Well 2016 has finally come to an end and it was a year full of ups and downs, and while the ups were pretty good; this year the downs were pretty bad…. In chronological order, here’s a quick recap of our year:

• Kylie completed fifth grade
• Another rather sizable house project was completed when we replaced the back wall of the shop
• We had a great week on the west side of the state at Camp Jellystone
• Another great week of camping at Metamora
• We lost the matriarch of the family
• Kylie began middle school with the start of 6th grade
• We discover refinancing a mortgage is easier than expected
• Princess is diagnosed with having a hyperthyroid disorder
• My first ever visit to the Detroit Institute of Art
• I was given the opportunity to explore alternative career opportunities

In review, 2016 was a roller coaster unlike most other years. While every year has its highs and lows, they typically tend to average out to what we come to recognize as a normal year; and while this year has many of those aspects, a couple of the larger impacting events make this year stand out. That being said, it is with fresh eyes, an open mind, and high spirits that I look forward to 2017 and, despite my current employment situation, I have no doubt that great things are to come. Here is looking forward to a great 2017!  

Now that 2015 is in the books, I want to take a moment to look back and reflect on some of the things that occurred during the year. It was pretty busy (and expensive!) due to the large events that took place, particularly as we settled into home ownership over the last year. Here is a highlight of some of the things that took place in 2015:

• Kylie and I go to another Daddy-Daughter dance
• Kylie enjoys a day at my job
• Turkey hunting might be for the birds
• A series of large house improvements (1, 2, 3, 4)
• We’re introduced to the joys of camping.
• A night at the (Rock) Opera

So while we were able to have a bit of fun during the year, we also took care of some major responsibilities. I think the initial euphoria of owning a home has worn a little thin after all of these large and expensive improvements, but we are still very happy with our decision. It is still, hands down, better than being in an apartment! Anyway, as we look forward to 2016 we are hopeful for another good year; preferably one with less expensive endeavors, and more fun times!

Another year has come to an end, and as I reflect on everything that has taken place I realize that it has been a very busy year with some very large, and life changing, events. We started the year with Melissa getting her hearing aid after a long while of it being an inside joke that she needed one! This was both a life improving moment and one that caused a bit of stress as well. But we moved on and made adjustments. We had a couple of opportunities to enjoy some natural history and predatory animal educational events that everyone seemed to enjoy.  Then the really major events happened that have, and will continue to, change our lives. The first major event was really the progression of an event that began a year prior. Firstly, Mom flew out to visit and stay with us for a few days. Those would have been special days even if only for her visit, but her visit was for the purpose of our wedding! As if this wasn’t enough of a change I once again found damage to my motorcycle and decided that was the end of apartment living, so we upped our efforts and became home owners. This event, of course, has led to the proverbial “Joys of Home-ownership”  that everyone speaks so highly of. Yes, this past year has been packed with major changes that will ripple throughout the rest of our lives, and I am looking forward to see what new waves we can make this year. Happy New Year! Here’s looking forward to 2015!