Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Year In Review 2018

I have neglected this blog in recent months for a whole host of reasons (largely unintentional) but have been feeling a longing to get back to my love of writing.

I periodically print and bind these entries for posterity, so I thought the best way reentry might be a catch up of sorts. As we are now two weeks into a new year, I decided to take a look back and the moments that made 2018.


February included a whirlwind trip to see Hamilton in NYC with a handful of my best friends--as a belated Christmas gift to each other. The highlight (other than the quality time) was meeting NYC firefighters up close as they responded to a late night fire in the kitchen of our hotel.

In March our family traveled to the Galapagos Islands for a fantastic adventure. We made new friends, soaked up the Internet free week truly off the grid, and delighted in the miracles of creation on full display in this pristine part of the world.

In May the triplets celebrated their 14th birthdays. Time definitely seems to be moving a warp speed these days.

In June we accepted placement of a new foster child...a 3.5 year old little princess who has added a whole lot of sparkle to our home!

Fall was marked by young Ryland's foray into being a kicker on the football team. He started out at second string and through lots of practice after practice, hard work and commitment earned the starting spot mid-season. I loved seeing these characteristics of his grow and be rewarded.

Kate excelled in cross country and in her diligence as a student. Parker was rewarded for his spelling excellence by earning a spot in the first round of the state spelling bee.

We spent our Christmas holidays in Africa. From Cape Town, South Africa to Victoria Falls (Zambia and Zimbabwe), a day trip to Botswana and the grand finale was 3 nights in the bush for safari in Sabi Sabi reserve. This trip was truly a dream. We absolutely loved the adventure.

As we move into 2019 I am blown away by the major headlines we anticipate: ending middle school, 15th birthdays, learner's permits, braces off, and likely sending our foster baby home after a year (or more) in our home...and these are just the things we *think* will likely happen--only the Lord knows what is truly to come!


2 comments:

The Amazing Trips said...

We love your family, and all of your adventures. It is amazing how quickly time is going past; and such a gift that you recognize how important it is to create these life shaping experiences. Happy (belated) 2019; all the best wishes for a healthy, happy year - full of more fun and memory making! xoxo

walnutshademom said...

I'M SO GLAD YOU'RE BACK!!! Your blog always amazes, encourages, and challenges me. Some people who have fascinating lives can't write well. Some people who are great writers have nothing to say. But it's so refreshing inspiring to "know" (via a blog) a Christian who both has wonderful things to say and writes so compellingly. = ) I have been following your saga since your kids were, oh, maybe seven or eight(?), and every time you post, I rejoice.

Patty in Walnut Shade, MO