Happy New Year! Our Year In Review

~ Memory is not so brilliant as hope, but it is more beautiful,

and a thousand times more true. ~ 

I was not sad to bid farewell to 2009- it had been a terrible time for my family; a time of loss, unimaginable pain and seemingly endless sorrow. One year ago, we stood on the threshold of 2010 and welcomed it with open arms and I am happy to say that we were not disappointed, in spite of the gut-wrenching loss that we faced right out of the gate.

In January, my sweet Emily turned 16, Hubby and I celebrated 7 years of being married as best friends, and I was heading into my third month of working for OHSU. But the biggest impact was saying our final goodbye to Grandpa Robinson. (I'm crying at the computer just thinking about it.) Although we knew we have two of the best Guardian Angels there ever were, we selfishly wished for more time with our dear grandparents.

February went a little easier on us with the only major event being TWO teenage daughters attending the Sweetheart's Dance.  There were dresses to buy and plans to make. We brandished curling irons and hairspray with determination as we helped the girls primp for their big night. I remember falling into the couch in a tired sort of shock once they were gone... wondering if that really just happened. I still feel bad that I called Emily's date by Madi's date's name.  Oops! It would have been the perfect time to grab a movie and veg for a few hours, except that was also the month that Hollywood Video ditched us and believe me when I say that I still long for the days when we could go browse for videos or games on Saturday afternoons.  Netflix just isn't the same. 

Our spring fever ramped up in March and April until we nearly couldn't stand it anymore. We fenced in our garden and took the girls on a chilly camping trip to Moab. Grilling, camping and gardening are some of our all time favorite activities and last spring we were happy to be out in the sunshine! I'm already looking forward to spring, 2011!

When May arrived, so did the truck packed with brightly colored flowers for the sitting garden. My sweet family prepped and planted the sitting garden with me for Mother's Day. Working outside with my family and grilling afterward is my idea of Heaven. Bring it on! 

In June Bill turned 40, we grilled a LOT, and we took the girls to The Big Island with great hopes for a wonderful vacation. We did have fun there, but we also had tremendously bad luck. Six of us got food poisoning, Bill was transported to the hospital via ambulance when he dove into the shallow end of a pool, and I lost my memory card with ALL of my pictures on it.  SUPER SAD FACE! If you ever go to Hawaii, do yourself a ginormous favor and do not put a lava rock pebble in your pocket. We are so superstitious now when it comes to the Volcano gods. (We put the rocks back before we left.)

July brought a chilly camping trip to Bear Lake  with Tyler's family along for the fun (Have I mentioned how much we love the outdoors?), Mom and Dad's birthdays and more grilling of course! We also managed to help a stranger in need at the parking lot of the grocery store on a particularly hot afternoon. Our summer was in full swing and we were lovin' it! 

Every summer has to come to an end, and August is a tough one for us because it means that Ashley goes back to Georgia and school will soon start up again. Last August was particularly difficult because it marked one year without Grandma. Ouch.  I needed something uplifting to hold onto, so I decided to throw a back to school party for all the special little ones in my life who were preparing for another school year. We had a blast and as a side note, I highly recommend bubbles for any occasion!  

September closed the book on parenting little girls because Abby and Linzie were officially teenagers. I love being Mom to this tribe of girls! Every day they teach me something new and I am rarely disappointed in any of them. No longer children, they are inching toward adulthood and my life is constantly changing! 

One of the highlights of my year... and possibly my life... was the trip I took with Mom to Massachusetts in October. I loved spending time with my beautiful Great Aunt Dottie and soaking up the atmosphere back there. I truly felt like I was home! If I could pack up my family and move there then I would in a heartbeat! Now there isn't a day that goes by without thoughts of Dottie and Massachusetts. I am so thankful that Mom included me on her trip and I sincerely hope I can go back there soon. 

November and December brought shoulder surgery for Hubby and unexpected financial hardship to my family, but we're a strong family and it will take more than than one evil woman to bring us down. We banded together as usual and dished out extra kindness at every opportunity.  Have I told you how amazing my family is?  My girls know the true value of life and the financial burdens did not dampen their spirits in any way.  Each time I found myself struggling with feelings of guilt over the finances, my girls would put their arms around me and lovingly reassure me that everything was going to be fine. I am so blessed.  There was no shortage of love, laughter, playful banter and Christmas projects around our home this year and my girls never failed to spread their happiness and pure joy.  How awesome is that!  Carley and Madi also turned eighteen on the 18th.  Sweet!  I adore these girls with all my heart! 

