our happiness, friends, families and are thankful for all the wonderful memories.We can't wait to see what 2011 has in store for us.

This year was full of exciting travel with vacations getaways to South Africa, Zambia and Rapid City, SD. We also did a fair amount of driving between southern Washington and Portland for dog training and shows.

We had lots of highlights for the year such as having Odin in his first hunt tests towards his senior hunter title, being in his first dog show and winning Best of Winners in multiple shows, getting a second Brittany- Loki, buying a new house, selling our old house and best of all going to South Africa for the World Cup. But, undeniably a low point of our year was watching certain family relationships worsen rather than get better.

There were a couple of additions this year for our friends and family. The birth of Emily for the Gran's, Robin for the Shimkus's, Evan for the Purdy's and a baby coming in 2011 for the Wass's. We also celebrated the marriage of the Staneff's in September.

And, we celebrated a big marriage milestone with our 8 year anniversary in July which marked the 11th year we've been together!

We look forward to a great 2011. Happy New Year!!

Merry Christmas!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and happy holiday season! May it bring you many fun times with family and friends. 

Love, The Campbell's (Ben, Jacqui, Odin and Loki)

The Big 3-0!

It is hard to believe I am now 30.

I must admit, my 20s were pretty exciting -- graduating college, my first job, getting engaged, getting married, buying/selling 2 houses, Odin and Loki -- I can only imagine what exciting events and milestones the next decade of my life will bring.

As I head into my 30s, I feel truly blessed. An awesome hubby, a loving family, and a group of thoughtful (and always entertaining) friends. Thanks for making my birthday so special!

Let the Celebrations Begin!

Friday night Ben and I headed out to the first of my turning the Big 3-0 celebrations by going to Teatro ZinZanni in Seattle. We were lucky and secured a seat right next to the stage which meant we were close to everything and at times involved in the mayhem that evening. This was our first time to the Teatro ZinZanni so we were in for a treat as it is a 3.5 hour performance which includes acrobatic (similar to Cirque events) and comedy performances and a complete 5 course meal which is served throughout the show.  This was a great start to the birthday festivities and I am looking forward to the party on Saturday with our friends and family as a way to round of this birthday.

Getting into the Christmas Spirit

We are slowly getting into the Christmas spirit this year and decorating the house for the holidays. It has been a little overwhelming getting our new home ready for not only our first Christmas here but also before we debut it to our friends, family and some co-workers next weekend for our housewarming/holiday/Jacqui's turning the big 3-0 party but we are finally on our way.

Fill In the Blank Friday

1. Holiday spirit makes me happy and seems to make the world a little better and a little happier.

2. The holidays are incomplete without family, Christmas trees, snowman, twinkle lights and a fireplace.

3. My favorite things to do around the holidays is baking cookies and other yummy treats and hosting holiday parties.

4. A holiday tradition my family and I have is trying to get everyone together to celebrate the holidays.

5. Holiday music is not my favorite. I listen to it when it is on but I do not have favorite songs that I must hear during the season.

6. This year, I'll be spending the holidays at my house with my family on Christmas eve and on Christmas day. We will also see my husband's grandma in the afternoon on Christmas day. We will try to see my in-laws if it works into he plans.

7. Holiday wish list laptop, decorative shelves for the new house, new cookie sheets and maybe a new smartphone.