year in review, part one

This year has been super crazy wonderful and life changing. Our biggest change was moving from Florida, where we lived for ten years, to Michigan in June. Driving across the country with a haul, two kids and a cat was actually more fun than I thought it would be, and being able to see parts of the country I’ve never seen before was awe inspiring. On a blogging note, I really worked hard to learn my way and find out who I was and where this space was going. I grew from 238 readers to almost 1700 and I am grateful every day to YOU for showing up and reading what I have to say. I’m inspired and challenged and pushed to be better daily because of you and I am honored. Truly. On that note, let’s take a look back, shall we?

January was our last in Florida, or the last January a beach visit in short sleeves was possible in the dead of winter at least:) My days were filled with little boys who like to mop and play with trucks, and occasionally wear mama’s heels (I have more pictures to torture him with later in in life as well. Ha!) My husband deployed for a coupe of months over the holidays and at the end of the month he finally came home to us. Seeing my babies run up to their daddy, as he strode in with his flight suit and bag slung over his shoulder is one of the most beautiful images from that month. He made it home safe and sound and our family was complete again.

Oh February, the month my baby turned FIVE and we surprised her with a trip to Disney World. She got to pick out a dress in the Princess store and eat in Cinderella’s castle and ride a zillion rides. I remember sitting with her, watching the fireworks at the exact moment of her birth and feeling so blessed to have the honor of being her mom and watching her grow.

Is it funny that March was the month I discovered Stitchfix (try it, it’s fun!) and also had a ball playing with different ways to create at home clip in extensions. It’s the little things that make me happy;)

Oh! And here’s to weekends away with husbands in Epcot and knowing that not only do you love each other passionately, but you also like this person, too? March had lots of date nights and a weekend away and time to reconnect. Love!

In April we spent time at the lake near our house (though now that I live near Lake Michigan, this lake looks pretty puny!) Spring in Florida is warm and pretty amazing, I think I may miss swimming and reading lakeside in a bikini in the coming months.

May was an insane travel month for us (er, minus that cross country move!) We went to Disney one last time since it was so close and ended up having a crazy week from hell with Tropical Storms and super sick kids and the like. It also brought a side trip to Tampa, my kids’ first Red Sox game, and learning the fun of screaming like a girl with my son on roller coasters. I may have even bought out half of Ikea on a side trip mission that ended up being the highlight of the trip. Score;)

June! The month we packed up and said goodbye to our home of five years and family we love dearly and began our journey. I have to say, this trip with my family was so special and taught me that in the end, having them to love is all I need. Experiencing new things and seeing my children as they saw the mountains of North Carolina, the caves of Kentucky, catching fireflies in Indiana and exploring this gorgeous country of ours was….enthralling. This journey brings a smile to my face when I think about it, and despite the exhaustion of it all, I would do it again.

Did I mention that all you need to pack for a month out of a suitcase is maxi skirts and cotton tanks? See above for examples;)

Here’s to the end of June, where we arrived in our new hometown and met up with long lost friends and rekindled relationships and fell in love with our surroundings. Michigan is better than I ever imagined and has made us happier than ever. Who could ask for anything more?

Part two, tomorrow!

meaganrigney