One of the traditions Chris and I started when we got married was the Christmas Ornament Tradition. Each year, we add an ornament to the tree that has special meaning about the year just completed (also, it is preferred if the ornament has the year listed on it somewhere). Here's a four-year recap:

2006 - our first Christmas as a married couple

A simple purple glass ornament with 2006 inscribed in gold glitter. On the other side there is an angel, representing the angels that have been watching over our relationship since we first started dating in 1998.

2007 - a year of enjoying each other's company

This ornament is one of my favorites. It's called Toast for Two, and it perfectly summed up our year - just the two of us enjoying and loving life!

2008 - going through change together

2008 was a great year for us! We tried so many new things, met some amazing new friends, and moved to a new city. All of the change happening in our lives was exciting, and best of all, we were experiencing it together!2009 - we never give up hope 

2009 is a hard year to describe. It was a year of exciting firsts (first full year in Des Moines, first sprint triathlon, first new car purchase, etc.) but it has also been a year of challenge as we're always dreaming of where and what the new year will bring. We have a lot of decisions ahead of us, but most of all we have Hope that 2010 will continue to strengthen our marriage and bring us lots of happiness!