2015: That's a Wrap

How we rang in 2015: 

- Sleeping

^an activity which, for the parents of young children, ranks higher than the previously mentioned activities

^^a trend I plan to continue this year as we are now actually parents of young Children and not just of young Child

That's right. We upgraded to the family of 4 model. Other upgrades this year: Smart phones! 

And a minivan, obvi.

And now, a few photos that capture highlights and accomplishments of 2015

1. Malawi. I finally got to see my husband's other homeland. It was great. Minus the humidity, lack of electricity/water, poverty, and pot holes (which really is not a strong enough term to capture the dirt roads that are Africa). I was kind of disappointed that I didn't fall in love with the place, but it was still an amazing, eye-opening trip that helped me feel more like a Miller.

Introducing our almost one-year-old to her grandparents was such a treat. Read more about the trip here and here.

2. Holding down the fort. How I love looking at the world through these bright, sparkling eyes! This year, we've held down the fort by living where we've been living and working where we've been working. Which doesn't sound like an accomplishment until you think about the alternative. I loved my one-on-one time with E so much (and am already missing it) that I can't imagine leaving two even for just two days a week. Therefore, next year might have a different report regarding work.

3. Mexico. We're trying to check off all the "M" countries first. We're also trying to make the most of the (almost) free air fare for babes under 2. It had been a few years since we'd been to a beach and since (at 7 months pregnant) flying for 3 hours sounded a lot better than driving for 23, we talked my parents into ditching their beloved Florida and joining us on an adventure in Mexico. Of course we didn't venture off the resort grounds as much as we should have, but the little bit we did get out brought back memories from Chile. <3

4. Lucy! For most of the year, she was with us in the form of a big belly. But she got here in time to shake things up a bit in the last month of the year. The transition has not been easy or smooth, but it has been good. And it's getting smoother. 

We love her dearly (Big Sister is especially fond of her, for which we are eternally grateful) and look forward to getting to know her when she's ready to stay awake for more than half a second. Which brings me to what is possibly our biggest accomplishment of the year:

5. SLEEP. Big sister is now sleeping through the night! Yes, it took 22 months. Yes, she was potty trained before she was sleeping on her own all night - that should probably get it's own bullet point and picture but I thought it was indecent. Unfortunately, we still aren't getting enough sleep - see previous two photos. All the credit goes to Daddy for taking over bedtime and slowly, lovingly training our Peanut to go to sleep and stay asleep all by herself. Maybe Daddy should do bed time for Little Sister too.

Classic Christmas card picture sans the card. We hope you had a Merry Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year filled with God's peace and joy.

So it's been another pretty great year. We're rather blessed and pray that you are too.

Love,

The Millers

flashback to years 1, 2, and 3