Here we are, the end of 2016. Shantel and I thought we would tag team our year end post.
On New Year's Eve we asked the kids (and each other) what our favorite memories were from 2016 and thought it would be great to just run back through a couple of 2016 highlights. In all honesty, we are not exactly so sad to see 2016 go. It was a good year, but definitely had its challenges.
Shantel: This is so true. We love our life as a little family, but I think you can love the stage your family is at while recognizing that there are other things in life that are a little rocky. 2016 was pretty good to us, but we're glad to be saying goodbye.
At times this year our calendar may have got out of control. Usually October is our busiest month with a lot going on in November and December as well. This year, those were pretty typical, but August definitely took the cake with so much going on.
Shantel: The calendar doesn't even come close to showing how many things were going on. I feel like we had something every night of the entire month. All good things, but it was a lot.
However, looking back at our favorite memories is a good reminder of how much we loved so many things this year. Even in that crazy August, how great is this picture of Austin (and Andi Middleton) from our awesome Peaden/Middleton camping trip this year.
David: I'll start with me, my favorite memory, without a doubt, was our vacation to the Oregon Coast. Camping, playing on the beach, driving in the car and seeing so many fun things. It was the best summer vacation since Houston and it was such an incredible trip. Here are just a few of the fun photos.
(Shantel: David was the one who started this post, so he gets first dibs on his favorite thing from the year - but let's be honest, when we talked about favorite things on New Years Eve with the kids - all we could talk about was how much we loved this vacation!)
Shantel: Obviously, our biggest (and favorite) event from the year was our vacation. But there were so many other little things that I loved throughout the year. My favorite moments were the times that we were able to escape the demands of life and just be together as a little family. Going to the park together, making a day-trip to the Scandinavian Festival, staying home in our pajamas all day while David chased the kids around the house and played "tacos" with them. The moments when David and I turned and looked at each other and said "Wow, this is just about perfect right now." We started out the year with Austin still not sleeping through the night, but I feel like this year we've grown so much as a family and we're truly in such a wonderful little stage right now. Regardless of all the other noise that 2016 has thrown our way, I've loved the sweet moments I've been able to have with my family.
It is really true, our kids at at such a perfect age for us to really enjoy this "family of four" stage. Now, onto the kids. Lydia said that her favorite thing was the pool! Lydia loved her swimming lessons and loved even more the frequent trips to the neighborhood pool. She is lucky to have a mom who is so willing to take her to the pool so much. She become a good little swimmer and is learning so fast. That is definitely the thing she loved the very most.
Shantel: This is really just lucky for me, because I love the water! I'm so glad Lydia does, too.
Shantel: This is really just lucky for me, because I love the water! I'm so glad Lydia does, too.
I'm filling in proxy for Austin since he did not specifically mention his favorite thing, but I'm certain he would say playing with Lydia. This year is really when they have started playing together all day long. He loves building with her, running with her and laughing with her. I feel like this is a great shot of them together. They are great siblings and so good to each other.
Shantel: I concur. :)
We are love our little family, goodbye 2016, and thanks for the memories.