This New Year's Eve we had a lovely dinner at Mom and Dad's and managed to snag two extra girlies to bring home with us. We danced and sang all the way home with Ella and Brecklyn squeezed in among our five  and the laughter was so pure and wonderful! (Madi was at work and we missed her terribly!) Later, we laughed ourselves sick over a fun game of Pictionary Man. Our cheeks and sides hurt from laughing so hard over the images drawn and the outrageous guesses that were blurted out. Man oh man was it fun!   But the best part... the happiest magical moment... was when all those little girlies went out on the front porch, at the stroke of midnight, and shouted "Happy Birthday Brecklyn!" as the rest of the street shouted "Happy New Year!"  Did I mention how awesome these kids are?  ;) 

2010, I am thankful for the tears which opened our hearts and our minds... even through insurmountable sorrow, because through our pain we are reminded that life is wondrous and beautifully fragile. I am grateful for the trials which make us stronger and help us to appreciate all of the blessings in our lives. As we say goodbye to another year, I promise to remember the lessons learned, the lives lived and lost, and respect the promise of each new day.   Happy New Year!

‎"Perhaps strength doesn't reside in having never been broken, but in the courage required to grow strong in the broken places." 

♥

The Roots Run Deep

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There are just no words to describe what we are feeling, what we have been through, what we have lost. I am so proud to be their granddaughter, mother of five of their great-granddaughters. Yet nothing can change the fact that every day without them hurts.
Sunday we gathered for a family memorial service. This time I did not hesitate. I went right over to him and put my hand gently on top of his. I struggled against the tears and the choked back sobs, consciously avoiding letting my tears stain his perfect suit.

He looked restful, finally at peace. His gentle hands rested on top of the towel that was placed there so lovingly. I noticed the toothpick in his suit pocket and smiled to myself as countless memories washed over me. I easily recalled images of him smiling, with a toothpick in his mouth, at one of our many summer cookouts, sitting at the kitchen table laughing, or walking amongst his roses. He was never without a toothpick to clutch in his teeth or twirl around in his fingers.

And there was the pin.

I had never seen it before, and that glossy red pin might as well have been pinned to my heart. A symbol of his life in the railroad industry, I held my breath at the sight of it pinned to his lapel. My broken heart swelled with pride. How I love that man!

As a family we stood together and cried, paid our last respects, and occasionally we laughed as we shared memories and worked hard to hold each other up. We know he is happy, but we mourn our loss nonetheless.

Monday dawned gray, cloudy (Just like another day in August) and cold. We commented on how the snow falling on that morning was like a gift to us, as the August rain had been not so long ago. As we approached the cemetery, it became difficult to breathe. There would be no happy ending for any of us that day.

I will always remember looking up and seeing tiny angels adorning the pine boughs above the graves. The sun peeked out from behind the clouds as we began to sing quiet, tearful tributes of "Home on the Range" and "I've Been Working on the Railroad."

How is it possible for a broken heart to break over and over again?
We crowded together, possibly for the last time, in my Grandparents' house that afternoon. There was an endless amount of love, heartbreaking tears, and even some much needed laughter. I'm certain Grandma and Grandpa would have approved. Well, except for the part about all of us exploring the forbidden basement.

I walked through the house with my husband and my girls, silently saying goodbye to the structure that housed so many wonderful childhood memories. I carefully photographed the house, the walls, the windows, anything that would help me to keep those memories alive forever.

It hurts to say goodbye.


The Robinson legacy is mighty and as his memorial program so eloquently pointed out,our roots run deep. I am so grateful for the rich heritage I have been given and for the love that this family exudes. Now it is time to carefully preserve their history by writing and retelling their stories so that we will always have them near.

I will nag if I have to.

Goodbye 2009 - Thanks for the Memories!

As 2009 comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on the year of highs and lows that my family has experienced over the last 12 months. If I had a dollar for every time we said that this year is a very different kind of year for us, I certainly wouldn't have to worry about any post Christmas debt! But as I hear the giggles of all the little girls throughout the house and watch my cute husband making his special nachos for our family New Year's Eve celebration, I am completely satisfied and happy with my life.

