2018 Year in Review

Time to take a moment and reflect on the past year and all that we endured. I can say with a smile that 2018 was much more kind to our family than 2017 was and for that I am truly grateful!

2017 brought a lot of heartache, fear and fight, so when 2018 showed up and calmed everything down for a bit, we welcomed it with open arms.

So here's my little reflection of the Hill family's 2018 year (in no particular order):

As always we got to travel a bit in 2018. I went to Baltimore for a work trip. It was a quick one so I didn't get to see much of the area but I did enjoy some Maryland crab cakes and walk downtown Baltimore!  As a family we ventured to Riviera Maya again (per Trevor's birthday wish) and brought Klayton, my mom and my dad along. We enjoyed relaxing by the pool and seeing Isla Mujeres. Klay unfortunately had an odd, mysterious encounter with a jellyfish and Trevor ended the trip with a case of swimmers ear. But we still had so much fun! We rounded out the summer with our annual beach trip -- this time to Port A. There was still quite a bit of damage from Harvey last year, but it was still a good time beach side. We also did a little stay-cation and went camping Memorial Day weekend again with dear friends! Lots of fun, sun, cooking out and boating went on! Can't wait to do our third one this coming year!

Port Aransas - found a sand dollar

Riviera Maya - just a swinging

We had some BIG milestone birthdays happen this year! I turned the big 4-0! My family threw me a fabulous, sophisticated party (just what I wanted) with all my closest friends and family! It was fun to get all dressed up and sing my heart out to some karaoke with those I love!  Additionally, the twins turned 1 this year with a huge party, including a bounce house, pony rides, Libbie's Food truck and cake smashes! Plus Klayton, my nephew, turned 18! He's all grown and I can't believe he's that old! Feels like not too long ago we were celebrating his 1st with a pinata in the back yard! He also graduated high school and we are so proud of him for that. 2017 was a pivotal year and left us with worry about so many things. But God shined his grace and love and Klay is another generation of Bowie High School graduates within our family.

Trevor turned 11 this year, so not a big milestone per say, but he did graduate 5th grade (elementary school) and start 6th grade (middle school) this year! He's got a locker and 7 different classes and teachers, plus he's riding the bus to and from school now! He's adjusted well and we've only had a few issues with forgetting to turn in work and such. They are required to choose a fine art and he chose band. He's becoming a pretty good trumpet player, picking it up quite easily and already comfortable giving little mini concerts to those who haven't been able to attend his school concerts.
He practices daily at home, without much coaxing from us and it's not as bad as I imagined it to be! He did another season of Spring Baseball (pitching numerous games), continued Parkour and loves his dog RJ like a true brother. In 5th grade Trevor and I got to spend the night in the Houston Museum of Natural Science which was lots of fun! That field trip also had a visit to Galveston beach for some fun habitat learning.

Justin is still with his same employer, taking care of the estate and ranch of his boss. He's enjoying the relaxed nature of the job (no office, annoying co-workers or nagging bosses to worry about) but the daily grind and physical labor is sometimes wearing on the body. It definitely wore out his little truck, so in Spring 2018 we searched around and got Justin his dream truck! An extended full cab Chevy Silverado 4x4. It's a 2013 but in great shape. He's already been planning out all the accessories he slowly wants to add to it. He's worked hard and totally deserved a new-to-him ride!

I'm still at Texas Workforce Commission on the Early Education Quality Initiatives team for WF Policy. It's a bit much for explaining when people ask what I do. But I'm just proud to say that I celebrated 2 years here working with the state of Texas as we try to help child care and the children of Texas have access to quality care and education. It's a huge undertaking and it keeps me busy, on my toes and learning every day! Additionally, I helped coordinate the fundraising efforts for the HarperStrong team again for the LLS Light the Night walk. We came in #1 again, raising over $23,000 - all thanks to people like you and your support of Harper and others fighting this horrible disease. Harper was the honored hero this year, which led me to give a speech at the kick-off luncheon AND the walk! It was truly my honor to be her voice and our family's representative. I also did quite a bit of crafting this past year at the local Board and Brush. Tons of fun and new decor for the house! Also to continue my now tradition of concerts near my birthday a big group of us ventured to San Antonio for the Journey/Def Leppard concert. It was AWESOME!

