2016 in Numbers

Maybe it's because we ended the year with a stomach bug, but I feel really really ready to leave 2016 in the past and move onto 2017. In between scrubbing the carpet and endless loads of laundry Joe and I managed to do a bit of recollecting on the past year, all the fun, the unforgettable, and the stuff I hope to forget sooner than later. I'm looking at you Declan and your near-death experiences.

2016 will go down in Craig history as the first year since becoming parents that Joe and I managed an overnight getaway - not once, not twice, but FOUR times. Why we waited so long I'll never know. It was also the first year since we've lived together that we didn't move at least once. Apparently we're a very nomadic family. My five sisters and I were all in the same place at the same time for the first time in fifteen years. That's big news right there. 

On the other end of the spectrum 2016 marks the first year since becoming parents that we had to make a trip to the ER thanks to Declan and his bff the black widow. (Thankfully he wasn't actually bitten, but better safe than sorry). Declan also had to be heimliched by Joe when he nearly choked on a grilled cheese. At this rate I'll have a full head of gray hair by 2018. 

We traveled, we day tripped, we explored, and we adventured. We binge watched House of Cards, Game of Thrones, This is Us, and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. Ez played soccer for the first time and my tiniest little baby took his first steps. We spent lots of quality time with family and I hope one day Ez and Declan realize just how lucky they are to have such a loving and supportive network surrounding them. 

And, possibly most noteworthy of all, Joe and I got MARRIED!!! It was a day I'll never forget, and for that plus many other reasons 2016 will always hold a special place in my heart. 

That being said, I'm so ready for 2017. We don't have any grand plans for the year, but to quote Anne Shirley:

 I don't know what lies around the bend, but I'm going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend. I wonder how the road beyond it goes--what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows--what new landscapes--what new beauties--what curves and hills and valleys further on.

Hoping you all find delightful surprises beyond the bends in your roads. Happy New Year!