2016

2016 started with us all asleep in our beds. We 'rang in the new year' at 10pm because that's the latest my pregnant body could take, and our children couldn't tell time so, bam! We were in bed. 

While that first hour was quiet and peaceful the year was full of adventures.

We spent the first few months hosting visitors and adjusting to a new baby. 

The Summer was our highlight of the year. We packed up and escaped the heat, for our last summer break - from here on out Devin will be in school year round and then (fingercrossed) start working. It was a wonderful eight-weeks full of sisters, brothers, cousins. There were so many moments I sat taking in special moments with my heart full of gratitude. 

Then it was back to the desert, and school for Devin and the boys. 

The year has seemed to fly by and we are grateful for all the adventures along the way - good, bad, and crazy! 

Wyatt

Wyatt waited until the last minute to join our family (I was scheduled for a 41+week induction the next morning). We had a rough start - I had full on fever, chills, pain, and shakes mastitis TWICE in the first month. I was certain he had a lip tie, but that wasn't confirmed until his top two teeth came in. And he would only go to sleep at night if his daddy would hold him while walking the house. After those first few months, he became the most chill baby ever. He loves to be outside, handles his siblings 'love' without complaint, learned to roll, sit, crawl, and walk, and is just adorable. 

Wyatt's favorite moment of the year: getting to eat table food!

Kylie

Kylie stretched out but barely gained a few pounds. While she is petite and loves anything pink and princess, she is also our tough girl. There are many reasons, but specifically surviving her walk through hot coals, and taking recovery like a champ. 

Kylie's favorite moment of the year: playing with friends.

Owen

Owen started kindergarten and took off; he loves to learn and has a great memory. He is our little sweetheart with a temper. Luckily he is quickly calmed and he returns to being our easy going Owen. He has no stage fright and sang his heart out passing off many Articles of Faith at church to all in primary.

Owen's favorite moment of the year: having a sleepover with Aunt Jessi and cousins.

Levi

Levi started second grade a little hesitant but has grown immensely. I think he may have a slight tracking issue with his reading, like his dad did, but with a few tricks his reading has improved greatly. I have caught him relying on Owen for his quick math facts - he knows how to use his resources! - but it's no longer a struggle to get him to do math.

Levi's favorite moment of the year: going to Addie's house.

Lindsay

I learned how to balance a new baby and homeschooling - Levi was extremely helpful; he has a heart of gold - I survived another year in Arizona and found some great places to explore. And I have thoroughly enjoyed every break Devin has had from school; especially the summer.

Lindsay's favorite moment of the year: going to a shooting gallery for the first time.

Devin

Devin finished up his first year of dental school and started his second. He has done great and received multiple 'Wing-man' awards for his dental work. However, I think he is more proud of the electric bikes he has built. His hobby provides a way of transportation without great expense as we only have one car. Although I was concerned about the amount of time it was taking away from school and family, so he went all-out on one last bike and he loves it, A LOT. 

Devin's favorite moment of the year: hiking Superstition Mountain in search of the Wave Cave.

As the year comes to a close, we look forward to the excitement of the next - celebrating a first birthday, a baptism, and Devin moving to the clinic to work on real live people! 

Farewell, 2016. You taught us a lot and we are ready to move on.

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

LOVE, the Lindstrom family