January's cold temps and record snow falls meant we got to spend what seemed like a million snow days with Will! Jeff and I cuddled next to the fire, watching The Waltons (which we soon gave up on since we just couldn't get into it!). And Hunter kept warm singing along with Luke Bryan (and I'm still jealous).
February brought banquet preparation and A LOT more snow. However, it also brought our first 60 degree day and our first taste of Spring. It brought Hunter home for a quick visit too!
The banquet was quite the introduction to March. For the first time, we moved the date and the weather was even worse! But we did have some awesome people brave the snow and ice to help! Thank you again, Mom and Charlie! The weather cleared and our Magic Bands arrived....along with the golf cart. Spring was definitely in the air....until we got to Disney during a record cold spell. Nothing says Disney Magic like 45 mph winds and 30 degree mornings. But our hearts were warm as we watched Will and Miranda marching down Main Street in the Electric Parade. We also found the pink drink so the trip was a complete success (wink, wink!). And while we were in frigid Florida, Hunter was visiting Lady Liberty (and was just as cold!). It was a month full of memories!
April started with the party of the century! Mom's 70th birthday brought us all together for a weekend of fun. Long time friends and family made it quite a celebration. Shortly after, we got our first weekend of camping in...just before a late snow fall and cold snap arrived. Will spent most of the month learning all about lacrosse and before long, the last weekend of April arrived and it was time to officially open camp. Who knew that the late snow would freeze all of the water pipes and we'd spend opening weekend replacing them all?! But honestly, Jeff and I had a blast! Spring was finally here!
May brought Hunter home with it! After 18 months of short visits, he headed back to Cincinnati to start his summer internship. But not before we got in a short vacation at camp! It's not often I get to spend a few days alone with either of the boys so it was wonderful! And the perfect distraction to quit smoking. And just an update...I'm just four days short of the SEVEN month mark!!!! But back to May. Prom and Mothers Day got melded together again and Mom was here to join us. Will looked as handsome as ever....even with his braces. Just two days later....his pearly whites were metal free and he's been smiling ever since. The month came to a close with a fun filled weekend of camping. Summer had arrived!!
Will's last day of school took us into June. He was officially a senior and I was officially terrified of how fast time would fly. As we celebrated our 10th anniversary at camp, I realized exactly how fast it would go. It flew while we were in Georgia, but then again, a week at the lake always flies by but we managed to take senior pictures, devour bacon cupcakes and sing along with the oldies (the songs, not the people) while we were there. But then it was time to rush home and get the house up for sale. I'm still not sure if that was a great day....but it was definitely a memorable moment.
July was consumed with the house. But heck, I just can't pass up the opportunity to repost that one!
July was consumed with the house. But heck, I just can't pass up the opportunity to repost that one!
The first days of August was my favorite of the year. Canoeing, kayaking, laughing, bonfires, fried oreos, golf cart racing, corn hole tournaments...I could go on and on. I can't remember the last time we all had so much fun. It was a perfect week. Right up until it was time to take Hunter back to school. One day I'll get used to it..but it hasn't happened yet. I think I cried all week....right up until we closed on the Duck House. I still can't believe we were lucky enough to find it. Then Will started his the first week of his senior year and the tears began again. Heck, I'm still teary about it. Oh, and we bought the truck!
September started with a bang! Or rather, with a boot. Labor Day weekend was spent watching football with my foot propped on a pillow. But a visit from Abby and Jenny rounded out a great, relaxing weekend so no complaints. The boot arrived, school was in full swing, the showings came more frequently and our normally quite evenings became marathon packing sessions. And then everything came to a screeching halt. As Will said good bye to a friend, our community mourned with him and his classmates. Time stood still and the emotions were overwhelming. The Class of 2015 would begin a journey of remembrance and healing that continues today.
Fall snuck up on us and it was already time to close camp. We managed one last fun filled weekend of trick or treating and bonfires. I don't think I'll ever get tired of spending a weekend at camp with all three of the guys! It was a quick trip so we could focus on the most important day of the year...moving day. To this very moment, I'm not sure how we pulled it off. It was one of the most exciting yet heartbreaking days of my life. Will was thrilled that he didn't have to keep his room clean anymore. Hunter and Jeff were excited that the lawn at the Duck House would mow itself (ok, not literally, but all the same). But if I close my eyes tightly, I can still here small feet running though that house, calling my name. I can see a hand with a frog in it, a wiffle ball game in the yard and Seven. I am so thankful for all of the memories. We closed October with Will's application to Ohio State. See, I told you this year would fly by!
Bring on No Shave November!! We voted, we unpacked, we got a quick visit from Hunter. And then we unpacked some more. Mom and Michele came to see the new house. And then we unpacked some more. Throw in a few doctors appointments, Thanksgiving and about a million Christmas projects and the month just flew by. Right up until the Michigan/Ohio State game (Will's first!). Those few hours seemed to last forever.
And then it was December. I can't believe we're here again. I think it took me longer to write tonights post than it did for the year to pass us by. December flew by with work, surgery, school and a whopping 9 blog posts. I'd apologize again, but as you can see, this year has worn us all out.
So my promise to you (and myself) is that I'll be back tomorrow...and every day. We're days away from Will's birthday and the last few months of his senior year. Lots of upcoming events!!
But for now....here's our sign.....
From all of us, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
September started with a bang! Or rather, with a boot. Labor Day weekend was spent watching football with my foot propped on a pillow. But a visit from Abby and Jenny rounded out a great, relaxing weekend so no complaints. The boot arrived, school was in full swing, the showings came more frequently and our normally quite evenings became marathon packing sessions. And then everything came to a screeching halt. As Will said good bye to a friend, our community mourned with him and his classmates. Time stood still and the emotions were overwhelming. The Class of 2015 would begin a journey of remembrance and healing that continues today.
Fall snuck up on us and it was already time to close camp. We managed one last fun filled weekend of trick or treating and bonfires. I don't think I'll ever get tired of spending a weekend at camp with all three of the guys! It was a quick trip so we could focus on the most important day of the year...moving day. To this very moment, I'm not sure how we pulled it off. It was one of the most exciting yet heartbreaking days of my life. Will was thrilled that he didn't have to keep his room clean anymore. Hunter and Jeff were excited that the lawn at the Duck House would mow itself (ok, not literally, but all the same). But if I close my eyes tightly, I can still here small feet running though that house, calling my name. I can see a hand with a frog in it, a wiffle ball game in the yard and Seven. I am so thankful for all of the memories. We closed October with Will's application to Ohio State. See, I told you this year would fly by!
Bring on No Shave November!! We voted, we unpacked, we got a quick visit from Hunter. And then we unpacked some more. Mom and Michele came to see the new house. And then we unpacked some more. Throw in a few doctors appointments, Thanksgiving and about a million Christmas projects and the month just flew by. Right up until the Michigan/Ohio State game (Will's first!). Those few hours seemed to last forever.
And then it was December. I can't believe we're here again. I think it took me longer to write tonights post than it did for the year to pass us by. December flew by with work, surgery, school and a whopping 9 blog posts. I'd apologize again, but as you can see, this year has worn us all out.
So my promise to you (and myself) is that I'll be back tomorrow...and every day. We're days away from Will's birthday and the last few months of his senior year. Lots of upcoming events!!
But for now....here's our sign.....
From all of us, HAPPY NEW YEAR!
