best of 2008

We've been inspired by our good friends the Rials to post a "best of 2008" list.

First, we'd like to say what a year. Each year gets more interesting than the next. This year has been even more amazing to watch Carmen grow up. She's ever more a little lady who LOVES, LOVES, LOVES to sing and dance. She has such a good memory and has been singing new songs everyday. We love it. And while some days get ridiculously challenging, it's also strangely fullfilling. So the first on the "best of" list is:

Best gift (that keeps on giving):
Parenthood. Enough said. Being a parent is really the best thing that has ever happened. This will be on any "best of" list until forever. No words describe it. It's just...amazing.

Best TV Show:
Mad Men, no contest. There really isn't much TV that's better and we're really bummed that it doesn't last more than 13 puny weeks out of the year. We can't wait for July '09 when the 3rd season airs. it can't come soon enough.

Best Movie:
This is a tough one..as 1). We haven't been to too many movies this year and 2). Nothing really great has come out. But, if we had to judge a movie that truly entertained us, we would pick: Burn After Reading. Who doesn't love a Coen Brothers flick?

Best Show:
Jera: Hot Water Music. I really haven't been to many this year, but even in the context of all the shows i've been to...this one was both fun & amazing. and although I'm not the hugest Hot Water fan, it was just plain fun to be at. It was a show to show all shows how they should be.

Shay: My Bloody Valentine. Shay's been to a ton of show's this year and that one was the "most intense and mind blowing" (shay's words)

Best Day:
We actually have 2. And to no one's surprise, they both involve Carmen.

The Day Carmen started walking. It was a long time coming. The little 17 month old who could started walking July 3rd. And we couldn't have been more proud. Until...

Carmen's First Christmas Concert. She was amazing. Not even 2 and already showing everyone up. And we just know it will be the first of many shows in which she truly shines.

Best Impersonation:
Tina Fey's impersonation of the biggest debaucle of 2008. Our regards to any of her fans.

Best Carmen Phrase:
Shameless parental pride...but hey, like I said, it's but an absolute joy to watch her grow and to see what will come out of that little miss's mouth. It is nothing but pure entertainment.

Jera: "I like your boots" I think it was the first time i heard her say something where she had an actual opinion that wasn't coherst.

Shay: "I said good day". It was weeks in the making. And she truly said it loud and clear one day when she pointed to the air and belted out, "I SAID good day!"

Best Kid's CD:
Lisa Loeb's Camp Lisa
We're parents now and needless to say we have been reduced to listening to kid's music in order to keep the precious carmen happy in the car. We've listened to ridiculous crap that would make any music lover cringe. And we have recently come across a fun kid's music CD, that we like. And, it's Lisa Loeb Camp Lisa. Neither of us have been huge Lisa Loeb fans. And while Jera somewhat likes her real music, we all LOVE Camp Lisa. It's not only a life saver, but it's just plain fun to listen to.

So we leave you will our bests of 2008 and we look forward to a fabulous 2009.
Happy New Year Everyone!

Love,
The Mehrdads