2016 in Review

I love looking back at our year and what (crazy) fun things we did or how our plans played out. 2016 was a very hectic and exciting year for us (almost like a blur), even though it didn't go as planned. We moved across several States and had to adjust several times to new routines before settling in in our new hometown for the rest of the year.  Looking back, this year has been much more straining than anticipated and there was lots of time we spent apart as a family (can you imagine that Derrick was not with us for almost 6 months out of the year due to business travel, job changes, moving and our vacation in Germany). So, here it goes, my look back at 2016 - by the way, choosing one picture a month is impossible:

JANUARY

Derrick started working as a contractor for Boeing in SC while the kids and I stayed busy at home. We also experienced our first snow in Mooresville and enjoyed Circus Day and Book Character Day at Amelia's Preschool.

FEBRUARY

This month, we celebrated "I Love You" Day and exchanged lots of hugs and kisses. Amelia presented her art work at ART Day in preschool and my little handyman, Elliot, fixed everything around the house that needed fixing. I also gathered several times with the other mommy's from my MOPS group and we laughed, painted and shopped together.

MARCH

Between school pictures, Easter activities, outings to the park, Donuts for Dads, a trip to the grandparents in SC, a stop at the train museum and a visit to Nashville during Spring break, this month kept us busy. Derrick also was offered a job in Nashville and moved there by Mid March. 

APRIL

In April, the kids and I spent a lot of time outside and stayed busy with preschool activities and field trips while Daddy worked in TN. But my hubby came home for a weekend so that we could celebrate the big 5-0 with him. We also enjoyed picking strawberries in the field.

 MAY

May was filled with packing up the house, having some "lasts" in Mooresville, saying goodbyes to dear friends and neighbors and moving to Nashville, TN. The rest of the month we unpacked, organized the new rental house and explored the area a bit. Amelia's preschool also hosted their Muffins for Moms event.

JUNE

After only a few days in Nashville, Derrick drove us to Chicago, where we spent a weekend before the kids and I flew off to Germany to spend the next two months there with family and friends. While we explored Hamburg, spent a few days at the Baltic Sea, celebrated birthdays, and enjoyed visiting with loved ones, Derrick was busy at his new job and at home: putting together furniture and painting. 

JULY

In July, I took a short to trip to Paris to visit a dear friend while the kids stayed with their grandparents. We also went horseback riding, swimming, met up with friends, went to the zoo and played tourist in my hometown. It was an unforgettable summer, which ended with my little brother getting married. Even though we were constantly on the go and never spent more than a few nights in one place, we truly enjoyed our time with family and friends alike.

AUGUST

Before leaving Germany, we celebrated Amelia's 5th birthday with Oma and Opa and then headed back home. We were so happy to be reunited with Derrick. Only 5 days after our return, Amelia had her first day in Kindergarten. While she loves going to school, Elliot had a rougher time adjusting without his sister being around him all the time. 

SEPTEMBER

It was hot, hot, hot outside so we spent lots of time playing indoors, cheering on our favorite football team or cool off in the pool. We also adjusted to living in Nashville as a family of four and started to meet new people.

OCTOBER

The highlights of this month were lots of Halloween activities for the kids, a girl's trip to Louisville to meet our friends, Pumpkin Patch visits, a Mini Cheer Camp for Amelia, and celebrating my birthday with my favorite people.

NOVEMBER

This month started off the holiday season with a visit to see The Grinch Musical at the Grand Ole Opry House, visiting Santa's Wonderland, celebrating Thanksgiving with uncle Lee and Aunt Bahar and running my first 5 miles race.We also went to the Nashville Zoo with a friend, watched the town's Thanksgiving Parade, participated in the tree lightning ceremony, and I voted for the first time in my life.  

DECEMBER

The last month of the year is always the best one: celebrating the season of Advent with lots of activities, decorating the Christmas tree, Elliot's birthday bash, Christmas morning and then ring in the New Year. Instead of a party, we took the kids to the ICE exhibition on Elliot's 3rd birthday. After such a hectic year, we were glad to take it easy the past two weeks of the year and enjoyed quality time at home, playing with the new toys, baking cookies, and resting. 

What an eventful (and exhausting) year it has been for us. But it also was filled with lots of fun adventures, challenges, big milestones, and mostly love and laughter. We made plenty of memories and started new traditions. Now, we look confidently towards 2017 and even though we don't know what the coming year will bring for us, we will welcome it with open arms. I'm pretty sure, it will be exciting. So stay tuned!