Highlights from 2013

JANUARY

 Benjamin learned how too ride a two wheeler for the first time! It was evident that we needed to upgrade to something a little bigger.

FEBRUARY

 

 Paul started a new hobby with a new guitar.

 

 And I worked on one of my hobbies, finishing up a commissioned painting.

 MARCH

 Lydia Jane was born! My Mom came to stay with us, making the transition to four kids much easier!

APRIL

 Mostly we adjusted as a family. The boys joined Paul for "Take your Kids to Work Day."

MAY

Peter finished his last day of Montessori preschool, when the school was finally closed for good. It was a sad day for all of us!

Benjamin finished first grade.

JUNE

 

 Paul's parents came out for Lydia's blessing, and got to participate in all the excitement of a tornado.

 The kids finished swimming lessons- for Nora, it was her first time!

 JULY

 We took a trip out to Utah...

...and had lots of great times with both our families.

AUGUST

 We gathered all of my siblings minus one in Yellowstone for a reunion.

 

And Benjamin started second grade.

 SEPTEMBER

 Peter and Nora started at a new preschool.

 And Peter learned how to ride the two-wheeler.

 We took another trip with some of Paul's family- this time to Nauvoo.

OCTOBER

Not feeling content with our new preschool, we pulled out and started our own preschool - at home.

 I turned 30. Nora smashed her finger that day and threw a party at the emergency room.

 NOVEMBER

 We drove out to Viriginia to visit two of Paul's brothers...

 

 ...and to celebrate Thanksgiving with some of my family.

DECEMBER

 

 My tiny baby got huge and learned how to pull herself up in her crib. Nights have never been the same since...

Winter came a little earlier than usual, and the kids made their first real snowman all on their own. 

It has been a truly blessed year. It is amazing to look back and see how much the kids have grown, how many miles we've traveled, and how many good memories we've made. I sure love this life and the people I get to share it with!