Happy New Year!

Yes, I know I'm a little late to the party wishing everyone a happy new year in mid-March.  Instead of repeated apologies for my lazy blogging I will just dive right into getting you caught up...

The year 2012 began just as every year before it had for me...with my birthday.  Last year I celebrated my big 3-0.  "Celebrated" may not be the best word choice.  I vaguely recall being curled up in the fetal position under the covers in bed, waiting for my AARP card to arrive in the mail.  Dramatic, I know.  As my days as a twenty something were fleeting I focused on all of the things that I wanted to accomplish before the 30 year roadblock but hadn't done so.  In my head I had this chore list that had met its deadline and I'd ultimately came up short on.  I did not welcome my 30s with open arms.

This year though, I met 31 with a fresh perspective.  I've decided to make this a year of growth, both personally and professionally.  There are areas in my life where I need to get off the bench and start playing.  I'm ready to get off the bench.  I'm ready to challenge myself more, trust myself more, and pick on  myself less.  Oh, and pick up a racquet and play tennis again (because that one's still on the chore list).  So, cheers to my 30s!  I will do my best to make sure they rock.  We will reconvene again in nine years when I'm staring down 40.

Now on to the pictures...In January we spent a week in Arizona on a family vacation with my in-laws.  It was a fantastic trip for two reasons, 1) it just was, and 2) we missed that ONE week of cold weather back in Minnesota that actually made it feel like winter this year.  Here are some pictures from our trip, which included hiking in the desert, horseback riding, rodeos, a trip to Tombstone, cowboy hats, whips, and shootouts with cap guns.  And thanks to my husband's uncle and aunt for their generous hospitality.  They invited eleven of us into their home for a week and didn't even threaten to kick us out once!

Enjoy!

My little toothless wonder

There are some things not mentioned in the what-to-expect-while-you're-raising-your-children handbook. Things that are obviously included in the package deal, because you yourself experienced them as a child, but are oblivious to the fact that you'll get to experience them again one day in a different capacity. That realization smacked me in the face when Sydney had her first "wiggly" tooth. Oh ya, she is going to have to lose her baby teeth to get her big teeth...and she might need some help doing that. I wanted to run and hide. The thought of looking into those eyes full of fear induced tears was one I'd rather avoid. Perhaps answering the question of "will it hurt" with "probably a little" wasn't the most comforting response. But isn't honesty the best policy? Parents everywhere will answer that with a resounding "No!".

So here we are, five missing teeth later. A proud girl showing off her gappy grin. She just keeps growing and I keep learning. I'm discovering that as your children grow the experiences associated with the "firsts" change.  They are not all easy breezy. In fact, some of them are downright exhausting! The thrill of hearing your child say their first word doesn't come with the same anxiousness as watching their first successful ride on a bike. Regardless of the new first we're celebrating though, the size of my smile remains a constant. :)