Our Christmas Card/ 2016 Summary

~Our 2016 Family Christmas Card~

This year for us has flown by incredibly fast. On the one hand, I feel like we just barely left New York, and on the other hand I have a hard time remembering that the first half of our year we still lived there! 

For Travis, 2016 was a BIG year; he finally graduated Medical School. On top of that, all his hard work was rewarded with receiving a 3yr residency position here in Iowa; this means we officially made it, and the risk is gone! Travis traded in his 30min walk through Brooklyn for a 7 min walk in the small town of Mason City. He has done an exceptional job balancing extreme work loads with enough family time that we don't feel left behind. He had 5 weeks off (first break in 4years) where we hiked, boated, camped, partied, played, barbecued, played ball and vacationed with all his friends and family. In residency he is constantly a favorite no matter what rotation he is on, sweet talked his way into a helicopter ride, has already received some job offers, and continues to fulfill his callings at church.  Next year hopes: That it goes by quickly. To Sign on with a job. Buy a House. Buy a jeep. 

For me, 2016 afforded me the opportunity to play to different parts of my personality; in New York I got to dress up every day and always participate in some new event! I felt very cultured and blessed with everything around me. Here, I have the incredible opportunity to watch my kids grow, I mean truly grow. I Love the daily routine we are in, from going to the gym each morning, to snuggles/singing the boys to bed each night. I love the simplicity of raising a family in the midwest and I love leaving behind all the politically corrects ways you should live back in New York. Next year hopes: To push myself to a new level of fitness. Become a more patient and kind mother. Hopeful expand our family(Not an announcement, just a want:) 

This year Maddix has learned to swim. He can officially ride his bike anywhere without help. Mastered tying his shoes. Loved the subway rides, museums, and ballgames. LOVES having a large group of friends. Is really liking kindergarten. Loved Football. Never wants to leave. Loves Pokemon and Star wars, and although he is so sassy and moody (like his mom), he has a kind heart and feels deeply for those around him. Next year hopes: Wants to get Mrs. Carper for 1st grade. No other thoughts for the new year.

Little Aaron Falco, or the Goof as he is affectionately called around here has turned from my toddler into a little boy. He does everything his brother does, and wants to be bigger! He loves classical music, going to the gym with me, baking in the kitchen, tackling people, teasing, and anything that involves mischief. He started Homeschool Preschool and has finally learned 1/2 his alphabet. He loves Paw Patrol and legos. He has a killer "Charlie Brown" dance that he does anytime he has to go to the bathroom. He no longer calls Maddix "Buddy," but does call him "Brudder" half the time. He is tough and tender all at the same time. We just registered him for a sports class, as well as for preschool in the fall!!! Why is he so big now?!?!?! Hopes for the New Year: Go back to New York. Go visit all our Grandma's. Play on sports teams. And to Love mommy! 

And our Nala, she loved the dog park back in New York, and now loves the field behind Maddix's school. She's getting older and it shows from her not wanting to play in the cold, her sleeping so deep she doesn't wake up to greet us at the door, and all the way to her constant need for cuddles and tummy rubs; she's still Travis's baby though, to the point that it's annoying!! 

~MoNtHlY HiGhLiGhTs~

January: Started the New Year off taking our friends around the City. Experiencing Storm Jonas! And going to Jimmy Fallon!

February: Going to WICKED for my birthday!! "Travis Week" in Chicago. And Valentines Day as a family.

March: Made it back to the beach, All out celebrated St. Patty's Day, Biggest thing of the month ...Found out we Matched/Where! Went to D.C., Virginia, and all over.

April: Had the in-laws out to visit and took them ALL around New York (including a Yankee's and Mets' Game!). Took a Hipster Family photo shoot. We said goodbye to our home and ward in New York:(

May: Travis GRADUATED Medical School! We visited our Utah family, vacationed in St. George, Visited our California family, and made it to Disneyland and the Beach! Picked up shifts at Chuck-a-rama. And Bought a New car!

June:  Travis's Brother Hike, lots of family time. Moved to Iowa!

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July: Moved into our home, visited The Mall of America, found peace at our "beach" over in Clear Lake. Residency began for Travis

August: Simpler days of bike riding, playing in the water, swim lessons, sports in the front yard, and running around with loads of new friends and camping in the backyard; this month was quintessential in making me feel like "real life" was starting. Also, Travis got to ride in a helicopter!

September: Maddix started Kindergarten! Aaron began homeschool Preschool. BYU Football season kicked off. Maddix had his first season of flag football:) Annual Apple Day. Annual I.T.L. A Pirate Day.

October: Began individual dates with the boys. Travis's residency hosted a festival. Maddix had a Pokemon Birthday. One Killer Halloween like when I was a kid! Beginning of a gorgeous fall.

November: The prettiest part of Fall! Tons of playing in the leaves! Went to Utah for Thanksgiving!

December: Took our letters to Santa out the Clear Lake Christmas Festival. Decorated our new home for our First Christmas in Iowa. Really felt centered on Christ this Christmas season; special thanks for LightTheWorld (a church sponsored project focusing on service). Coldest Winter we've ever experienced (currently -25 degrees F., but feels like -45)! Attended two of the Ritziest parties ever!