2010 had to be the best year of my life. This year will be one that I will always remember. It was full of new beginnings and sad endings, much laughter and joy... and more tears than I care for. I wouldn't trade it for the world though. I have learned over time that with the good and the bad in life, there is joy in every moment. It's just up to you to recognize it.
The moments captured below are some of my fondest memories from 2010.
Here's to an amazing 2011. May this year be the best year yet.
In loving memory of
Kenneth Charles Bedell
April 2, 1917 - September 25, 2010
Grandpa, I think of you everyday and miss you with all of my heart. Thank you for watching over me from the heavens above.
My fireman tillering DCFD's Truck 16.
The Blizzard of 2010 brought 40 inches of snow to Washington, D.C.
And a 30th birthday (hooray for Melissa!) took me and my best friends to Las Vegas!!
{Photography by James Woo Photography}
March 1, 2010, my best friend proposed to me. I was finally engaged to the man of my dreams.
In late March, my mom flew out from California to help me find my wedding dress, plan for the wedding and with the help of my great friends, threw me a surprise bridal shower.
My nephews, Brady and Charlie visit Curtis at Kentland 33.
Curtis is awarded the Bronze Medal of Valor for saving the life of a fellow fireman. That evening, he ran another fire with a report of trapped occupants and again made multiple rescues.
Four months were spent planning our wedding. Curtis and I did a majority of the design, building, and preparation on our own. So much hard work went into everything, but in the end, our sweat and tears paid off in a big way.
My bachelorette party was such a wonderful night. I am blessed to have such amazing friends. I love you all!!
The 4th of July was spent watching our nation's fireworks display at the Iwo Jima Memorial.
July 10th ... Our WEDDING DAY!!
{Photography by James Woo Photography}
Married...at last.
{Photography by James Woo Photography}
Our wedding reception brought forth my idea for a Sweets Table, later inspiring my very own blog, Sweet On. 2011 will be full of new designs ... I can't wait to share them with you.
After our wedding, we went on a "mini-moon". Curtis surprised me with a long weekend stay an amazing bed and breakfast in Williamsburg, VA: A Williamsburg White House Inn. I highly recommend this B&B to anyone looking for a weekend getaway.
While we were away on our "mini-moon", Brady not yet 5, competed in his first swim meet. I am so proud of him. And watch out folks, the Begin/Tucker aquatic genes are here to dominate.
In August, my sister-in-law, Brittany (15) was invited to compete in Virginia's National American Miss pageant. She did a fantastic job, certainly better than I could have done at that age. She is destined for great things...I'm so excited for her.
The weekend of September 25th brought the greatest weekend and one of the worst phone calls of my life. Curtis surprised me (he is full of surprises!) and took me to Cedar Point, the number one rated amusement park on the plant. (It also meant I got to have breakfast in a weirdly lit breakfast joint decorated in spider webs and bats. Totally odd yet still amazing.) At the end of the weekend I received a phone call from my Mom letting me know that my Grandpa had passed away. It made for a bittersweet memory.
In October, Curtis and I traveled to Ocho Rios, Jamaica for our honeymoon. What an amazing week. My advice for all of you soon-to-be brides, postpone your honeymoon until a few weeks or months after your wedding. I know, it sounds crazy, but I promise you will be much more relaxed and able to truly enjoy your honeymoon versus departing the day after your wedding when you are exhausted and delirious. It was the best decision we could have made.
In November the entire family traveled to Carmel, CA to remember and celebrate my Grandfather's life. I am so thankful we could all be together to support my Mom during this difficult time and comfort my Grandmother. Times like this prove that without family, you have nothing.
December brought new traditions, lots of baking, decorating and a decent fire or two.
Thank you to my family and friends for your constant love and support.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Be Sweet.
-Kristy
