As I look back on another year that has flown by I can’t help but be thankful and reflective. This has been a year that will definitely shape our future. Here is a big overview of 2016. Consider it our “Christmas Letter” to all of you – our family & friends!
ALLIE: Launched Allie.PHOTO, photographed almost 200 sessions (including events and weddings), celebrated three years of owning my own business, enjoyed a great vacation in Mexico and time in WI with family, had my 15 year class reunion, was a bridesmaid again in a very special wedding for our whole family, didn’t go to the gym enough, bought too much Lularoe, fell more in love with Ryan and the boys, chased dreams and made big plans for 2017!
RYAN: Went to spring training with the Red Sox (as the baseball chaplain), continues to serve at what is now called Chelmsford Bible Church (11.5 years and counting), has officially become “handy around the house”, Baseball coach, Baseketball assistant coach, superstar dad and amazing husband. This was his first year to speak at Monadnock Bible Conference’s Winter Retreat and our family loved it and are looking forward to it again! He had the privilege of officiating some weddings of close friends this year. We also enjoyed a memorable night on top of the Green Monstah at Fenway Park and loved witnessing history as the Cubs won the world series!
CAEDMON: turned 9, loves playing in the snow during winter and in water during summer. He is so full of life and has the beat inside him. Caedmon continued to excel in drums and takes lessons as well as plays with “The Elements” a teenage band! He loves that the most! He also played soccer, baseball and started basketball for the first time this winter. He is obsessed with sports, music, movies and always keeps us on our toes! You can’t trust him with your phone or your iTunes account. 🙂
SHEPHERD: turned 6 this year, started tee-ball and enjoyed playing soccer again. He is still his super “diligent and focused.” His is new found love is Pokemon! He looks up to Caedmon and plays well with Rex. Shepherd enjoys kindergarten and is a great reader! He started wearing glasses this year and they “fit” his personality perfectly!
REX: turned 4 this year and is such a joy. Rex is best described as “playful.” He is always up for a game, being outside, pretending, and sports. Rex loves being outside the most of all three of my boys. He started pre-school this year and has made some new friends, he’s very social. Rex is easy going, but has a fire inside him and is a determined little man who is currently obsessed with stuffed animals.
The most challenging and defining moment this year was losing “Arkansas Pa”, Ryan’s father. As an only child, Ryan was very close with his parents and learned to be an amazing man because of his wonderful parents. His father’s passing brought much sadness to our family, but it also showed us the amazing love of our friends, church, and community around us. We are so thankful for all the support and understanding our family has received during this difficult season. As his mother’s health is currently declining we cling to the happy memories we have shared and look forward to building a family legacy of love and faith in their honor.
Thank you for traveling alongside us in 2016! We are encouraged to continue to work and raise our family through God’s strength and not our own. We have seen Him provide for us and guide us and are thankful all along the way!
“Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Col 3: 16-17
Photo Credit: Laura Wagner Photography
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