Saying Goodbye to 2012

We said good bye to 2012 at the Ecker Lake House once again this year.  It was a lively time with 4 families in attendance (9 kids and 8 adults!).  We went snowmobiling, skating, sledding, and played a lot of games.  I laughed so hard that I cried on several occasions.  Once I cried just because the past year has been so stressful, that I needed the release.  It was the perfect way to say good-bye to 2012.

Molly and Auntie on the snowmobile...Molly DID NOT want to get off despite the -15 windchill.

Zach on ice...happy because he is with his buddies!

Colin loves hockey!

Rachel has a need for speed.

Beer and a fire...almost like summer.

Saying good-bye makes you reflect on what you are leaving behind.  This past year was one of the most stressful for me, the most stressful since I became a mother, quit my job, and moved.  I guess because of that, it was not one I was sad to say good-bye to.  But then, I hate to look at my growing kids and wish time away!

In 2012, Colin turned 10.  He has always been wise beyond his years, but he really grew from a boy to a young man this past year.  Although, I think that every year...this year it was true.  And, as the years continue, I know that process will only accelerate.  He looks outside our house more often than inside for cues on how to behave and what to think.  However, his heart continues to be kind and gracious no matter what his friends are doing.  If ever there is someone who needs anything, he is the first to get in line to give.  He continued to play lacrosse and it has become his sport of choice.  He also still enjoys ski racing, although he decided to take a break from his team this year.  When he isn't doing either one of those, he likes playing Minecraft or Roblox with this buddies on the computer.  If that isn't an option, he can be found playing football, tag, or skating/biking in the neighborhood.

In 2012, Zach turned 8.  He came out of his shell quite a bit.  Moving schools in the fall of 2011 was the catalyst to start challenging his shy behaviors.  But, playing basketball and joining the SAGE group of classes has accelerated this behavior.  It is fun to watch, because once he opens up you cannot help but be drawn in by his smile and sense of humor.  He loves art and animals when he isn't playing basketball, soccer, lacrosse, or video games.  He REALLY loves being out in the neighborhood playing with his buddies or climbing trees. He misses the rental neighborhood the most because there were so many kids his age with whom to hang out.  

In 2012, Molly turned 5 and had the most change of anyone.  She graduated preschool in May and started at one kindergarten in September, only to have her teacher resign in October and move schools in November.  Of course there were the two house moves as well!  Yet, through it all she continues to smile and make the best of it all.  She continues to dance, play soccer, swim, ski, and sing.  This fall she added Girl Scouts, gymnastics and Choir to her list of activities.  She hopes to learn to ice skate this winter and get to do some more yoga.  She can do 20 pushups and point her toe like a real ballerina.  She doesn't really care where we live as long as her family and dog are there.

We learned in 2012 that together we can get through change and hard times.  We really did enjoy parts of our moving adventure, but we are glad (except Zach) to be settled in our new home.  We are ready to see what adventures 2013 has in store for us!