Speaking of Harper, she's doing great! She got to come home from her 8 month hospital stay January 20, 2018. So we started the year off celebrating big! You can always follow her story on her Caring Bridge website or within her Facebook group. She's still in remission and will finish her oral chemo maintenance regimen in June 2019. She and Cruz are growing like weeds and becoming toddlers full of spunk and personality. God truly blessed us when he graced us with her! She has brought so much to our lives in more than her presence.

Well that's pretty much our year. Again, we are blessed to have so much to celebrate this year. It wasn't all sunshine and roses all the time, but we were definitely graced with no huge blows. My parents celebrated a year at their "final home" in San Marcos and my mom's cancer is also still gone, while my dad enjoys working from home. My dad's mom passed away this year at age 95, but thankfully my dad was able to be with her and we got to talk to her on the phone. Sarah and Nick moved back from Oregon and are actively looking for a place to permanently call home. Justin's family is good as well. We enjoy our special visits with his Grandma, Grandpa Jim and Uncle Mark. We're all healthy and thriving. It's all we've asked for.

We hope that if your 2018 was trying and hard that 2019 is kind. We hope that you know that we love you all and hope to see you more frequently, catch up and maybe toast a drink with you in 2019. Most of all we hope that the new year brings each of you all that you dream and aspire. It's the last before the 2020 decade! So let's make it count!!

Rising Up ..... and Walking!

I awoke today feeling a bit revitalized. Life has been busy for us all, moving us along the roller coaster ride of life. There are days I briefly forget all that has occurred in the past year. My Timehop app shows me the twins so tiny and new; figuring out this whole life thing with innocence and purity. I look at the photos and think "awh; that was before diagnosis." My heart sinks a little but then a smile re-emerges, as I think of Harper's strength and happiness. Her smile or laugh but mostly just that sweet, ever so slightly cocked-head stare with her big hazel eyes brings a feeling of rejuvenated hope, desire, and stride to my moment of "life's got me at my knees" weakness.  She epitomizes rising up and taking what God has given her with stride.

It made me start humming one of my favorite songs "Rise Up"

Sing/Hum it with me friends.......
"You're broken down and tired; Of living life on a merry go round
And you can't find the fighter; But I see it in you so we gonna walk it out
And move mountains; We gonna walk it out; And move mountains

And I'll rise up; I'll rise like the day; I'll rise up
I'll rise unafraid; I'll rise up
And I'll do it a thousand times again."

Every day we each rise, but do we rise up? Do we face the world head on or with our heads bowed down? Do we reach for that mountain top (or at least try) or grumble that the climb is too hard?  

Perhaps Harper's too young to know all of what has gone on around her, happened to her or that she was even the fighter she is, but every day she rises and I think, rises up! And now she's walking! All on her own here and there with that all familiar "toddle" or waddle as some would say. She falls every now and then but she rises again to try again! Something so simple as an infant learning to walk can bring such a renewed faith in the darkness of light; can remind us that she's still fighting even though all is well on the surface.

Harper had her last lumbar puncture last week and the doctors continue to find 0, null, none, no cancer cells in her tiny body! Though she got sick from her procedure and needed an IVIg she was calm and fearless through it all. Fast forward a week later and she's toddling around the house now, has officially stood up to her brother with a sweet kiss from her teeth (ouch!), survived her first cold (without fever - hallelujah) and is growing and developing just has she should! Her fight is far from over but right now things are about as typical and normal as they come for a family of twins! 

We prepare to celebrate their big brother's high school graduation, their first trip to the beach and enjoying a summer by the pool instead of in the hospital.  We still need those prayers and good wishes - keep those coming! And rise up with us, team Harperstrong. It's a beautiful day to take a walk!

Here's a video of her walking!

A Year in Review - 2017 Goodbye!

Each year I look back at what we accomplished, happened and lived through. Sometimes it's in a particular order, other times I'm lucky to get it all in there.  This year brought a lot to our little family and there were many times I said "2017 has sucked!" or "I cannot wait for 2017 to be over with!" and even, "If one more thing happens this year......"

Then I saw a post a friend shared that said "When you look back on 2017, don't think of it as a year of pain but a year of growth. You made it through each day. You should be proud of yourself. You are a better you, despite all the hardships. Take a deep breath and enter 2018 with hope and confidence."

This couldn't ring more true for me and our family.  So here's our 2017 in review:

January and February - 2017 rang in with a bang as we celebrated with my best friend in Hutto. (This new year's however we were struck with head colds and celebrated at home.)  January was a lot of planning and dreaming of what the year would bring. We celebrated the upcoming arrival of the Twins with a shower and photos of the beautiful mom (my sister Macee.) My mom was also diagnosed with breast cancer at her annual exam and immediately went through a biopsy and radiation treatment (into March). Thankfully she quickly went into remission and remains there.

