Goodbye 2017

This will be the last post for 2017.  I was reflecting back over 2017 this week.  It hasn't been a remarkable year, but by far not the worst year we have ever experienced either.  Our kids are such a blessing to our lives.  The fact that they are growing up, making adult decisions and taking charge of their lives gives us a weird combination of happiness and sadness.  I recently was talking with friends about how this is an odd season of life. Finding new balances. Things were sure easier when we could just ground them and send them to their rooms.   I am glad to go through it though, as  my struggles are joyous ones in a world that isn't always joyous.  

The younger crowd (and Mallory) have really been enjoying the break.   Since Cameron had surgery and has been in a little discomfort, he maybe hasn't enjoyed it as much.   Colin was home for a few days, but had to return to Manhattan to work.  It has been too cold to do much outside playing.  Just getting chores done is all the outside time we can tolerate.   We have had fun playing games inside together.  Preston and Quincy set up dominoes and utilized them to do all sorts of things including successfully turning off the light switch. 

For the past 6-7 years we have built a gingerbread house.  We are not good at this activity.  This year was no exception.  The kids fondly refer to it as our annual gingerbread crack shack.  Saige doesn't care what it looks like. She just could not wait to break it and eat it.  

Quincy and Preston have both had basketball practices.   I was a little surprised to see Quincy come out carrying her coat.  It is 3*.  Literally.  By the time we got home, she decided she was cooled off.  (Insert eye roll).  

In addition to the group photos, Mallory also took these.  I think they turned out amazing!  

It has been so cold that we have these amazing ice sculptures compliments of the goats!  

Cameron is doing much better.  He feels well enough that he is spending his New Year's Eve working as a designated driver for the bar in Overbrook.  Colin has to work at his bar.  Preston is going to a party with his friends. Mallory and the little girls had decided we would stay home and have snacks and watch movies.  It is good that they didn't make big plans because both Harper and Jim are sick.  I'm bleaching stuff and spraying Lysol in hopes that no body else catches it.   We almost made it through the holidays without getting the crud.  Almost!  Maybe next year!