Here is a short recap of our experiences in 2009:

1. We created a family blog to share with friends and family.

2. Bill and I took a quick, overnight trip to Maui to recharge our parental batteries.

3. Carley and Madi were named officers in Key Club and FBLA at LHS and the price of their sweaters was OMG!

4. We had to rebuild and finish the deck and mason work of the pizza oven after a fire the previous fall.

5. We took the girls to Little Sahara Sand Dunes for an Easter camping trip and we were pretty much soaking wet and cold the entire time!

6. Sent the girls to Ohio for their half sister's High School graduation.

7. Two of our girls got their driver's licenses.

8. Our first major scare when Madi was in a car accident.

9. We learned that our beloved Grandma Robinson was seriously ill.

10. The truck's fuel pump conked out on us on a camping trip to Flaming Gorge.

11. My buddy, Jake, came to my house and planted an Apple tree in our backyard..on my birthday.

12. Madi and Emily got jobs at Lagoon.

13. Boating, boating, and more boating!

14. We said goodbye, for the last time, to Grandma Robinson. Her passing forever changed the way we view our lives.

15. Abby and Linzie started 7th grade, Emily started High School, and Carley and Madi began their Junior year at LHS.

16. I mustered up all of my courage to quit my job at Venture to accept a great job opportunity at OHSU.

17. My "babies" officially became teenagers. Now ALL of our girls are teenagers!

18. We gave away a washer, couch, two geckos and a television when we made necessary upgrades around the house.

19. We made A LOT of fudge.

20. I held and comforted my daughters as they cried and mourned the death of their friend involved in a violent car accident. Less than 48 hours later another friend of theirs tragically lost her older brother to suicide.

21. The discovery of Glee meant much more singing around the house and walking around with silly grins as we compare our crushes on Mr. Schuester.

So as our New Year's celebrations wind down and as each of us slowly wander off to our comfy beds, I cannot help but appreciate all that 2009 taught me. Even though there was a tremendous amount of sadness, I learned to appreciate the moments... each and every one of them whether good or bad.

In one of our favorite songs Jason Mraz sings, "It takes some good to make it hurt... It takes some bad for satisfaction." I agree, Mr. Mraz. Life. Is. Wonderful!

Happy New Year, everyone. I am looking forward to appreciating all that 2010 has to offer!

Carley and Madison

I've been thinking a lot lately about how much my life has changed and the most important changes began 17 years ago with the birth of my first two daughters. I definitely had no idea what I was in for when the doctor told me I was having twin girls. I was young (21), excited, and oh so naive! I eagerly awaited their arrival and imagined getting to know the two little strangers who would one day become two of my best friends.

The afternoon they were born was cold and snowy. We had so much snow that winter that we literally had to walk through a snow cave to get out of our apartment and to the car. We were at the hospital around 3pm and had to wait around until 5:50 but then it all happened quickly. Doctors, nurses and parents all getting ready for an early Christmas gift!

At 5lbs 11oz, Madison was born first and she didn't cry much. I heard a little bit of crying but mostly squeeking. At 5lbs 4oz Carley was born only a minute later and she was so quiet. She looked around the room and then rubbed a tiny fist over her eyes and went back to sleep. Already, little boo was bored and figured she'd sleep until things got more exciting.

I remember that Madison looked at me through eyes that seemed old and wise. And I wished she could tell me what she was thinking. I had the feeling that if I could communicate with her, she would have wonders and secrets to share with me. She had this adorable little smirk that let everyone know she knew things that we didn't... She still does that to this day!

Next they bundled Carley up and handed her to me in bed. She had the biggest blue eyes! I held her closely as they wheeled me to the recovery room where EVERYONE was waiting! Grandparents, Aunts, cousins, NINE people waited to meet the babies! In this age of Swine Flu and RSV, that would never in a million years happen now!

It was chaotic in that room and I was shaking from morphine. But the whole world stopped when my mom told me that Carley was blue! Panic struck me harder than I had ever felt it before. I remember pushing the nurse call button over and over but it had not been hooked up. I heard someone yell for the nurse who came running and took Carley away.

In a room full of people, I cried out of fear and a feeling of helplessness. I had been a mom less than an hour and I didn't know how to handle the fear that I felt for my little baby.

