2014 in Photos

I thought I would post a year in photos, since I have become the world's worst blogger. 2014 was a year of many firsts and a few lasts too. On the whole, it was a good year. If you ask me, it's been a bit of an exhausting year too. In know a busy life is expected and even normal with seven -- well six now (mostly) children at home, but there are a lot of days where I want to scream, "stop the world!! I want to get off for awhile!" As December of this year dawned, I began to think a lot of how to make changes to keep ahead of this crazy life we live. Ugh! I'd be happy with maybe just some catching up with things at home. January, February, and March are looking like they will be quieter months -- or I'm hoping so anyway. I have some thoughts that I am going to try and put into practice. Maybe, just maybe, I will even find some time to blog about them.

January

A quiet month with lots and lots of snow provided hours of outdoor fun.

February

 A ski trip for five of us. Two were off with friends so only three of us are in this through-the- window photo. This was the first time skiing for Beans.

 Tubing fun with friends.

And lots more snow. I remember thinking the snow days would never end!

March

The Engineer and I did get a break from the snow though when I was able to accompany him on a business trip to New Orleans, Louisiana. I think it's my third, or maybe even fourth time accompanying him there, and it never gets old. It contains such interesting history, architecture, art, and people! Oh, and the food it great too!

The view from our hotel room window.

April

 A day that was warm enough for a fire,

 and to hang wash on the line,

 despite the fact that snow could still be found (and made into snowmen) in the shadowy places.

 Heading out to a masquerade.

Yuck! More snow!

But don't despair, by Easter it was warm and sunny again.

May

 First piano recitals for two girls.

Prom. (These two are actually dating now.)

June

One very sick black lab and his concerned fur brother.

Chaperoning a grade 8 class trip.

 A grade school graduation.

A high school graduation.

July

A beach day and

a beautiful sunset for Canada Day.

Our first camping trip since we grew our family.

Swim meet season begins again. First time for Bella! Possibly a last time for Peach and Beans.

August

 H and Bub, sharing their faith journey while our pastor looks on.

 A first cottage vacation up north. What a relaxing week!!

Dropping our first born off for his first year of university.

September

 Another one off to high school.

 All the grade schoolers are in full time! Woo hoo!

Back to the university for the Investiture service for Bub's dorm.

October

 Thanksgiving weekend. A time for family portraits, and a first time home for Bub.

 A Sunday afternoon walk in our back bush on one of the most glorious autumns that I can recall.

We've never done Halloween, but that doesn't stop my high schoolers from dressing up when given the opportunity. Peach is Ariel from the Little Mermaid and Beans is a flapper.

November

 A chilly family leaf clean up day yielded lots of fun despite the cold.

 The death of the 21.5 year old family car.

A mid November snowfall lead to some winter fun -- for the pug at least.

December

 And suddenly it was Christmas Day!

The six girls playing restaurant in the basement. *Sigh!* What else is there to do when you have no snow!?

Wishing you all a great 2015!! God bless!