It would be really easy for me to simply declare this year the worst year ever. The last six months have been hell. At the same time, though, some pretty awesome stuff happened this year.
There was a snow day where I prepared to be trapped in the house for days. I think we were stuck for less than 12 hours.
Henry turned 4 and had an awesome Spider-Man party.
Mom Prom was a blast!
I chaired the first ICRA Spring Seminar.
Linc turned one and had a cowboy party!
Easter was really fun with the boys.
I went to Phoenix with two great friends and got a killer tattoo!
^^ Not this one ^^
^^ This one! ^^
We planted flowers.
Sammy turned two and had an Elmo party.
I had these fun pics taken that weekend for Mother's Day.
Mom and I had an awesome day of shopping for my birthday and went to a painting class.
We had our June convention in Des Moines, so I got to hang out with my pals!
We spent an amazing July 4th with my parents and went to Oakland for fireworks.
Dave and I enjoyed a weekend away in Kansas City while my parents spent a long weekend with the boys. I am so thankful for that weekend now, since it was the last time the boys got to spend with my dad.
I had a great time shopping in Williamsburg, getting yelled at by a drag queen in Cedar Rapids, and eating pizza at Pizza Haus.
So then everything went to hell. The thing is, my dad always told me to have fun. He walked me down the aisle at my wedding, hugged me, and then said, Have fun. So even though life went to crap, I've tried my best to have fun. And even when it was forced, it made me feel better.
So I went to Nashville like I had planned.
We took the boys camping.
I rode 25 miles in the HyVee Triathlon and ended up on the local news.
I split a drink with one of my best friends, busted a lady making out with someone young enough to be her son in a parking lot, and was gently reminded that math is not my strong suit.
And who can forget this crazy weekend!
I took my kids to every pumpkin patch and orchard I could find.
I flew first class.
So even though I had to sell my horse, put my dog to sleep, lost my dad and my grandma, and gained 25 pounds, maybe this year wasn't so bad after all. I have two of the most amazing women in the whole wide world as my best friends, two beautiful crazy little boys, and as my mom pointed out, I'm pretty good at losing weight. So 2014, let's do this. Happy New Year.
