Happy New Years!

Ah New Year's... in year's past, it's been celebrated in a variety of ways but they usually all involved staying up too late, surrounded with people that we didn't know well and a groggy morning. Not this year!

We had an absolutely spectacular New Year's thanks to the generosity of friends. One of Chris's friends invited us (and 22 other friends) to her home on Whidby Island, right on the water. We all had beds to sleep in and sand to run on for miles.

The kids really loved the outdoors. The weather totally cooperated. The house was 50 feet from a totally flat and walkable beach. Jamisen and Lily played in the sand a lot. They also searched for 'buried treasure' a bunch and that was pretty hilarious.

We really liked being together on such a big day - and it was nice to wake up well rested and with family and friends all around us. With the kids, there was no staying up late! We were both in bed, lights out by 11 p.m. and the kids were asleep by 9 p.m.

One thing we did discover is that Lily does indeed, like dolls. She doesn't own any (yet) and has always seemed delighted to play with trains, tools and kitchens. And, quite frankly, we were in no hurry to immediately pigeonhole her into a traditionally female 'role' with dolls and playing house. Some of the other kids brought their American Girl dolls and Lily (and Jamisen) spent at least two hours playing with the dolls. Duly noted. Lily, you will be getting the Target version of American Girl Dolls for your birthday.

One of the reasons that this experience with Whidby Island New Year's was so incredible is because the hostess had assigned different couples to different meals. We were in charge of snacks so we showed up with a car chock full of delicious snackity-snack type things. Other families had meals (amazing chocolate chip banana pancakes for breakfast, grilled cheese and tomato soup for lunch, dinner of fish and shrimp with salad sides) and really rocked it - serving 26 total people.

Family goals for this year include 1 on 1 time with each kid (for each parent) monthly, 2 weeks away with the kids and college savings goals. Chris and I both have personal goals and then goals for our respective businesses. Here's to a great 2016; we can't wait to see what blessings are in store.