Auld Lang Syne 2006…

As with the passing of any year - it's a good idea to look back at the events that shaped, touched and forever changed us as we get ready to take on 2007.

What a year it has been – Sophie was born on March 23rd , the rest of the year is a sleep deprived blur, but seriously 2006 was a great year- Here are some of the big moments that that come to mind when I think of 2006.

First and foremost Sophie came into and filled up our lives – she’s a wonderful little munchkin, and has turned us from a couple into a family. Thanks Sophs.

Next highlight that came to my mind is The Loyalists, we started last winter at the Dundee dome in Moncton, took our show on the road to Boston, Edmonton, St. John’s and Kentville – along the way playing 24 games, losing 4, winning 20 – we won our 8th Provincial Title in 9 years, our third straight Caledonia Cup (Maritime Championship) and our 5th Atlantic Championship in 6 years (We won Back to Back Games on the rock to do it this time) – we also placed 9th at the National Club Championship, losing close games to teams from BC and Alberta, and defeating the Champions of Ontario and Manitoba. We gained some Loyalists over the year – Cameron Hickey, Ava Slipp, Sophie MacAfee and Ethan McIntyre – and we lost recently one of the greats– William Wellington Thorpe who was laid to rest on Dec 28th in front of a packed house at Christ Church Cathedral – the sheer number of rugby personalities that were dressed to the nines was a great tribute to Bill’s legacy – he always said that Rugby was a Hooligan's Game played by Gentlemen, and on Thursday the rugby community definately lived up to such a gracious billing.

Simon bought a house - He's a Devonite and Proud of It.

Jamie Flynn Got Married, Randy Flynn had a Son, as did Brian and Tracy Donahue and Jen (Flynn) Manuel had a Daughter.

Big Jim had a stroke and is currently going through rehab – he’s a genuine tough guy and definitely on the mend. He’ll need all his energy to keep up with Molly and Emma.

The Conservatives won the Federal Election, and just so we New Brunswickers could stay at odds with the reigning federal leadership - the liberals won the Provincial Election. Good work Shawn.

The Oilers made it to the Stanley Cup Finals, and we were right there in the middle of that Oil Rush, but they eventually lost to the Carolina Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup, The Miami Heat won the NBA Finals, St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series and Pittsburgh won the Super Bowl, Italy won the FIFA Soccer World Cup and New Zealand Women won the Women’s Rugby World Cup. Tiger Woods also had a decent year.

Every year is filled with bad days - they are there to let you know when you're having a good day - I touched on the good ones already- here are some of the bad ones from 2006: Simon's Uncle Dick passed away, so did Brian Robichaud and Dave MacDonald- like I said before, heaven must have been in need of some great guys.

So as we get set to celebrate the passing of 2006 - I hope you all had a good year filled with more ups than downs and go to sleep tonight confident in the knowledge that 2007 is going be a great year - Happy New Year...