Happy New Year!

Around the holiday season, as the year draws to a close, it is important to look back and recognize the people and events who helped mark the year for you with significance. For Paul, Abby, and me this year has been packed with change, but all of the changes were focused on one goal - family. Being closer to our parents, so that we can be there for each other and we can raise a family where our children know their grandparents and have a lot more opportunities to know their extended family. Most of you following this blog know all about these changes, so I won't reflect on them. Instead of talking about change, I want to reflect on some year-end traditions that are so ingrained that they have not changed in decades.

At the end of each year, as a tradition for my side of the family for as long as I can remember, we have gathered with our good friends of whom we consider our extended family.

These friends of nearly 3 decades are three families - the Yehs, Hsiehs, and Wongs. Our parents have known each other since they were in their late twenties and some in grad school! Us kids grew up with one another and we are more or less each others' extended families. Each of the eldest child within the family is 30 years old (yes, I'm that old!) and the siblings range from ages 28 through 21.

Since the parents live in Colorado, the three families have a chance to gather around the holidays and this year was no exception. What made this year even more special was that all of the spouses and significant others were in town as well, so the gathering was even more festive.

This year we gathered for our usual game of Mafia - a role-playing game of "whodunit?" - and going along with traditions, also attempted the annual human pyramid. We started the pyramids when I was in middle school! Some traditions are hard to break, no matter how dorky they may seem as we get older! However, that's what makes them even more fun.

As always, our gatherings are full of laughter, non-stop chatter as we catch up with one another, and, of course, mountains of delicious food. I feel so blessed to have these wonderful friends, with whom I have shared so much over the years.

No matter the amount of change in my life, there are these friends who are a constant reminder of the love and history we all share.

Looking forward to 2010!