March  - The twins were born! March 20, 2017 Cruz Allen and Harper Layke Couch arrived, just as Aunt Sarah and Uncle Nick had to leave for Oregon on their adventure. Baseball for Trevor and the Orioles began and photos galore.

April - More baseball and more baby loving. We headed to the Couch Ranch for Easter weekend and took advantage of the weather for the Twins official newborn shoot. Life with RJ continued to be interesting (chewing up all things - even a bed known to be indestructible!) Klayton turned 17 and my parents were fully moved into their new home in San Marcos.

May - Trevor ends his 4th grade year with Mrs. Roberson class at Barton Creek Elementary and his first year of Parkour classes. I got to go to St. Louis for a work trip and my mom joined me, so we can visit my Grandpa and Grandmama. We did a camping trip for Memorial Day that turned into a monsoon but still had fun!

June - Harper isn't feeling well which caused her to visit the Dr before their beach trip. At only 10 weeks old Harper is diagnosed with A.L.L. The whole family shifts and accommodates to help with hospital stays, watching Cruz and being with Klay. We still vacation to the Mayan Riviera later that month with Klayton.

July - Trevor turns 10! We celebrated at Austin Park and Pizza this year with a few close friends. Plus a trip to Rockin' River in Round Rock. RJ celebrated his "adopt-iversary" with us as well! HarperStrong2017 is truly kicking and orders are placed for t-shirts, decals, totes and more! I met a cast member of Teen Mom2 and Trevor learns to use a Stand Up Paddle Board!

August - We took our annual Surfside trip to enjoy the beach before Trevor starts 5th grade! He's in Mrs. Poole's homeroom and is now the "ruler" of the school! I can't believe he's in his last year at Barton Creek Elementary. He's been there since he was 6 months old!

September - Justin takes diabetes head on. After being diagnosed late August, as a family we are adjusting to eating a bit differently to accommodate Justin's new diet. He truly works hard at getting his blood sugars where he needs them to be. His goal is to manage it eventually without medication. I turned 39 and plan my birthday trip to Vegas.


October - Vegas here I come. With a few girlfriends I take a quick trip to see Britney Spears perform and enjoy a little time away for a belated gift to myself. I also celebrated one year with my new job at the State! Trevor dressed up like the Grim Reaper for Halloween and we hosted another Halloween bash complete with a Haunted Room for Trevor and some friends.  Halloween has become T's favorite holiday and each year he wants more elaborate things.

November - Life is busy with school, Parkour, the twins, photography and family. Since August, I led the HarperStrong2017 team to be the highest earning team in Austin for Light the Night donations and represented friends and family lanterns on stage.  It was amazing to feel all that good energy towards something so sad and scary as cancer is.  We celebrated Thanksgiving this year at the hospital in a quaint family room with all of the Couch family.

December - Life finally slows down and we spend the month doing family things and rejoicing in the season. From $5 movie nights to collecting for pet shelters to the Zilker Tree and Trail of Lights we do simple and fun festive activities (oh like Reindeer Games.) Harper's treatment has us thinking we'll be doing Christmas at the hospital, but she surprises us and is actually home.

The year ends on such a good note that 2018 doesn't feel so scary - wondering what might hit us. Harper will do her last round of treatment in January and be home for good we hope. Though our news of the year feels overwhelming in some months, it's all those little things added up that make it our year. It may not be "the BEST" we've had as a whole family, but it has been one that taught us about strength, faith, love, hope and determination. One that truly brought our family closer than it ever has been. One that will go down in the "record books" for us.  It made ME a better person I think in some shape or form. If anything it made me more appreciative of the life God gives us and to not take a day for granted.

So cheers to 2018! May it be full of life lessons and strength for us all...... but honestly let's leave cancer out of it this year ---- please!

We Lit the Night

Last night the HarperStrong team walked in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light the Night Walk and boy did we represent.  With a walking team of over 60 people and raising over $20,000 Harper was proudly honored!

