Out with the Old....

2015 was a pretty good year.

We had some adversity (the Woodsman suffered from appendicitis and had surgery), but were blessed with his good recovery.

We spent lots of incredible time together (on the slopes - both locally and in VT, New York City, the farm, Chincoteague and of course here at home.  We surprised my parents and came home for Christmas Eve (first time in 10 years).  My sister and I even sang a duet for prelude.  It was by far the best gift I gave.

The Boy played soccer in both spring and fall, but had to take a break during November and December because of a gap in his growth plate.  We enjoyed watching him learn to really be a part of the team, as he came to enjoy being on defense.  Here's hoping to a strong recovery in time for spring soccer.  He's keeping busy with his dog, River, and has started a biking and weight lifting program to stay conditioned while his foot heals.  He's also really become a writer and a reader - this makes his English teacher mama happy.

The Girl kept lyrical dance, gymnastics, musical, violin and choir, and added classical ballet.  She also swindled her dad into letting her have another cat.  She keeps us busy, but we really enjoy watching her shine. We also like the individual time with get with both kids while we schlep them around.  She continues to love reading, and the new Kindle probably means that it will be even harder for us to tell that she's up past her bedtime deeply involved in another book.

We spent lots of time with my parents, and continue to be blessed with their gifts of time and presence.

Santa Lucia

How many years will they continue to want to make one?

We moved our Christmas Eve meal to the Sunday before Christmas - we couldn't miss getting together with this family.  

 I moved back to teaching high school English (love it!) and am still working on recovering from a bad muscle tear in my calf (I hate running, but I hate not being able to run more).

I asked for a blanket like this every night when I put the boy to bed (for 6 months) - he didn't disappoint.

They really enjoyed surprising each other this year.

What she wanted most was clothes.  We had a good time shopping together for Black Friday.

The Boy wanted a skateboard, and the Girl finally has some kind of technology so she doesn't feel 100% left out.

Wow - are they grown up!

 The Woodsman enjoyed cutting wood (he now owns two chainsaws) and watching his team (Redskins) make the playoffs.

The kids spent a lot of time and effort making presents this year.

Farmer Dan was thrilled that we decided that The Boy was old enough for a B.B. gun.  He's had it since he was born.

Another fuzzy blanket was made for my grandmother.  She's going to feel wrapped in love all year.

Boy did this remind me of myself when I was his age.  I crawled into the same corner with a book even though there were still presents to open - the books were the best parts. 

The Woodsman's favorite present was the piece of locust (and the chainsaw that came with it).

We were blessed with lots of fun times with friends and family and hope to do it all again in 2016.  We look for 2016 to be a repeat of 2015 - but hopefully without a hospital stay and surgery for anyone.

We hope your year was a good one, and you find blessings in 2016.