It's 2016 already! Last year was filled with fun and a handful of firsts. Here are some of the highlights of 2015:
- Our church kicked off the year with a BOLD campaign focusing on generosity and giving (with a goal of purchasing a property within the next two years). It became an exciting time of talking about how we can use the money God has entrusted to us over the next few years. Nothing excites David Livingston like talking about giving, so this was a sweet time of good conversations for us.
- We entered 2015 with no plans to move, but through a whirlwind of events ended up purchasing our first home together in October. (Dave purchased our former house before we started dating). Though there is a laundry list of work to be done in this older house, it already feels like home and just feels "right." Dave is enjoying his much shorter commute to the office.
- Myla began school! She is attending a homeschool co-op kindergarten class even though it's technically her Pre-K year. As I expected, she loves it. We will most likely send her to our local elementary school next year, which is within walking distance of our house.
- We took a road trip to Tennessee and North Carolina over Thanksgiving, and it's amazing how a 15-hour drive seems way quicker than the 20-hour drives we take to Wisconsin or Minnesota. We had fun, but this vacation also confirmed the fact that if we leave town, one or more of our children will get sick. (Thanking the Lord that this time it was a sinus thing and not the pukes).
- I completed a Beachbody Challenge group and kicked the last few pounds leftover from my fatty baby. I came thisclose to posting my "Before" and "After" pictures but ultimately chickened out. You're welcome.
Those are the big ones, but the photos show a few more tidbits from the year.
We ventured to the rodeo with much less fear and trepidation of the goats.
Some cute guys took a cute walk.
I continued to let these goobers dress themselves, and it doesn't really bother me at all that we go out in public like this.
Jon David is learning the important lesson that sometimes a boy who follows two girls will have to use a pink toy every now and then.
The "First Day of School" photos were a family affair.
Starting with my dad's generation, our family has a traditional one-year portrait taken. Though Dave and I are not on the ball for most things, this is one area where we have managed to come through! Since we were unable to locate the outfit my dad wore for his photo, Dave's mom and aunt once again created an outfit that mimics the style that he wore. (They also replicated the dress that Kristen and I wore from seeing a cell phone picture of the picture). It's been fun maintaining this tradition while also adding this extra sentimental layer.
Here's a poor quality example of our photos. (From left to right: Me, Myla, Piper, Jon David). I plan to add a copy of my dad's portrait soon.
One of the most exciting moments of home buying is picking out a key of champions. (Or in this case, former/future champions).
Start 'em young.
First haircut for the little man.
Porch swing fun in Tennessee