As I walked to the stage to be introduced as the person representing all the supporters in the crowd (aka Red lanterns) I became flooded by emotions. It reminded of the day I graduated college as I remember having some what of the same feeling.  My eyes welled up with tears, my body felt weak and my heart literally felt as though it would burst. Not from being scared, but from being so PROUD.  I don't even know if it was self pride, for either of these moments, but just pride in what had been accomplished. It was the overwhelming feeling of energy in the place. Like I could feel ever emotion that was happening.  The grief and celebration of life in remembering those lives lost. The hope and faith in honoring those fighting the battle. The love and strength of those supporting others who endure the journey with the fighter.  It all rushed over me; through me.  I literally was bursting with pride for everyone! Not just my team for coming together and raising so much money for needed research and support or the fact that  we were #1 or 60 deep with our banner carried by our smallest supporters or even that I as team captain got to be recognized on stage for all of these things. It was pride to be there for Harper! To honor her with such accolade and power.

Every time someone said 'thank you for all you do', I had to remind them it wasn't me, but YOU. The team raised the funds. The team reached out and spread Harper's word across the country. The team came tonight to walk in the cold and wind. I just facilitated some coordination. YOU did the "dirty work."  I THANK YOU!

I know where my love for Harper stems. I've loved her the moment I knew she was going to be here; even more the moment I saw my sister's face as the gender was revealed; even more when I held her in my arms the day after she was born; and if it's even possible EVEN more the day she was diagnosed. For you all to love her is amazing..... to know she is loved by you is uplifting. It's what got me through the doubts and fears those first few weeks of her diagnosis. YOU all came in so fast with that love, sending prayer after prayer, good thoughts and well wishes, physical hugs and support, day after day!

I created HarperStrong2017 to honor Harper forever but also because it was how I knew I could physically give back. I felt helpless and I knew that I needed to channel my fear and my need to help somewhere. You all responded in joining me; reading the Caring Bridge, joining our Facebook group, purchasing Harper gear, giving blood, donating meals, joining our Light the Night team, shopping our Kendra Gives Back and raising money in Harper's honor!

Perhaps that was one of the emotions washing over me last night -- STRENGTH. The feeling of knowing I can make a difference -- WE MADE A DIFFERENCE!

Thank you for that. I know that may not have been your intent; you said "I just wanted to help." You did - not just for Harper or honoring her journey and battle, but for me as well.  There are no true words to describe the gratitude one feels when you witness the impact of what I thought would be "just organizing a group to raise awareness and money" would have on me.   I know that my family feels the same way.  We cannot say THANK YOU enough..... to forever know that we will not journey this alone made the difference.

Though this moment of raising funds and being an official team has come to an end, I know that our team remains just as "powerful." Again, Thank you for supporting us in all the ways you have, whether you meant to or knew you where even making such an impact, you did.

Way to go #harperstrong2017 team! We truly lit the night with love, joy and so much pride! Now who's ready to start thinking about next year?!!?

Only Just Begun ......

On Harper's Caring Bridge page I talked about this song from The Carpenters; "We've only just begun."  The first line spoke to me as I reflected on the first week of Harper's journey and flooded my thoughts with the memories I have of my sisters and I dancing in our Houston living room to much of the Carpenters vinyl album over and over. Laughing, twirling, smiling as we danced away.  I know why these memories stand so clear in my mind - it encompassed all the things I loved - music, dance, my family.

Music has always spoken to me; dance was my outlet for many years. As I learned of my niece's illness and reflected on the moments ahead of us as a family and actually began to feel all of the feelings that flooded my body I turned to music. I frantically searched for songs that spoke to me - spoke to my feelings. The feelings of fear; of grief; of frustration; of joy; of guilt; of strength.  All of it.  At one point I vocalized that feeling as being broken.  I was - I am - broken inside.

A lot has gone on in the past month; so much that I won't go into right now; I emotionally cannot go into right now.  The emotions have been on overdrive since June 1. Each story I see about leukemia or childhood cancer I must read. Each research article I must read. I grip to the stories of success as though it's a life line.  Statistics freak me out yet intrigue me. I have to believe it's just all part of my process.  My process is very different than say  my sister's.  I cannot imagine or fathom the thoughts and feelings that overwhelm her.  That is when I feel guilty. When I think I'm being selfish.

I've become obsessed with Grey's Anatomy. Watching it from the beginning. Most recently they had a few episodes that discussed the stages of grief.  It spoke to me.  How we all experience them, in our own ways and our own time. That there isn't just one way of handling news like this. That it's ok to have "all the feels" as my friend would say. That you have to find what works for you so that you can move through the stages.  For me it's been the music and writing. Maybe I need to bring back the dancing and have one in the living room for old time's sake.

