As John and I reflected back a few days ago, he did remind me that we had fun at the beginning of 2014. There was our trip to Disney World with the girls in Feb.
We had an amazing trip to Mexico sans children.

We went to North Carolina to visit family.

We went to Kansas City to see the Dodgers who are like family.

John rightly pointed out that for several months in a row, we did something really fun for almost a week of each month. The fun didn't totally dry up in July, but it definitely stayed more local after that. We all survived Lily starting kindergarten.
We had fall fun and visited several pumpkin patches and had an adorable Bug Squad for Halloween.


Things were made pretty crazy by the addition of another newborn in our life - a second restaurant to call our own. The pursuit and takeover of the second store have taken an enormous amount of time and attention - especially from John. Things have gone remarkably well, and we are so grateful, but we certainly look forward to re-balancing our family and work lives.

I made a LOT of cookies this year - to the tune of over 1,200. I have loved it, but I will likely take on a few less in the new year, because there are only so many hours in the day.

We survived the twins' first full year and ushered in their full-blown toddler hood.
Lily and Bella turned 5 and 4 and are growing into themselves all the time.
Obviously, looking back through the pictures makes me feel nostalgic and thankful. 2014 has brought so much good, and I thank the Lord for his overwhelming graciousness towards our family. Even the hard is good, though I never wish for it. Though we are tired and aged and ready for a realignment of life, we wouldn't change what it brought. We've been given so many gifts. They come with a lot of responsibility that we don't take lightly, but they are good gifts.
So - adios, 2014. We are looking forward to whatever 2015 holds and praying that the Lord gives us more of his heart for people and himself.