Wrapping up 2016.

I've spent some time reflecting on the year we are about to close. We, as a family have come so far. We started the year with a newborn and two very small kids, and a massive construction project. There is no way I could repeat those days with the grace I had the first time around. I vividly remember potty training Greta with our mason crew installing our fireplace, our painter, and our contractor's crew literally in the next room. Talk about pressure.

A significant memory I have is of my dad's health scare. The fear and concern we as a family experienced during those long ten days in March were so real. We had my parents over for dinner (and to very casually celebrate their 49th(!!) wedding anniversary) last evening before they hit the road to California for the remainder of the winter. It was a gathering I will cherish. My dad plays such a pivotal role in my life, I am just so accustomed to his presence. I am grateful for an awesome mom who keeps us all together and for my siblings for rallying when my parents' needed us most.

I love my growing family. And by growing, I mean that my kids are growing up happy and as healthy as can be. Although we have not (and prolly will never) rule out a fourth child, we are so content. Piper growing up a bit means my world has opened up a smidgen. She is set to start at Miss Jaspers' in the new year which means I might get one morning a week to myself (gasp). Sully is 4.5 and is really acting it. He is my helper with Piper, always looking out for her safety and alerting me when needed, and Greta is a fun, silly and independent 3 year old (which is trying at times ;)). The first year fog has lifted and I have even gained enough confidence to take all three out to do fun things around town, sweet relief.

My friends are better than ever. As I age, I am so grateful for those I have had from the beginning to the ones who have recently come in to my life. They fulfill me in many different ways. They have formed the person I am today, someone I am proud of and truly love. I have to give a mini shout out to my best friend of all, Maggie. She has helped me see the light this last year with chaotic toddler life. She shows up exactly when I need her, taking over and giving me the break I need (even if its just long enough to get a shower in), for that I will always be grateful.

Finally...Dave. He is patient, kind, tolerant, forgiving, supportive, helpful and all other things required to keep my boat afloat. I know he knows his presence is vital in my life but he will never really know. Life is busy and wild and isn't always fun, but he gives me what I need to keep on keeping on. He is the best dad, in fact, when he is around, he is who the kids want, which I love. I love his dedication and his optimistic outlook on what lies ahead. I am so thankful life worked out as it did for me, and I have his determination and love to thank.

Cheers to all of the fun that lies ahead in 2017.

Butterfly house fun.

New Year's Eve 'special' pancakes.
(Homemade rather than store bought ;)).

Ready for a New Year's Eve movie date with
Matt and Cassandra.

Reading a quick book while waiting for Matt.

Ringing in the new year with clean kids.