I didn't mean for this to be all somber and sad.  It's just where I am right now. Reflective. A lot has happened. Life is happening. Sometimes it moves at a slow snail pace forcing you to stop and look around at the life you have. Other times it flies by with a whirlwind, causing a dizzied frenzy, as you reach out hoping to grab something so you can stop the roller coaster or merry go round from moving any quicker.

I can only hope that for anyone struggling with life and what it's thrown at you that you find your process; have something that helps you move through it. Like music.  If you need inspiration I find that listening to Audra Day's "Rise Up" or Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" gives me that kick I need.

As for our little fighter:
Harper's actually doing great. Her spinal taps and bone marrow draws all show no cancer cells.  Her counts are about where the Drs want them and she's made it past the first 30 days, upping her survival rate to 50% already.  She's kicking cancer's ass. She's even home for a week, snuggling in bed with her whole family, not in a hospital room while some of her family stays in a hotel down the street.  She's doing good.

We're all doing good.  It's just that a lot has gone on in 30 days.....and we've only just begun.

Blow to the Heart

There are moments in your life you never forget. Moments that pierce the heart forever leaving its imprint. Some are joyous, and others sorrowful. For me some of those moments are my first love, meeting my husband, graduating college, my wedding day, becoming a mother, losing my grandmother, my son's diagnosis, his first day of school, and then today - June 1, 2017...... the day we found out my 10 week old niece has leukemia and is given a 10% shot at survival.

BAM! Blow to the heart.......  Like a left hook you never saw coming.

You hear these stories. Stories of little ones battling this horrible disease and think "Thank God that's not us; not my child."  You can't fathom the thought of it "happening to you" or anyone in your family. I had that teenage euphoria when I heard those stories. The "it'll never happen to us" complex. But it did.  Like a knife, it pierces through your heart down into your soul.

You begin to question a lot -- why our family? why her? why are you doing this God? is my faith enough? will my faith falter? will I falter? can I be strong enough for them? where will I find the strength?

You want answers....will she beat it? are you sure? what's the next step? how long will it take?

You want to wake up because surely it's just been a horrid dream; a bad joke gone wrong; a royal mess up in the lab...... but you don't awake, no one screams "you've been punked" and the lab confirms its findings.

As I stood in the ER room and then the PICU room, listening the doctors give diagnosis and prognosis, watching my sister and brother in law's bodies sink with sadness, their eyes welling up with tears, I fought that urge to break down; to cry along with them. They needed a solid ground, a solid soul - a calming soul as my BIL called me.  6.5 hours later as I walked away from a sleeping baby - my sweet, angelic niece, I began to break. The blow to my heart was slowly breaking it in two.  I opened the door to my car and before it shut I lost it. The ugliest cries of them all I am sure.  As I drove home I'd have a moment of calm, then the blow would come rushing back and I'd lose it again. When I got home I went straight to my son's room and crawled into his bed, cradling him in my arms (his 9 year old body) and wept some more. After laying in my own bed the blow hit one more time..... knockout. It won.

June 1, 2017 forever marked in my heart.

2016 Goodbye and Hello 2017!

Every year I countdown or list up our favorite family moments of the year, so why would this year be any different. I suppose it would have helped me if I had blogged a little more but I failed miserably at multi-tasking all the things I wish I had time to do as usual. hehe

So here we have it, the Hill Family 2016 Year in Review: (in no particular order as I don't feel like ranking them or even thinking of them in chronological fashion!)

Trevor shot his first deer! After weeks and weeks of practice, frustration, patience, crying, and waiting Trevor finally was able to snag a nice buck out at Justin's work ranch with a crossbow. He was so proud and I love that the boys got to spend a little one on one bonding time with each other. Trevor said he got a little "buck fever" after the shot, and a little queasy watching Justin clean it, but he had fun tracking and finding his buck after a clean shot thru the shoulder.  Now to cook it up and enjoy!

We did a huge road trip for our summer vacation! I littered Facebook with our daily adventures and check ins as we traveled down to Big Bend over to Carlsbad Caverns across to the White Sand Dunes up to the Grand Canyon and landed in Vegas! We hit every national park imaginable and even pit stopped in Sedona for some Slide Rock fun! Most of our nights were spent camping in the parks/forests and then enjoyed a few nights of hotel stays here and there. Grandma Gail let us use her timeshare in Vegas for some grownup fun! Trevor had a blast becoming a Junior Park Ranger and we all learned so much about the areas we traveled in!

