I wanted to take some time to look back and see all that this year held for us. It's really amazing to me all that happens and all that I can so easily forget. As our family has gotten bigger, it seems that time is going quicker and my memory is getting worse! I am so grateful for pictures that preserve some of what goes on around here.
It brings tears to my eyes as I look back and see the faithfulness of God in our life. Pictures capture so much for me, there are emotions wrapped into these pictures that will not be able to be expressed unless you are the one living them. I am so grateful for our little life and our little (or not-so-little) family and all the joy these crazy kids bring into our lives.
Here is a "short" summary of our year together...
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| So happy that my Aaron has a brother. It's been so sweet to see their relationship grow this year. They play together in a way that none of my other kids do. Aaron has started giving him a high five and saying, "Best brothers forever!!" |
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| Steve's dad and wife Bev came for a visit to meet baby Josiah. It's always fun to have them here! |
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| This year was the beginning of my girls getting introduced to Harry Potter. They have read and reread and reread these books. Steve sat and watched all the movies with them. I don't know the story, but it sure has given my girls much joy! I also just learned that a certain adult in the house has taken to re-watching some of the movies on his own free time. He shall remain nameless to protect his innocence. |
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| Steve gave hundreds and hundreds of hours to the construction of our church. Though extremely stressful and demanding, he had a lot of fun. |
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| We've gotten to enjoy lots of time with Uncle Jer. Everyone loves him. He's so loving to the kids and lots of fun to have around. He's such a good sport, letting Claudia do his hair like this! |
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| We were given a piano and this fall the older 2 girls were finally able to start lessons. It is fun to hear them learn to play. |
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| I love this... our dear friend Carol took Aaron and Greta to McDonalds. We have so many friends from church who have helped us babysit the kids. It's such a blessing. |
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| Morgan giving Josiah crawling lessons. They are such good buds. |
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| Morgan has taken some big strides in the kitchen this year. |
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| Many a Saturday mornings spent watching European soccer |
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| Family pics for my brother and his adorable family |
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| This was one of the first pics I took of all 5 kids. |
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| A first of many tea parties for Claudia |
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| Easter Sunday |
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| My parents celebrated their 40th anniversary this year. |
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| I love watching the kids all play outside together. |
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| Josiah loves his daddy |
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| Me and the kids before church |
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| I don't know that this picture ever made it onto the blog b/c it's a blurry shot. It makes me smile, I love when my hubs helps in the the kitchen. |
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| After a very rough start, Aaron is finally riding his bike like a champ. |
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| The kids all participated in a track and field day. We all LOVED it! |
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| Aaron's superhero party with his Claudia-made costume |
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| Father's Day |
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| 15th anniversary trip to Baltimore. |
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| Girls beach trip to Rehobeth, taMaryland |
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| July 4th (and my first pair of colored jeans. in love.) |
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| We love our corn on the cob |
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| Family pics for my dear cousin, Shannon |
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| Another year at good old Camp Swatara |
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| Cousins! |
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| Birthday pics for Avery |
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| Morgan gave Greta roller blading lessons. She caught on very quickly and now cruises around here as good as her big sisters!! |
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| Morgan's 10th birthday sleepover |
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| Morgan Noel, age 10 |
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| Aunt Ashley and cousin Aiden came for a visit. We loved having them here! |
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| Greta Rachel, age 4 |
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| Claudia Danelle, age 12 |
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| Family trip to Black Rock Retreat |
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| Gettysburg |
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Another tea party with Lexie
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| Brothers |
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| Sisters |
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| Another visit from Aiden and Aunt Ashley! |
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Steve's ordination. What a blessing that so much of his family came to celebrate with us!!
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This is Aaron with his good buddy, Jose Luis. Jose came to live in Lancaster for 6 months to learn English. He was good friends with Uncle Jer and Jose spent many, many Sunday afternoons at our house. Him and Aaron became fast friends. When it was time to say good-bye to Jose, Aaron cried. A lot. I felt so bad for the sweet boy having to say good-bye to a friend.
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| trick-or-treat |
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| Josiah Stephen, age 1 |
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| Aaron Jeffrey, age 6 |
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