Memories, Dreams and Reflections

I saw this on a friends blog and thought it was a great way to review the year in pictures. I hope you enjoy!

Me. (And the hubby)

I Love You...

My mom and my best friend. I Love Love Love you!

Still Laughing.

We took the kids ice skating for the first time this year, they did pretty well staying on their feet.  Guess Russ should've taken notes.  And yes...he was even using one of the PVC walkers and still fell.  To his defense he was trying to hockey stop - a very challenging thing to learn!

Winter Wonderland.

My angel making a snow angel.

Birthday.

Bennett's 3rd birthday. Baseball themed. Do you notice the inch long gash on his forehead? In addition to celebrating his big day, he also got to visit the ER when he ran into the corner of the wall playing basketball with a new over the door hanging hoop that we had JUST bought him. No stitches, just glue and a very memorable day.

Friends.

Girlfriends, need I say more. These two are inseparable at daycare.

I Was Inspired.

I had the privilege of getting away for the weekend with some amazing girls to scrapbook. This is the beach view from the house we rented ON lake Michigan. It was inspiring to say the least, and helped get our creative juices flowing too!

Spring Fever.

I took this picture as soon as our weeping cherry tree started to bloom this year. Its the most beautiful sign of spring and I look forward to the whitest white blossoms every spring.

Travel or Vacation.

This was Benn hamming it up with grandma's hat while we were in Traverse City.  Just trying to make people laugh, and it worked. Sun and smiles make for a great vacation!

Summer Days.

Or the "Dog Days of Summer."  Our kids (and dog) spend a lot of time in the kiddie pool this summer. Note to self...may need bigger pool next year. :)

A Day in My Life.

The loves of my life.  This is what we do, we play, we're silly, and we have fun. 

All Smiles :)

This was earlier in the year when we stayed in GR for the weekend. Just a mini vacation get away with the kids. The kids have so much fun staying at hotels.  Here Benn and I are just being silly. His smile is upside down, but I think it still qualifies for a SMILE.  :)

Autumn.

The kids and I playing in the leaves.  It was so sunny this fall day that we had a hard time getting a good picture that wasn't too shadowy.  Thank to my mom for capturing this moment for us.

Family or Home.

My family. The ones I love more than anything on Earth, and the ones I could never live without.

Celebrate.

I became an Aunt for the first time, twice this year. That's a reason to celebrate! Lucas was born in August and is truly a miracle.

Let's Do It Again.

Having fun on the water slides. Another one of our fun weekend trips. The water was freezing, but it didn't stop the kids from diving right in, again and again.

I Miss You.

My cousin Kris. Our cousins Matt and Kristina and their families traveled from GA and FL to see us this year and we so much fun.  We're hoping to make the trip to see them in 2012. It was so good seeing them and their little ones.

Beautiful.

Is there anything more beautiful or precious than a newborn?  I had the honor of taking this darling's picture just days after coming home.  Probably the most beautiful picture in 2011.

Dress Up.

My kids on Halloween. How appropriate right? This year, Avah was a ballerina and Benn was a baseball player. Very suiting (and not a big surprise) if you've ever met my kids. :)

My Favorite.

My girl on top of the world. Well...actually she's climbing on the playground.  I love the clouds and her confidence shining through in this photo.

Don't EVER Change.

I love this picture because it captures such a special moment.  The innocence, curiosity, and amazement of the kids in this picture are just the sweetest thing.  Wish they could stay this age forever.

Just Because So THERE!

2011 was a big year. Something that made it especially big was when Russ graduated in November. He's worked so hard to earn his bachelor's degree. I'm so proud of him.  Good job babe!

Hopes and Dreams For 2012.

This is Benn...surprised? Probably not. Benn's love for baseball and his excitement for the game are something that I hope stay with him forever.  In 2012 I hope for another healthy happy year full of great family memories. Honestly, I dream of making time stand still. I love my life, quite honestly I often feel like I don't deserve all the blessings God has blessed us with. More than anything, I want time to stand still. I know this is unrealistic, so I'm dreaming of taking thousands of pictures in 2012 so that I can look back and remember every important moment that the future has in store for us.