2017 recap

2017 marked the 10th year that I have kept up with this blog. Some years have had more posts and some less - mostly indicating if I was swamped with a new baby or a deployment or in this year's case, a new job.  Nevertheless, it has been a fantastic exercise in reflection and commitment that has built a family history that is fun to look back at and enlightening as well.  We all have ups and downs and although I never intend to dive too deep into the lows or highlight the highs, they are still there and evident in either what I wrote or the lack of posts during a certain time frame. It also serves as a very concrete touchstone for the kids.  They don't remember a lot of what happened on a daily basis when they were little but being able to read about it and see photos builds a narrative of what our life has been like so far. 
2017 has been a tough year in the world but our family managed to have a lot of fun and enjoyed a lot of what living in Virginia has offered us!

In January we went to Disney World and Brendan ran a bunch of races during the marathon weekend. Declan started full time school at Jamestown and everyone played lots of basketball.

 In February Aidan turned 12 and we finished up the basketball season.

In March we got a little bit of snow and then it turned super warm only a few weeks later.  The girls started lacrosse season!

In April Aoife turned 8, we visited Manasas, Aidan started baseball and the girls started lacrosse games.

In May we played lots more baseball and lacrosse, Declan had an end of year music concert and Aoife had her First Holy Communion.

 

In June the kids finished up school, baseball and lacrosse, Brendan had his change of command, Declan went to soccer camp and Emmy turned 10!

In July we went to Massachusetts for a week, Emmy and Aidan both went to camp and Aoife played box lacrosse.

 

In August we harvested honey from our beehive, went apple picking and enjoyed the end of summer.

In September we went to a lot of football games and lacrosse games and Declan turned 5!

In October we dressed up for Halloween, watched a lot of lacrosse and finished up the football season.

In November I turned 40, we finished up lacrosse season and we celebrated Thanksgiving in Massachusetts.

In December we got ready for the holidays, watched Aidan play basketball at the Verizon Center, celebrated Christmas and enjoyed a great New Years Eve with friends!!

We are excited to see what 2018 has in store!  I know it will be another year full of fun - watching the kids grow and change.  Keep checking back - blogging year #11 starts now!