14 Special Memories from 2018

Back, finally, for a 14 Things Friday post!!! I have had little to no desire to blog lately, but I have a few fun ideas in my mind for this year and a new computer to type things up on so NO EXCUSES!!!!

Before we get too far into 2019 I want to share some of my favourite memories of 2018. Next week I will do the opposite (?!) and share 14 things I am looking forward to in 2019. Spoiler: At least one of these will be about books ;)

2018 was such a great year for our little family. It wasn't for everyone, I know, including some of my family and very close friends, so I have felt that heartache for them. It wasn't a wonderful year for me in terms of reaching goals, journaling, exercising, or establishing good habits, but I did read a lot of book and I feel like I really cemented some important friendships and relationships in my life including those with my children. This was my first entire calendar year working part-time and I really enjoyed it and got into a decent rhythm at times. I also over-committed myself at times because I was "only working" 3 days a week so I filled up my evenings and weekends at times. I plan to create a bit more balance and work on different forms of self-improvement this year instead.

We made a lot of great memories, including:

1) Making some forever friends - a family with wonderful adults who I adore and so does my husband and whose children are my girls' kindred spirits :) We had so many lovely moments with this family and I am beyond grateful that we met them and got to know each other.

2) A magnificent family reunion with my mom's extended family at a cottage resort in Cape Breton - so nice to see so many family members (around 150!) and gather together

3) A perfect family vacation in PEI complete with a waterpark, meeting Anne of Green Gables, seeing Anne & Gilbert (the romantic musical), lots of Cows Ice Cream, and a used bookstore trip on my birthday

4) Two at-home birthdays, one for a four year old complete with painting and crafts and other 4 year olds and one beanie boo adoption party for a seven year old sweetheart :)

5) Lots of time spent with grandparents and my niece including a camping trip

6) Many relaxing moments and increased flexibility at yoga all year

7) Three more semesters of French courses leading up to a break this semester

8) Reading 200 books and embracing audiobooks to keep me company during mundane tasks as well as reading Harry Potter aloud to my family (I won't mention this again, I promise! lol)

9) Brian 3D printing like a total maniac - he is completely obsessed but also so happy with his purchase and his success

10) Buying a new car which we named Sirius Black :)

11) All of the holidays - Valentines Day, St. Patrick's Day, Easter, Canada Day, Halloween, and Christmas - these were all so special with our girls at this age

12) Hours and hours spent at the beaches in total bliss this summer

13) My girls really embracing playing with each other kindly FOR the most part and enjoying each other's company so that I can leave them be when I need to

14) The girls' summer running season and all their success at soccer as well as Molly learning how to stepdance.

A few honorable mentions: Molly learning to ride a bike, Lucy being obsessed with singing and performing, and being able to attend several Neptune Theatre shows including Shakespeare in Love and Mamma Mia (and Cinderella next week!)

Here's to another incredible year! We are in the "sweet spot" of parenting and I am loving it, overall!!