Now I know that I have a blog, a facebook page, a digital camera and a fantastic memory, but I've been thinking about doing this recap for a few weeks now. I keep reading others' blogs with their reviews of the past year and I LOVE them. I love the condensed version of 365 days. It feels like something important for me to do in a way-to look back and remember. Here goes:
January
The year began in Oklahoma City where Grant and I met up with Marianna and Nate to take in the epic Flaming Lips concert. It. Was. Amazing. I couldn't think of a better way to have run in the last year of the decade. After a night's stay in OKC, Mern and Nate followed us back to Wichita for a longer weekend of painting walls, watching movies, sleeping it...it was a continuation of the epic-ness.
Perhaps the biggest event of the year that feels like the smallest change in retrospect was the entrance of Abi into the Mankin residence. After months of prayer and consideration, the three of us made the decision to cohabitate. It has been a year now and I say it doesn't feel like much of a big change because it's all felt very natural to have a third party in our home. Abi being here has meant a two-way easing of finances for the Mankins and Abs, a sharing of meal-cooking, extra love and walking and letting outside of the dogs, sitting at a table and breaking bread, praying and fellowshipping with another, having a buddy for me to watch "Brothers and Sisters" with, a best friend to laugh and cry with and the addition of a sister into Grant's life and mine. I'll admit that when I say anything about having a roommate I frequently get looked at like I'm crazy, but it's been the best decision Grant and I have made all year!
I forgot to mention that with Abi came Truman-a rescued lab-terrier-bearded-muppet. We love him for many reasons, but maybe most of all because of how much Dakota loves him!
This is a picture of our "Very Duggar Party." To celebrate the marriage of the eldest Duggar to his bride, we put on our best digs, teased and sprayed our bangs, baked muffins and tater casserole and spent the evening with friends.
In February, Grant and I went to see Ryan Adams and the Cardinals on their farewell tour. Sighh....it was amazeballs. Such a great night!
In March, Grant turned 26! His kids and their parents organized a surprise birthday party for him...
...and it worked! Surprise!
In March, we began our Couples Match through Big Brothers Big Sisters with our new little brother. I couldn't even begin to explain how fulfilling the last 9 months with our little guy have been! He's so precious and we're so glad that we invest the time into him that we do.
In March, I took a quick weekend trip to Justin where the fam was gathered. It was a mega-quick visit, but it was LOVELY!
Jenna came to visit in April!
In May, we were given the gift by our dear, dear, dear friends, of a flight in this plane to Kansas City and a night's stay on the plaza. It was PERFECT.
If I may, I handled the flight like a champ :) No tears or illness!
I had some nice distractions
We began June with a drab, dirty, uninsulated kitchen...
No comments:
Post a Comment