Hello 2014!

I can't believe we're not even two weeks into 2014 and I've already finished blogging about 2013.  It's all been documented. Done. My 2013 Blog Book is ready to be printed! This is a serious record for me. (it took me nine months to finish 2012, remember?)  Now on to 2014! We celebrated the New Year with our traditional balloon tree.  The boys filled balloons chuck-full this year with candy (whole packs of Mentos and handfuls of candy - I don't know how they got it all in there!) and dollar bills (pillaged from everyone's wallets) and hand-written riddles, fortunes, jokes, and trivia questions (all made-up by themselves, of course.) We had a fun night popping the balloons at bedtime and cheering in the New Year!  We also broke out the sparkling cider and our fancy glasses for a quick toast before bed.  Nate and I stayed up (barely) to watch the ball drop on TV.  We are such party animals!

So here's a look back at 2013:

Clayton: Turned 11, Arrow of Light Award, Perfect Attendance Award, Perfect Conduct Award, Honor Roll, Bach Project, Piano Solo in Sacrament Meeting, Swim Team, Soccer, National Piano Guild Competition, Suzuki Ribbon Festival, Gold Medal on State Music Theory Exam, Elementary School Choir.
Goal: Study the scriptures and floss my teeth.

Isaac: Turned 9, Name That Book Team Captain - 1st Place District Champions, Swim Team, Soccer, Red Baron Project, Berlin Project, Baseball Camp, Suzuki Ribbon Festival, Gold Medal on State Music Theory Exam (perfect score!), Straight A's in 3rd Grade.
Goal: Do pushups every night.

Brigham: Turned 7, National Piano Guild Competition, Suzuki Ribbon Festival, Gold Medal on State Music Theory Exam, Hedgehog Project, Swim Team, Soccer, Baseball Camp, Perfect Attendance Award, Accompanied Primary (on the piano) at Assisted Living Center.
Goal: Not fight with Isaac after school and learn more Hymns.

Eliza: Turned 4, Swimming Lessons, Gymnastics, Ballet and Tap, Violin Lessons, Sunbeam Class, Neighborhood Preschool.
Goal: Read and practice violin every day.

Lydia: Turned 2, Tagged Along to Everyone Else's Practices, Meetings, Activities, and Events.
Goal: Get potty trained!

And here's a look ahead: 2014 will be a big year for our family.  Clayton will turn twelve and receive the Aaronic Priesthood. He'll also start Middle School.  Brigham will turn 8 and be baptized. Eliza will start real preschool.  Lydia will start swimming lessons.  Nate, Clayton, and Isaac will travel to D.C.  We have big plans for this coming year! So bring it on, 2014!