The biggest event of this year for our family was the completion of our addition. My sweet husband worked his tail off month after month to see this project completed. The finishing touches were put on the new living room and we "moved it" just days before Christmas of "09. I have loved, loved, loved having all the extra space to host the many meetings and events that go on at our place. The first event of the year was our belated Christmas celebration with my parents, brother, and his family.
The next few months were spent finishing the upstairs. We moved the girls into their new room in March. They have enjoyed the extra space and not having to share a closet. How I wish their room always looked this neat and clean.
In May, Steve and I celebrated our 13th anniversary with a trip to Connecticut. We had a sweet time together.
Another highlight on everyone's list was our trip to CA to celebrate Steve's sister graduating from high school. We had such a great time being all together again.
One of my new favorite events is our trip to the beach with my girls. This was the 2nd year that we did it. I hope this continues and we have many more!
If you ask any of my kids their favorite things that we do as a family they would most certainly all say, Camp Swatara. We love that place.
End of summer for us is birthday after birthday. Little Greta turned 2.
Morgan was 8.
And Claudia was 10. This year was her turn for a party and what a party it was. 16 girls for an overnight. We all had a blast.
Mid-July marked the official end to our addition. Steve passed his final inspection and that was a grand day for him. He worked so hard for us!! With the bulk of the work done, we got to enjoy our porch a bit this fall. Many evenings were spend sitting on the porch, chatting, watching the kids play.
This fall we took a road trip to Iowa to see Steve's dad and his grandparents. It was fun to do another road trip together. The kids did great and it was really fun to see family again.
Our road trip also included a stop at my brother's house. It was fun to be with them on their turf.
I have enjoying learning and growing in my photography this year. I have taken lots of pics of my kids and a few for some friends and family. I have so, so far to go, but am enjoying the process. Here are just a few of my favorite shots:
And our year ends with Aaron turning 4.
It is so hard to believe that yet another year is passing us by and these days are just slipping through our fingers. I am so grateful for all that God has blessed us with and all that He has done in our hearts. I am continuing to see His greatness, my frailty, and all that He has done for us. Thank you, Lord, for a good, good year. I look forward to what's ahead.
