2018 in a nutshell

How is it possible that another year has come and gone?  Life is definitely busy and full, but God has been speaking to my heart and telling me to slow down and be present in the day to day activities that can often feel so hard and tiresome.  A new year gives us space to imagine, dream, and hope.  My hope for 2019 is that I live a life that makes my Heavenly Father look down and smile.  I pray my relationship with Him grows deeper, my love for my husband mirrors the love Jesus shows, my time with my children is intentional and bold, and my relationships point others back to Jesus.

Here's a look at 2018-

January

 The boys had the chance to meet Deshaun Watson at the Sugar Bowl

 Cheering on the Tigers!

 A rare snow day in the South!  When you rarely see snow, waking up to a white yard brings pure joy and you use anything you can find to make a sled.

 Not a fan of haircuts

 or naps in his bed

but loving the joys a simple box can bring!

February

 Father/Daughter Dance with friends

 Valentine crafts from Nana

more fun with boxes

March

 St. Patrick's Day

Leprechaun traps

 Well, we didn't catch the leprechaun in our trap, but a treasure hunt was left.

 Celebrating our newest 20 year old

 Fun at bible study

April

 Easter Egg hunting

 Park playdates with friends

 Celebrating our sweet 2 year old

May

 Last days of school

 These teachers have loved our kids so well this year

 On the road for our annual trip to Pittsburgh to see our family

This is what we think about the 12 hour car ride!

 Sweet cousins

 Incline ride to Mt. Washington

 The Pittsburgh skyline from the top of Mt. Washington

 Another illustration that the simple things bring the most joy!

Splashing in the puddles made by this fountain on a hot summer day.

Our Pittsburgh Family

June

 A day of fun on the lake with friends

Lake Hartwell

 A weekend away to see our Florida family

 Nothing beats the beach

 Our first time at the shoals.....

we will definitely be back!

July

 Summer selfies

 Fourth of July

 More lake fun

Lake Kiwi

August

 Celebrating our 19 year old

 Celebrating our 10 year old

September

 Happy 15th

 Full of life

Full of personality

Completed our family!

 Celebrating mom with a donut theme party

October

 Our selfie queen

November

 Fun Getaway to Texas with my love

 San Antonio River Walk

Thanksgiving with our family

 

December

On December 1st, our elves come back.  This year Carl and Charlotte brought their pet reindeer along.  Not surprisingly, his name is Dabo.  We're so excited to have them back for the month of December.

 December was actually very warm.  We had several nice days to work in the yard and visit the park.

 

The last week of school, the kids had a fun night at school.  They played games, made Christmas crafts, rode the Polar Express, had hot chocolate and popcorn, and visited with Santa.

Our Christmas Eve tradition- new Christmas jammies for everyone including the dolls.

 Christmas morning 2018

 

The boys left on the 27th for Dallas to see their beloved college teams play each other in the Cotton Bowl.  It was a great day for 2 and a hard day for 1, but they enjoyed the experience and got to see Jerry's World.  Our family just happens to love the Dallas Cowboys as well.

Happy 8th birthday to our almost New Year's baby.

 New Year's Eve 2018

Trying so hard to make it till midnight.  He needed a quick nap, but managed to see the ball drop for the first time ever.

2018 was full year.  We are thankful for the many blessings God has showed our family.  We are thankful for the blessing of family and friends who love us well and are looking forward to 2019.