So, I didn't do a Christmas letter of what's been going on in our lives this year, but I thought I would do a quick post about the whole year! It has been full of happiness, and pain...busy, crazy, wonderful, and sad all at the same time.
My Brody has been playing hockey, and he loves it. In fact, before the season started this year he was on the count down, "How many more days, Mom?"
He's in Novice and it is so amazing to see him progress since last year. From a kid who was scared and couldn't skate hardly at all...to a kid who I've seen pushing his way into the corner to get the puck, and has scored 6 goals so far. It has been so much fun watching him!
We had soo much fun this summer when Jess, Ryan and Eric came to visit. I loved every minute and would have gladly kept them all summer! It was a surprise for the kids, and Brody had a great big smile, but again, like no time had past, they were off doing what kids do and having a ball!
I got to have one of my California sisters for a week, and it was so much fun. It was a busy weekend with softball and such, but the kids tired each other out, we had beautiful weather, and I got to show them where we grew up and the beauty of our little town.
We didn't have much time to vacation this summer, but we made a little trip to Calgary to see Jamie and Jody and took the boys to the dinosaur museum.
We had a new little cousin, and a GIRL!! Kelsey had little Harper, and the kids are sure excited. She is still so small and tiny and it is just so fun to have another little girl around all these crazy boys...
We did get one vaca this summer, and we went over to Spokane and to Silverwood park. We enjoyed the area soo much last year when we had to return our moving truck, we decided to go back. It is really pretty, and the theme park was supposed to be lots of fun, so we thought we would try it out...
The 'Drop' ride was a little much for Gracie...she kept her eyes squeezed shut till the drop, then she said "The wind just made them open! I couldn't help it!" And she looked a little green after, but I am proud of her for trying!
The park was ok, lots of kiddie rides and shows. The kids had alot of fun!
We had our annual Henry reunion, with lots of fun and laughter like always.
Look at those Great Grandkids all lined up for the pinata!
I am so glad we were able to have it, especially knowing now that it was Gramma's last year. She so enjoyed riding around on her scooter, talking and laughing with the kids. Her and grampa loved to have everyone around for that loud and crazy weekend!
It was the 100th Year Anniversary for my tiny hometown of Del Bonita. It was a really fun weekend. We got to see people we haven't seen for years, enjoy company of family and friends, and play a little softball and enjoy the fireworks. It felt like it did when we were younger, when there were lots of people in Del Bonita and we had the Del Bonita Days on the last day of school...
brought back alot of wonderful childhood memories...
The kids all played ball this year as well. Cooper played T-ball, which was kind of a crazy time, but by the end, he was learning a little.
Gracie and Brody played coach-pitch, and they were quite excited that their Dad was the coach. So was their Mom...until Dad's schedule dictated that he was not there 3/4's of the time and she ended up having to help!!
Gracie took clogging and had the opportunity to go to competitions which was quite the blast from the past for myself! It was fun being on the parent side of it, not having to stress about too much, and getting to enjoy each song and dance and step away when she was done.
And this year, we have 3 in school! Cooper started pre-school, which is held right in the school where the kids go. So, he gets to walk to school with the kids and he thinks he's pretty big! I am a little sad, but glad, because I get 2 1/2 hours to myself! But at the same time...I have time to myself, there are no kids...and my baby doesn't need me as much!
It has been a crazy year...but a good one for myself and Dustin as well. Dustin is still working in the ER in Lethbridge, and now has a permanent job, where the hours are not quite as long. We (especially Mom) enjoy it as he is home more in the evenings and weekends, and he gets to have the chance to coach Brody's hockey team as well. I'll take a slight pay cut anyday to have my man home to be husband and father to the family!!
I am still enjoying Young Women's, being a Mom, and trying to keep my sanity while running our families busy schedule! Its a crazy, wonderful, mixed up life... but I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!
Merry Christmas one and all! And I'll try and keep a better record of the next year, so I don't have to cram it all into one post at the end!