Later they told us that Carley had quit breathing and kept forgetting to breathe every few minutes. They took her to the NICU where they hooked her up to multiple IVs and monitored her breathing very closely. It was also discovered that she couldn't stay warm. To this day, my Carley loves her blankets and sweatshirts... she started that from day one, I believe.

A few days later we all went home together. I began the long, and sometimes difficult, process of learning how to care for two little people. Carley was a snuggle bug who insisted on being held constantly or she would cry. Madie was quiet and liked to check people out. I always felt that she was studying the world - as if she had to learn as much as she could, as quickly as possible.


My girls, my heart.


The years brought so many challenges and even greater happiness. I watched Carley's budding art interest (walls, doors, furniture, any surface would do!), and I watched Madie continue to study the world around her. Madie loved working on the computer with her dad, and her favorite word was, "why?"

My first two daughters taught me about mothering. In an instant they transformed me and it was no longer about me. I would do anything for them and over the years I made what sacrifices I could to ensure their happiness. They have not disappointed me!

Carley, you are a quiet soul who thinks of the world in artistic ways. You find beauty in color, light, and texture... all of the things that the great artists discovered and explored before you. I love how you are a Mama Bear in training. I see you figuring out how to negotiate peace and how to care for those around you and it makes me so proud. You are determined,courageous and kind. Those qualities will take you far in this world. Never lose your compassion and keep exploring!

Madie, ever the scientist... I know you love it when you get to teach me something new - but you know what? You have been teaching me about many things for the past 17 years! You have taught me about life! Knowledge is your strength and your passion. Use it to continue to do great things. I am so proud of all of your accomplishments and for the way you seek out new challenges. Don't ever let setbacks keep you from exploring. Learn and grow from all things around you and you will always be successful.

My girls, you are the very foundation of my soul. I can't remember what I ever did without you in my life! Thank you for making me a mother 17 years ago... and every day since then! Through you I have experienced the joys of childhood and I have looked at everything through new eyes. You have been my redemption and I am so lucky to be your mom! I love you both so much!

HAPPY 17th BIRTHDAY, SWEET GIRLS!!!

From the Heart

Last summer Bill and I didn't get to take the girls camping because I wasn't working and we were carefully, painstakingly watching every penny. It was a long, boring and sad summer for the kids but throughout it all, my girls were so self-sacrificing and kind to their stressed-out Mama Bear, so I promised the girls that we would go to Flaming Gorge this year to make up for it. We have been to the Gorge before and so we know that there is ONE PERFECT CAMPSITE THAT WE MUST HAVE.. all other campsites pale in comparison to our favorite site. This perfect campsite is difficult to reserve so I had book our trip back in February to guarantee that we could reserve it. Trust me when I say that the anticipation of that trip is what kept us from strangling each other throughout the long winter and wet spring. We were literally counting the days until our camping / boating trip to Flaming Gorge!

Then Grandma got sick and everything changed.

As Grandma's health continued to deteriorate, and every single moment became even more precious than the last, we became increasingly uncomfortable with leaving at all, let alone going on a "fun" camping trip. For me it was never about losing the money if we canceled our reservation. I could not bear the thought of losing my Grandma while we were out "having fun" and while my mom was back at home, her heart breaking every day. What I cared about was doing the right thing... the best thing... and no one could tell me what the right thing was. I agonized over the decision for weeks until finally, with two days left to decide, my mom talked us into going by assuring me that everything would be the same when we got back.

I had been visiting Grandma and Grandpa at least once a week, but prior to leaving for The Gorge I stopped by every day after work. I felt compelled to be there, to hold Grandma's hand and just be near her. She was always so cute, working hard to smile and laugh while I was there in spite of her own discomfort. I simply cannot express how beautiful her spirit is. Grandma was always concerned about how I was doing and she never failed to ask about the girls. As I held her hand, I remember marveling over how it felt smooth and cool as marble, yet velvety soft and perfectly delicate. Grandma's hands seemed so tiny and I suppose they always have been, but if you have ever heard her play the piano - you would immediately visualize her hands as strong and as powerful as her music. As I cradled Grandma's hand in my own, I studied the thin, gold band on her finger and committed the image to memory. I will never forget the beautiful music she played, the cute way she gripped her umbrella during a Boston storm, and the way she always folded her hands across her lap in the car. I know there are many pictures in existence that will show my grandma's hands, but the image of her hand in my own is the one I will forever cherish.


