And just like that Christmas is over and here we are on New year’s eve of 2017!!! What the heck!! Where has this year gone?! It literally feels like no time at all that we were welcoming in 2017 and now we’re saying “good bye” to it, and “Happy New Year” to all! But what a lovely end to the year we have had, and year in general. It has been filled with life changing moments, lots of lovely and crazy ordinary moments, and adventures we have loved. It has been (mostly) great to do it with this crazy bunch and build new memories and experiences together.
This month has been so incredibly busy for us, but so great too. I have loved all of the little things we have had the pleasure of doing to #LightTheWorld. We have sung carols, baked treats and delivered gifts to the homeless. We have sent gifts of appreciation and cooked meals to share with family. We have bought gifts for underprivileged children and families, delivered treats to the elderly and met asylum seekers and refugees. We have donated to good causes, and given our time to others, yes this December we have been truly humbled by so many, and felt grateful to have crossed paths with them. I feel with all of that, we have sincerely felt the spirit of Christmas, and therefore felt an ease to our grief.
I have loved that amidst the busy things, projects and general shopping/wrapping, we have had moments to just be and enjoy the season. I loved seeing the kids nativities, all of the Christmas films and the brief snow showers we squealed over and dreamt about. I have loved the freezing country walks, and the cosy lazy days. I have loved been together and bringing sparkle to Poppy’s grave.
This Christmas morning was our first one at home. Whilst we still spent most of the day at Grandma’s, we slept at our own home and then spent the first few hours of Christmas morning there in our new home. It felt so lovely and was absolutely great. The kids slept on our floor and then gathered round the bed to open their stockings. We all crept together to see what had been left downstairs and then just sat on our sofa’s taking in these special little moments of magic. Moments I often miss in the chaos and giddiness of so many. I didn’t really take pictures, their little squeals and smiles were enough, but I love that because we live so close now, we can enjoy these ordinary moments of present opening just together before the madness of Christmas with so many. I love both, but I especially loved this years Christmas – it was a great balance of making new traditions and spending lots of time with family.
I love the crazy poses in these family pics, once again taken in Grandmas garden as it’s been our second home this season. I love how Ethan and Megs are discreetly holding hands, and I love how Alice is not bothered!
Well it’s that funny time of year now with the new year fast approaching. The time of year where I suddenly feel pressure to make goals and big decisions to change life for the better. I have a few things I want to see and do, But in the meantime I am taking a few minutes to be grateful for all the good in 2017.
8 years of marriage
A 1, 5 & 7 year old
A beautiful adventure in Italy
A fun Scottish road trip to Edinburgh
The national Space centre
A weekend in Oxford
Seeing Alice grow and develop
Go Ape
Lots of walks, days out and little treats
Theatre Trips
Yorks Chocolate Story
Remembering my wonderful Granddad who we sadly lost!
A beautiful new house in a place where dreams are made!!!
We are blessed with lovely neighbors scenery and a home we love. Family all around, great scenery and fabulous memories and lessons. Thank you 2017 for such wonderful memories and experiences. A hearty year for our hearty life – I love seeing the changes and remembering such great times!
