As I have done in prior years, I started with some of my favorite pictures from the year - but this time, I really wanted my pictures to tell a story. Some of my favorite pictures did not make the cut, and I had to go to some of my less-favorite pictures to get the story. But... This is my tribute to 2016 in pictures (and- as a break from my usual blog - a few words as well!)
We welcomed a new pet to the family.
Tripp "The Tank" is a rescue dog from the SPCA, who LOVES people and dogs. He's not so bad walking on leash (for 85 pounds!), and can have playdates with other pups (his favorite is a neighbor dog, Vader!). He might chew (a lot! everything in the house!) - but he is adorable, and lovable. He's a perfect addition to our family, and we enjoyed teaching him "the ropes" of our house over the year!
We stayed active.
Mark - in Kindergarten - ran his first 5K with me, which was sponsored by Morrisville elementary school!
We also ran a couple "mile" races as a family - including the LL Bean race on the 4th of July in Freeport, Maine!
The kids got involved in various sports, including Soccer! Mark was #11 on his first soccer team through i9 sports. Laura mostly did Soccer through "Soccer shots" at preschool.
Laura did a "Little Gym" class including a "showtime!" Mark also took a few gymnastics classes here.
Laura also took her very first Volleyball class!
Both kids became more confident with water - jumping in, and even swimming (some!). Mark was excited to earn his "yellow" band through the YMCA pool, which allows him to use the water slide!
We traveled.
This year's trips included skiing in February at Wintergreen Resort, hiking and exploring Maine (including Acadia National Park), a couple camping adventures, Jamestown and Colonial Williamsburg, a couple trips to Texas (including the Bolivar Penninsula/Beach!), Kansas, and several other adventures along the way!
We learned!
We went roller skating, and Mark mastered the "monkey bars" at the playground. Also pictured is one of Laura's first Kindergarten Prep "homework" lessons of cooking something in the kitchen together!
We created!
Boxes and duct tape remain some of our favorites... Other crafts included lots of painting and other kid directed activities, including making the neighborhood boys all the Knights of Arlington Ridge one Saturday morning! Pictured below are the duct tape giraffe, and the Easter bunnies that we added to our collection. Other memories include lots of airplanes, many swords, painting nutcrackers and pottery, and more!
Kayaking, walking with the neighbor and/or dogs, the occasional bike ride, and parties with friends!
Laura got to ride a horse for the first time.
We all got our own library cards! Mark also started occasionally asking for me to take his picture, including this one!
And of course... The kids are lovin' life, and I'm lovin' taking their pictures - and being their Mom!
So... Happy New Year! May a fresh start bring new beginnings, joy, happiness, peace, and love to you and your family!
