Countdown to the New Year

After Christmas, we packed up and headed to New Jersey to celebrate with the rest of the family. The night before, Juliet came down with a fever. It was a hard decision to still go because she was struggling and so sad, but we decided to make the trip. I kept our sweet little sickie happy for part of the ride with Snapchat filters.

She was so sad, but as soon as I moved to the back and held her hand, she fell asleep.

We were all excited when the girls opened a special gift from Grammy and G-Diddy--a trip to see the Nutcracker the next day.

Playing with Johnny was definitely a favorite part of the trip!

Story time with Grammy and G-Diddy

"I really love you G-Diddy!"

Organ lessons with Daddy

Johnny learning from Uncle Joe

All the ladies (minus Juliet who took a nice long nap with her Daddy) went into Philly to see the Nutcracker the next day. It was a great afternoon. I loved watching the girls. They not only appreciated the magical performance because they were watching a live show, but because they could also appreciate it on a ballet level. They loved every minute of it. Though Ella did say she wished there was some words and talking! :)

Thanks for the special experience gift, Grammy!

We got home in time to get Juliet in to the doctor before the next holiday weekend. It turned out her cold had turned into a double ear infection. After a few doses of antibiotics, our happy and energetic little girl was back to her usual self just in time for New Year's Eve.

We said goodbye to 2017 with a houseful of little girls, good friends we could relax with and ice cream sundaes! It was pretty perfect. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-bTLERbr28

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8bInJCT-N0c

Goodbye 2017...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfgIBrj7sWA

Hello 2018...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZ528NGqJUo

2017, you will always be remembered as a total game changer year for our family. The reminder that walking through the hard can bring unexpected goodness on the other side. The reminder that God cares more about the process than the immediate fix. The reminder that His plans for us are better than anything I could dream for myself. Ending 2017 like "Phew we survived!" and looking forward to 2018 like "It's time to thrive!"

Happy New Year! 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gf29k5MA-MQ