2021 seemed to have gone by so fast. We had some good adventures as well as some setbacks just like any other year. The best thing that happened this year was welcoming Brooklyn into our family. She has definitely kept us on our toes and changed our lives for the better. This year has been a lot of fun as always. Everyone has accomplished so much this year and we have grown from all the fun times we have had together.
The year did not start out that great with all of us getting COVID-19 in the first week. We were all quarantined for 2 weeks and could not go anywhere. Thankfully though, the sickness did not turn out to be that bad for us. It was mostly like a bad cold. It did take a toll on us mentally though because we were cooped up in the house. House-a-tosis is real! We all got better just in time for Logan's birthday and baptism in February.
Logan turned 8 years old and made the wonderful choice to be baptized. His baptism was a little different than what we were used to. We were the only ones that attended the baptism. Due to Covid restrictions, everyone else got to watch and participate virtually through Zoom. This was good but also a little sad because it didn't seem like we had any family support. I guess the important thing is that the ordinance was performed though. Colby and Emily also got to participate by being the witnesses. That was a cool experience for them. Logan is a great kid. He tries so hard at everything he does. He is such a happy kid and so friendly. He loves meeting new people and making friends.
In March, Colby turned 10. I can't believe we have another kid in the double digits! Colby had an amazing year as well with lots of accomplishments. He shot his first pheasant with Russell in February and thought he was so cool. He is our sports kid. He loves baseball, football, and basketball and is improving in all of these sports each year. He is also doing well in school. Every parent teacher conference his teachers rave on how well he is doing. That is good because he never brings home homework so I never know what he should be doing.
Also in March I was able to cross an item off my bucket list and donated my hair to charity. Charlotte and Emily also donated their hair to charity and we all came home with short hair cuts!
In April, Brooklyn joined our family. This little girl has been a delight in our home. She is the miracle baby we didn't know we needed. She has definitely filled a void in my life and I love her so much. Brooklyn is growing up too fast though. She is already almost 9 months old! She is just learning to army crawl and gets around as much as she likes.
Brooklyn was blessed in May on Mother's Day. This was a perfect day for it. Due to Covid most of the family decided to watch virtually again but it was nice to have grandparents and Russell's family attend in person.
June and July was full of fun new adventures. Our family took two big trips this year. Our first trip was to Texas. This was the first time any of the kids had flown in an airplane. They loved the new experience and want to go on an airplane again soon. While we were in Texas we visited with Traci, and met our new niece, Olivia. We also did a little sight seeing by going to Tyler State Park, Gators & Friends zoo, The Dallas Aquarium, and The Stockyards in Fort Worth. This was a really fun trip. There were so many things to see and do though that we definitely need to go back again.
Our next trip was to the Sawtooth Mountains in Stanley, Idaho. This trip was definitely an adventure. First we lost our dog, then we finally found Truly and we were so happy. In between losing and finding our dog, we did a lot of kayaking, hiking, and sight seeing. This is a beautiful area. It is always nice to find new areas to go camping. The Sawtooths are full of great camping areas, mountain bike and hiking trails, and there are multiple lakes to fish or kayak in. There is something for everyone to enjoy. We just might go back here as well.
Russell and I also celebrated our 15 year anniversary. It seems like yesterday we got married!
In August school started again for the kids. This year all of the Covid restrictions of the last two years were lifted. School has gone back to normal. While cleaning and sanitizing measures are still made (which is good), the kids are no longer required to wear masks and they do not have to sit far apart anymore. It is so nice to get back to normal. We are even back to normal church and most of the temples have reopened (with some restrictions). This year Emily has started her first year in 7th grade at South Cache. She loves her classes and is enjoy band class. She is meeting new friends and learning so much. She has had two band concerts already and has done amazing. Colby started 5th grade and his favorite part of school is recess. He plays football or soccer every day and comes home with grass stains on all of his knees. I tell him to knock it off but he tells me that if he didn't slide and dodge, he would not be playing to the best of his ability. Logan is in 3rd grade this year and is learning a lot. He is working hard on memorizing all of his multiplication facts and getting better at writing. He also loves playing with his friends at recess. Charlotte started her first year of Preschool. She LOVES school!
In September, Charlotte and Emily had their birthdays. Charlotte turned 5 and now can do everything. She has learned to write her name, tie her shoes, and even read. She doesn't quite love reading yet but she can do it. She is our sassy child and thinks everything should be her way or the highway.
Emily turned 13 and became an official teenager! Where has the time gone? She is becoming an amazing young lady. She is so pretty and beautiful. For her birthday she got a new mountain bike. She has already broken it in on the trails up here and in St. George. She has even officially had her first wreck on the Bear Poppy trail. Her little dog Truly has grown quite attached to all the family. I have to say that she is part of the family and goes everywhere with us.
Russell also accomplished one of his goals this year. In September he participated in the Lotoja bike race. He participated as part of a team with his friends from the fire department. He was able to ride 50 of the 204 mile trek. Nice job!
October started the fun fall season in Cache Valley. The boys participated in flag football, we planned our Halloween costumes, and even got our first snow fall of the year. Russell and I also planned an epic Red Ribbon week for the elementary.
November and December were full of holiday activities. We traveled to St. George twice and came home with sicknesses both times. We rode a train to the North Pole to see Santa and spent a lot of time at the basketball court. Christmas was good and we loved seeing Brooklyn's reaction to her first Christmas. It also finally turned winter! Over the last two weeks we have had multiple snow storms and finally got our snow. The kids have loved sledding and trying out their new snowboards.
Unfortunately, we ended the year just as we started it by being sick... This time though it was the pukes instead of a cold. We are finally (fingers crossed) over it and are hoping to start the new year on a good note.
Goodbye 2021, it's been nice knowing ya.
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