2021 Wrap-Up

I think I found the balance required to keep me grouded through the holidays. Tiny trees tucked in a back corner with simple ornaments and white lights were permitted to remain up past Christmas for the first time ever. Being out of town those days likely helped them survive through the thirtieth this year but I actually appreciated the glow from an otherwise dark corner. Adding only one nice gift per kid and the entire season was finally manageable. By contrast, pops of yellow and light are welcomed. And as a side note,  I was able to gently slide the fully decorated trees into the attic with Kate's assistance so next Christmas looks promising too.

We filled in fifty-two weeks worth of cards for our Tell Me Something Good jar and looking through those this new year's eve is a gift. 2021 was not a great year. We were stretched and challenged in so many areas. We suffered tremendous loss and deep pain. We endured life changes and overcame significant obstacles. But no matter how tough the season or circumstances,  we found something all fifty-two weeks worth noting. That's not nothing. This started as an exercise in combating the worst year ever mantra that verberated through all platforms a year ago and I am grateful we entered January committed to finding the good in our corner of the world. In looking for the light, we never became Pollyanna but we were certain to not miss the joy that simultaneously lived in the same space as pain. 2021 will be kept for future reading and new cardstock is prepared for 2022. 

Maggie Smith once again spoke to my heart.

We weren't quite home from Georgia Wednesday when Lauren called. Taylor lost his sweet grandma to covid. So our New Year will start with a little more energy than originally anticipated with the addition of two dogs and their little family as they drive into town today for a funeral next week. We love the time together even if circumstances are not pleasant. 

Christmas in Georgia

 The really big photo dump........

Typical kid. So many new toys and yet the bubble wrap was the highlight. 

Lauren and Taylor gave each of the girls a necklace that says Layla.

Gag gift Christmas never disappoints. Erin gave Ty a mouse pad full of ugly selfies of his sisters. It says, "I love my sisters."

Toaster bath bombs from Ty.....

Clark Christmas from Christmas Vacation was what Kate decided Makenna needed for her first Christmas as a Clark

She knew immediately this tapestry would be anything but appropriate. There was a season Lauren watched Jersey Shores and knew this ridiculousness monolog by heart.

We gave them luggage as a not so subtle hint.

He loves taking pictures with his parent's phones so we gave him a digital camera for Christmas. He took hundreds of photos while we were there. We all enjoyed scrolling through his images on the computer. Ever wondered what the inside of your nose looks like? Hand a camera to a three year old and you too can find out.

Here they are. In all their glory. This tradition brings them so much joy.

My grandson drew my portrait while waiting for us to arrive Christmas day.

Aunt Erin was only allowed a brief 24 hours in Georgia with us. She had to fly out to work this week. 

He dug for dinosaur bones for an entire afternoon. It was a pretty cool activity. 

We have captured a photo outside each one of their front doors with the exception of their second Texas residence. They hope this is their forever home.

Our son-in-law loves charcuterie boards so I made two while we visited. He is pretty easy to please.

The Georgia weather was not easy to leave. We enjoyed evening walks without jackets and so much time in the yard just hanging out in the sunshine. Georgia in the winter is great idea.

Austin knew he only had one more night of bedtime stories with Mimi and selected his three books. This collection involved over 600 pages. 

He gets braver every year. He needed a boost up to a zip line and loved sailing over our heads before dropping into a foam pit. He and Uncle Ty love the trampoline park so we make time for it every trip.