9 months

Nine months ago the snow was falling, and falling, and falling.  That was the last time I sat down and wrote about our wild adventures.  Initially I stopped writing because although were still amazingly wonderful things happening everyday in our lives, the time and resources we were spending on trying to get the school to provide Oliver with an IEP to support his dyslexia as well as the search for a new doctor for Oliver, prevented me (both mentally and physically) from sitting down and writing.

In May (after one year and four months of hell, advocates, a lawyer, and a whole lot of bullshit) Oliver was given an IEP.  The next month of not writing can be attributed to PTSD.  The next three months can be attributed to pure joy.  While fun and adventure is a priority for our family, this past number I took it too a new level.  We all needed to forget what we had gone through.  We all needed to relax.  And we all needed to find a way to look forward.  

The summer was filled with sailing camp, fairy camp, surf camp, mountain biking, the beach, swimming, and paddle boarding.  Henni learned to swim completely and totally on her on her own.  Henni learned to surf.  Oliver took his surfing to a whole new level.  Oliver participated in his first paddle board race.  They both ran a number of running races.  Oliver got his personal best in a 5K.  We boat our first boat - a 13 foot Boston Whaler.  We sold our first boat (said Boston Whaler).  We kayaked.  We hiked.  We sailed. We explored islands. Davis did some swims. I worked a lot of nights so we had a lot of fun during the day.

The last couple months I haven't written because I've been struggling to find a balance with work, life, and personal writing.  I am working full-time now, and have also taken on a number freelance projects. Between all of the freelance writing I do and the writing I do at work as well as the balancing act of life and work, I've put this aside.

Over the past couple weeks I have been told by a number of people that they miss my posts.  So here we are - 9 months later.

We need Katy!

We need Katy!  That big red tractor would be of great help right now.  The official word is 131 inches of snow.  That is a lot of snow.  So much snow that the vast majority of roads, including ours, have yet to be dug out.

131 inches of snow also means that this is the view out the kitchen window.

We left the frozen tundra for Maine last week.  We had an incredible week of skiing.  Henni has fully mastered skiing.  She's a confident skier who appears to be able to tackle anything that comes her way.  By the end of the week she was actively seeking out powder and jumps.  So much fun that we are all skiers now.

Vacation also included some fun skiing time with Liz, Ethan, and Adam.

It was hard to leave Maine and return to our igloo; however, the first day back we were greeted with sun.  A perfect beach day to welcome us home.

Splish splash

This past weekend Henni officially learned to swim on her own.  She ditched the bubble and swam.  She seems to have invented a new stroke - one that looks like an alligator moving through the water - but it works for her and it really is much more stealthy than a doggie paddle.  

When Henni finished swimming on Sunday she got out of the water, gave me a hug, and said: "I am so proud of myself." And proud she should be.  She is a little fish (or alligator).

This weekend we also added hockey sticks to our gear.  Moments after we purchased them the skies opened up and it started pouring.  The kids were determined; however, to use their new gear - so we spent close to two hours playing in the rain.  It actually turned out to be super fun.

Good-bye 2014

2014, part of me is sad that you have gone, but another part of me is oh so happy.

You arrived with such promise.  You gave us snuggles, adventures, laughter, and dance parties galore.  You gave us the lovely, creative, sweetness - and attitude of 3 (and 4) and 5 (and 6).  

But 2014, you also gave us a lot of shit.  Shit we didn't need - shit no one needs.  For this I am glad that you are behind us and that 2015 has arrived.  That being said, I do hope that your friend 2015 forgot to pack its bag of shit before it arrived.

Before we end on a bad note 2014, I do want to say that the trials, tribulations, challenges, and shit that you threw our way has made even more thankful for and more appreciative of friends, family, Pandora, Spotify, and my crazy dance mix.  We are so incredibly lucky to have the friends and family that we do.  The support, love, laughter, and listening that our friends and family has provided has been astounding (and beyond helpful).  And Pandora, Spotify, and my crazy dance mix - our daily dance parties (in the car, at home, and wherever the mood strikes) has lightened the mood and has shown me that we may have a career in dancing (we just need to work on our choreography and the age appropriateness of the music (yes, Oliver and Henni do beg for Eminem, Outkast, and Flo.rida - and Davis has Meghan Trainor on repeat).

And 2014, let's face it - the last few weeks together were wonderful.

Caroling.  Each year we have two night with caroling with friends and neighbors.  The sense of community and friendship is so amazing on these evenings (even when my children get dressed in the most anti-caroling attire).

And the holidays do bring out festive attire (and unicorns).

Oliver had three things on his Christmas list this year: night vision goggles, a swiss army knife, and a roller-copter.  And Henni had just "one" thing: "everything for babies - you know mommy, everything a baby and a mommy need."

Everyone got their wishes - and then some.

And they got some roast beef.

And lost some teeth (Oliver lost 3 in one day!)

And some crazy member of our family went swimming in 43 degree water when the air temperature was 31 degrees with 20 mile an hour winds (spoiler alter - it wasn't me).

2015.  I hope that you are as prepared as our little guide. And that you brought with you love, laughter, happiness, calm - and health.