As I sit thinking back over this past year and what we’ve done, what we’ve accomplished, and who we’ve become all I can think is that we are so blessed. We are blessed with happy and healthy children, blessed with loving family, and blessed with the laughter and support of good friends. We are blessed to the brim and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
We wake each morning with the possibility of a better day then the previous not because we need a better day but simply for the joy and hope of experiencing something new and exciting. With it brings that sparkle in the kids eyes with wonderment of what will come, what will we do, and what will we learn and accomplish. My kids love experiencing new things and growing into what they are. As their parents we have the huge privilege of watching them each day become something more than yesterday and seeing a glimpse of who they will become tomorrow!
This year was filled with moving, adjusting, and reestablishing. With all the moving we have done I still can hardly believe the time it takes to accomplish it. At the start of the year we decided to make the big move back to Minnesota and now as we are finally getting settled the year is getting ready to close. The kids have been through a lot saying goodbye to friends, schools, sports, and a life they knew for five years. For the two younger kids that place is all they knew. Starting over takes your whole heart and a blind faith of sorts that everything will work out. We miss many we had to say goodbye to but know they are still a part of our extended family!
As we start and get established in this new chapter of our life the kids have begun to make new friends, becoming established in their new sports teams, acclimating to their new schools, and finding their new normal here. They are resilient and amazing all in the same breath. Alexis continues soccer and dance with a drive for perfection. Since moving she has been reminded of her love of dance. Her new dance studio has ignited a great new fire within her! Derrick continues soccer and scouts. His love of things changes daily as he finds his way. Lucas continues swim, started preschool and soccer. In his words, “swim is on top of soccer, but school is on top of everything!” He has a love for activity and an inquisitive mind that doesn’t quite. Kourtney is growing “into her own” and is starting to decide what SHE wants. She still copies and mimics the other kids but without doubt we know what she wants now. Kris and I are always consumed with the kids but try to get to our own things in the “down time.” Kris has started his journey outside the military and seems to enjoy the increasing flexibility he now has! I know I am enjoying having him here more. Most of my time this year has been helping the kids adjust to everything, but I have found a new love of writing and hope that will take me farther than my blog. For now I am happy documenting my kids, my family, and all our escapades!
Until next year from our house to yours may you look at each day with new eyes, see what can be through a child’s eyes and live it to the fullest each and every day!