thank you 2013.

2013
you came, you went
zipping by with the blink of an eye.
yet we are left with memories that we will cherish for a lifetime.
moments we shared, words we whispered, sights we absorbed.
you may have been the best yet 2013,
but i seem to say that with every year that passes.

it was an honor to attend and help serve with Jon and Chef Carl at the Taste of the NFL
we attended the Super Bowl and were amazed by the experience
we soaked in every moment in New Orleans, especially the good food.

the boys continued to work on their skiing skills
and finally made it down the hills with mom and dad
i look forward to our yearly ski trip and the day Jess joins us
(hopefully 2014)

we tried out the swim team and fell in love with a new sport
i watched Joshua struggle to swim the length of the pool
but by the end summer he was swimming in races and finishing with a smile.
i watched jonas take on this adventure with full force
collecting several ribbons along the way.
i also watched jonas try out for a new soccer team and not make the cut.
my heart was broken, but quickly lifted when i saw his dedication.
he practiced all year with the junior academy and hopes to make the U10 team this spring.
i couldn't be prouder of him.

we saw our boys blossom and embrace school.
a kindergartner and a new reader
a second grader with outstanding grades across the board.
a passion for math, like his father.

we introduced the piano to joshua and his musical ear quickly fell in place
he still enjoys the guitar and singing and is eager to start the violin.

jessica, my jessica.
your toddler days are almost behind you.
you move with grace as you dance in circles
i smile silently when you sing to yourself.
you love painting, horses, animals and music.
this year i have watched you develop in character and personality.

every day this year i have watched my husband dedicate his all to our family
i have watched him work endless hours
(the restaurant industry is no easy field)
we will always walk by his side, we will always support each other
and we will always be a strong core, our little family of five.

i found personal growth within myself
i worked on using my words and photographs to capture our moments,
to document them forever.
i accepted the position of Copy Editor for Babiekins Magazine and am thrilled to be a part of such an amazing team.

it was a year for traveling.
New Orleans, New York (for skiing), Chicago, Seattle
our trip out west to Friday Harbor goes down as one of the best vacations
to see the whales in their natural environment took my breath away
to experience the flight of several bald eagles above our heads was a sight I may never see again.
dinner on South Beach will never, ever leave my mind.
fresh salmon, good friends, music, ocean air and salty breezes.

Jon and I got away for musical adventures
Chicago for one night of Phish
Reading, PA for one night of Phish
Philadelphia for a visit with dear friends
and three nights of Phish over Halloween in Atlantic City.
I am thankful for family who continue to help us and who understand our passion for music.

You were good to us 2013.
I walk away with a happy heart and a mind full of wonderful memories.
As I watch my children grow and blossom, I can only hope that the next year will be as generous.
I am forever grateful for my little family and what Jon and I have created.
Thank you 2013.
Here's to another year of opportunities on the horizon.

We are ready to embrace the next year and all she offers.

Happy New Year friends!
May you welcome the new year with a smiling soul and a happy heart.
Cheers

Here are a few of my favorite posts from this past year:
Windy day smiles with Jessica, our New Orleans trip (one, two, three and four)playing in the park with these two, celebrating Easter at our house, welcoming summer with a cupcake, discovering new treasures, attending the Merry Edwards wine tasting (it was an an honor to meet such an amazing woman) celebrating Joshua's birthday, capturing moments from swim team, San Juan Islands (one, two and three) adventures in our town, working with film, labor day weekend trick or treating and, lastly,Jon's birthday.