Trevor turned 9! (I turned 38 and Justin turned 42!) Trevor celebrated the best with a party at a local trampoline place as we "ROARED" his way into the last year of single digits!! We also headed to Tyler Texas for a little indoor waterpark fun! His favorite things this year seem to be legos, Jurassic World, weird youtube videos, swimming and flag football! 4th grade is turning out to be a little more challenging academically for Trevor but we're making it! He loves his teachers and still enjoys going to school each day!

Speaking of Flag football! We tried this out (along with Parkour) this year instead of doing Fall baseball. He really enjoyed it and became the star QB! His arm and accuracy is pretty good! It was a local league so he got to see some friends from school. However, fall was still warm for us and that astroturfed field got HOT fast!!! Parkour is at a local gymnastics place and he learns about core strength, climbing things appropriately and dismounting safely. Think American Ninja Warrior and that's pretty much what they do and learn - in the safety of a gym! He's loving it and I see his confidence in himself growing so much!

I changed jobs!!! After 5 years 8 months and 22 days of being with Workforce Solutions I decided to embark on a new chapter in child care and quality. No one really knew what I did before, so to make it even better, no one will really know what I do now! I could sit here and explain it all to you but in the end you'll just nod your head and think "whatever all that was" and I'll just reiterate that I work for the STATE! If you really desire to know my title - Child Care Quality Initiatives Policy Program Specialist! Sounds fancy!  I like it so far and cannot wait to watch how this position grows into assisting in implementing quality child care across Texas!  Justin still has his job!!! I jest --- but really he's still with his boss and overseeing the ranch in Spicewood daily. We are always thankful that the work is there and provides Justin some flexibility and independence! I think he celebrated 6 years this year!

We had family move! Well kind of.... hehe.  Technically Justin's grandparents moved late 2015, but it made for a special 2016! So much more time to visit and hang with Grandma Gail and Jim!  And this summer my parents announced that they will be moving back to the Austin area (San Marcos) and are currently building their "final home!"  Though Dad may be taking a job in New Orleans! He'll be "commuting" of course!

Pinterest Parties are now my thing!! I had 2 this year (one in Spring and one in Fall) and I think they were a pretty good hit! I need a bigger home so I can host them myself but for now I use whatever I can get! We make things we see on Pinterest and eat from recipes we see on Pinterest and talk about whatever we want because we are kid and hubby free!  Looking forward to hosting one in late Spring again!

We added and are adding to the family! RJ was adopted via Austin Pets Alive just the day after Trevor's birthday celebration! He had been a sick pup (parvo stricken) and was surrendered just weeks before we got him.  We fell in love immediately and he's been a fun addition to the Hill clan!  He loves to chew so it's been a bit of a struggle in training but he really is a smart cookie!  As for adding to --- well "not technically" for 2016 -- but we found out this year! Macee will be having TWINS! After a few years of trying we finally get to add more cousins to the group! Cruz Allen and Harper Layke will join us around March 2017! We were honored with the task of creating the reveal for everyone! Craig shot at 2 boxes full of colored chalk powder to show the genders of the twins.  The memory or it all will be a story to tell forever! Now to plan baby showers and their arrival!

Baseball you ask?  Why yes we did Spring ball and even a little bit of All-Stars! All Stars was definitely a learning experience for us all but such fun! We weren't winners very often but the experience of it made us realize that we may not be cut out for All Star seasons!!! So hot! So busy! and So much time!  But we'll see how Spring 2017 ball goes, as this will be Trevor's first experience with kid pitch! Maybe All Stars 2017 is in the future as well!

 To celebrate Justin's birthday we took a little trip to Port Aransas and had some fun in the sun with my parents as well as the Hansen family! Trevor and Justin would later do the annual Surfside trip without me, as I had a work thing! Trevor mastered boogie boarding and everyone enjoyed sitting oceanside and relaxing with people we love!  I celebrated my birthday with a Beyonce concert! I think concerts will become my thing now ;)  (Garth was last year!)

So I guess that's our year! Uneventful in drama so that's always nice. I can only hope that 2017 is as nice to us! We hope that you had a fabulous 2016, full of just as many memories, smiles, laughs and fun as we did! We're thankful to those of you who participated in parts of our year! We hope to see you all MORE in 2017!! Love and Peace

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!