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.