twenty fifteen

2015 was a busy year for our family! So many new adventures, memories made, and so much fun was had!

January | My most favorite memory from this month was when the girls and I surprised Josh by driving up to Virginia while he was working. He had been there off and on for about six weeks so he was so excited to see us. His face made the crazy drive there so worth it.

February | Josh started his new and current job. It was one of the greatest blessings for us. He now works for a wonderful company that appreciates and respects him.

March | We celebrated Julianna's fifth birthday with a dress up party. I can't believe how fast she's growing up!

April | We celebrated Easter, took several trips to the zoo, and went exploring at Hanging Rock. I also starting going to the YMCA regularly which was so good for me. I've never worked out on a regular basis so I am now feeling healthier and stronger than I have ever have before. 

May | Our little Olivia turned three years old! She had a blast partying at the children's museum with her friends and family.

June | We took our annual family vacation to the Outer Banks. Josh and I also celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary!

July | This was probably our busiest month of the year! I won a trip to NYC so we got to go for the weekend of the fourth to explore the city and go to the Yankees game. Josh celebrated his birthday by driving us home from the city. I worked at summer camp and we visited South Carolina. 

August | We went to Oak Island for a long weekend and it was so beautiful. Julianna and Olivia began their dance year and Julianna started kindergarten! Seriously... where does the time go?! 

September | Olivia officially began preschool and was so excited about the new adventure. We also went hiking as a family at Pilot Mountain.

October | We visited the pumpkin patch and picked apples. We also were able to take the girls to Tweetsie Railroad for the day. They had so much fun despite the yucky weather.

November | I celebrated my 30th birthday! I was surprised with a birthday dinner with friends and I was able to go on a weekend trip to Blowing Rock and Linville Falls. It was the perfect birthday!

December | It was a busy month of Christmas traditions and celebrations. We ended the month with a another visit to South Carolina. 

And I can't wrap up the year without sharing my favorite outfits from twenty fifteen...

Here's to a bright and adventurous 2016! Happy New Year!

family: 2013 // our year in review

Today is the last day of 2013. The days always pass so slowly but the years seem to simply fly by. 2012 was a rocky year but 2013 has been a wonderful year for our little family. We have been very blessed in many different ways and we are so very thankful.

January: I began my job at The Dream Center and I love it. I love working part-time (about 16 hours per week) and being with my girls the rest of the time. It's the perfect balance for me and our family. So thankful for a great job that allows me to teach and work with children while still being able to spend a lot of time with my children too. This month Julianna went to Chuck E. Cheese for the first time (and my first time too). She also got her very first hair cut. Only a few inches off of the ends and she did great. 

February- Josh was offered a wonderful job! He was actually offered the job during the interview and began working right away. He was so blessed with this opportunity and we are very thankful for his job. We also went to the circus. It was our first time in many, many years and the first time for the girls. We all had a blast! 

March: Julianna turned 3 this month! She had a great time at her Hello Kitty birthday party at the bounce house and she also got to go to the Greensboro Children's Museum on her birthday. So much fun! Easter was also this month and both of the girls loved all of the fun festivities!

April: We took the girls to their first Grasshoppers baseball game. Julianna loved dancing to the music, eating hot dogs and ice cream, but she wasn't a fan of getting too close to the mascot.

May: Our little Olivia turned 1! We celebrated with pizza and spaghetti (her favorites) at Sir Pizza on her birthday. She also had a fun party at the park with friends and family. I also celebrated my first Mother's Day as a mother of 2 girls. Olivia was due on Mother's Day in 2012 but showed up a few days late. I'm so blessed to be their mommy!

June: We visited one of our favorite local spots, Millstone Creek Orchards for strawberry slushies and tire swing rides. We also celebrated Father's Day. The girls are so lucky to have such an awesome daddy!

July: Olivia started walking this month on our very first family beach vacation to Carolina Beach. We had such a wonderful time playing on the beach, trying new restaurants, visiting the aquarium, and playing putt putt with a 3 year old. Fun times!

August: We enjoyed lots of family time together. Including Saturdays at the downtown farmers market and park play time. Julianna also began taking ballet/tumble class this month. She loves dance class so much!

September: Julianna started going to preschool 3 mornings a week. She loves her teacher and enjoys interacting with the other children. My long time best friend, Brittney, got married this month. Julianna was the flower girl and I was a bridesmaid in her beautiful beach wedding in Folly Beach, SC.

October: Josh traveled to the Dominican Republic with our church's mission team for the third time. I'm so proud of his dedication to yearly mission work. He has been blessed and had blessed others through these trips. We also enjoyed lots of fall activities including pumpkin patches, trunk or treat, apple picking, and treat or treating. 

November: We enjoyed spending time with family during play dates and Thanksgiving dinner. We prepared our own meal for lunch at our house this year and our table was beautifully decorated with Julianna's creations from preschool.  

December: We enjoyed many fun holiday activities this month. We went to the Christmas parade, had a baby shower for Jesus with our mom group, went to Christmas on Sunset, had lots of time with our families, and enjoyed many of traditions at home. 

2013 has treated us very well. I have enjoyed every minute of watching my girls grow and interact with each other. Josh and I have grown closer and stronger as a couple. Welcome, 2014 and Happy New Year, everyone!