I told Carley recently that I now understand, with perfect clarity, the expression "choking back tears" because every time I left my grandma's house I struggled to breathe and literally felt like I was choking. In fact, if any one saw me driving home, I'm sure they must have stared in shock at the woman sobbing hysterically behind the wheel. I am a cryer - I always have been and I always will be. And let me further explain that when I am emotionally charged up, I don't cry silently.. oh no.. that would be too easy! Instead, when I cry there is this unfair chain of events that begins with an immediate changing of the color of my nose. What is that about? Even before my tear ducts think about warming up, my nose turns an alarming and unmistakable shade of red! A person with teary eyes can easily lie and claim allergies, but a RED NOSE? What lie could I possibly spin about that? "Uh yeah, I thought that the kids would be very impressed if I could imitate Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer for Christmas this year so I have been practicing. Would you like to play some Reindeer Games?" I somehow don't think anyone would buy it. Soon after the nose color change, the sniffles set in and are immediately followed by uncontrollable sobs that sound like I'm attempting to swallow a family of tree frogs. That about sums it up.. when I cry, I become the Red Nosed-Sniffling-Tree Frog Swallower! As you can imagine, this spectacle is very difficult to hide or control.

But for the first time in my life, I felt the overwhelming importance of holding back the tears because I didn't want to upset Grandma by openly bawling in front of her. During my last visit with Grandma, I was almost grateful that I was only allowed a short time with her because the pain in my chest was absolute agony. I struggled to control my emotions as I kept silently reminding myself to breathe. After sitting by Grandma's side and holding her velvety-cool hand, I stood and kissed her on the forehead. My parting words to her were, "Grandma, I love you so much." To which she replied, "I love you so much too. And please tell the girls how much I love each of them." Those are mighty powerful and wonderfully precious parting words, and on the way home I sobbed harder than I ever have in my life. Two days later, my mom and her siblings decided that they could no longer allow visitors because it was too painful and taxing for Grandma. I have to remind myself now to be at peace and hold those parting words, like a talisman, in my heart forever.

I will write about our trip The Gorge soon, for now I need to do my best to hide my Rudolph-Red nose and get back to work.

Laughter and Tears

Linzie had a doctor appointment Tuesday afternoon, and because it was literally right around the corner from Grandma and Grandpa Robinson's house, we weren't about to miss an opportunity to spend some time with them. When Carley learned of our intentions, she didn't hesitate to tag along. Smart girl. (Sweet, loving and sensitive girl.)

Grandma seemed to be having a better day than the last time we had visited and that made me very happy. However, these visits are always unbearably painful because there is no possibility for a happy ending. It lifted my heart to hear that Grandma's voice was strong, her thoughts lucid and her laughter was music to my ears...and suddenly I found myself wanting to cling to her as a child would, and beg her not to go. But the truly heart-wrenching moment was when my Aunt Dorothy told me that she had something she wanted to share with us, and when she hit the play button on the tape recorder... my Grandma's sweet voice unexpectedly filled the cozy room with a beautiful (and searingly painful) song accompanied by her own gifted fingers expertly playing her piano.

Here’s a little song to help you get along.
It will see you through when you’re feeling blue.
And though it’s not profound when you’re feeling down, so down,
Sing this little tune, and you’ll feel better soon.
You’re not alone, even when you’re feeling on your own,
You are loved in ways that can’t be shown; your needs are known;
You’re not alone.
And when you cry, you’re just letting go of heartache deep inside,
And tomorrow there’ll be sunshine and sky and love close by;
You’re not alone.
And we know that it’s not easy, but we know that it won’t last,
’cause one that loves you more than me is sending blessings fast.
You’re not alone, say it one more time,
“I’m not alone,”
And even when it’s hard to find the words, our prayers are heard;
We’re not alone.
You’re not alone.

The song was immediately followed by another recording, equally haunting, of my Grandma playing her piano and singing along to "As I have Loved You." I struggled unsuccessfully to contain my tears as I heard Mom softly singing along, and my heart broke as I saw my mom and my aunt, weeping silently as they gazed at their fragile mother with such tremendous and perfect love. Even my sweet Grandma cried tears of her own as she listened to her music and confessed that she could not recall when she had made that recording. That achingly beautiful moment in my Grandmother's living room is undoubtedly the most precious and profound experience of my life... and I'd give it all back in a heartbeat if it could somehow be traded for more time with her.

I learned that day that Grandma and Grandpa have Wisteria planted along their front porch. How could I not know this? Wisteria has always been my favorite flower and I have several young Wisteria plants of my own at home. Mom told us that they were stunned to see that the Wisteria had started a second bloom the other day.. something that vine has never done before. My mom told us that together they were able to carefully maneuver to the porch to view the delicate purple flowers as the morning sun peeked over the mountaintop. She described it to me as a perfect moment, one that I am so glad she shared with us.

The more I think about that Wisteria vine, the more I like to think that it could be a simple message of hope to those of us who are holding on so tightly - out of love, sadness and even desperate fear of losing those we love... I can imagine that message being something along the lines of , "Have faith that all things will be right again, because even as cherished blooms fade, there are other wondrous blessings in store as long as we remember to keep our eyes open for them."

We also laughed that day as we reminisced about the past, and we teased Mom and Dorothy about how silly they are whenever they get together. Remembering to laugh... that's the hardest thing to do right now because "normal" has changed and it would be so easy to give in to the sadness, but that would not honor Grandma's graceful spirit. So we try to grieve sparingly and cherish each and every moment we have right now.

Funny Moment of the Day:

Carley: "Abby and Linzie have always been opposite in everything they do. But they are the same because of it..that they are opposite makes them the same."

(Linzie and I giggled as we exchanged puzzled looks.)

Linzie: "That doesn't make any sense!"

Carley: "Shut up Linzie, you're making me sound stupid."

Linzie: (laughing)"I'm not the one talking!"

Quiet Reflection

Believe it or not, it actually feels like life is slowing down a bit. Finally. I can't think of any hectic moments last week... The vegetable garden is beginning to burst with the produce we have been waiting so long for, the flower gardens are beautiful and the girls are happy... overall this week was just normal routine with a few fireworks thrown in for kicks.

Thursday I took Abby and Carley in to visit Grandma Robinson again. Madison was at her biology class and Linzie had a friend over, so it was a rare occasion for me to only have 2 of my girls along for the ride. We didn't count on the torrential rain that began once we were there but it was pretty spectacular! I loved sitting there in my grandmother's house, listening to the ominous thunder and looking at the rain sluicing down the windows that are so old that the glass is rippled. We talked about times when I was little and we would go to visit Grandma and Grandpa on Sundays.. On rare occasions we even had sleepovers there. I haven't thought about those days in years, but it is comforting to know that those memories are still there, fresh as ever. I will always remember.

Friday the girls went to Lagoon with the other side of their family. They had a great time and took some really cute pictures! It makes me happy when they have opportunities to spend time with their father's family. Thanks, Stephanie, for inviting them to tag along!




The 4th of July has always been a time when my family gets together for an afternoon BBQ, followed by evening games and fireworks, but as my other posts have already indicated, this is not a typical year for us. My mom was staying at Grandma Robinson's house and there wasn't much celebrating going on... so the girls and I just spent a quiet afternoon at home. It probably would have continued to be a very subdued holiday had my little brother not called to say they were coming over to share fireworks with us. I have always had a special fondness for my little brother, and last night he worked his magic to cheer us all up. I loved watching him grin and laugh as he tossed lit fireworks as high as he could into the sky and all the girls shrieked and laughed when they plummeted back to the street, showering brightly colored sparks along the way. He especially cracked me up when one of his "lotus" fireworks spun under his Durango and he commented, "Yeah, wait until you see the fireworks when the Durango lights up!" Not to worry, unlike years from our childhood, there was no accident involving lighting the neighbor's grass (or roof!) on fire or other pyro-mishaps.




I love the pictures I captured using extra long exposures, although the kids had a hard time standing still so there are a lot of "ghost-images" ... but my favorite one has to be this one:

I could not figure out what those red dots at the bottom right of the picture were! I was truly puzzled until the girls pointed out that it was little Ty's light-up Winnie the Pooh shirt and then it all made sense. Just like a little Tigger, those red dots show her bouncy trajectory as she bounded toward Emily. Oh Em, it is adorable how the little ones all love you so much!

We finished out the night by watching Layton's fireworks from our window (mosquitoes were vicious last night!) ....just me and my girls. Although it was a quiet holiday, it gave me much time to reflect on what I loved most about holidays as a child. I have big plans for next year! Onward and upward! It is time to start some traditions of our own and I know we will have a blast doing so!