The year 2017 was crazy, am I right? Political drama was everywhere. I had three surgeries and was declared cancer-free. We started a garden. We pulled out all the potty-training stops. My sister had ACL surgery. The boys joined our church community preschool. I started a new job. I finally saw Kirk Franklin perform.
I was so busy riding the rollercoaster that I forgot to work on Christmas cards. (Honestly, I forgot to do a lot of things.) But, it brought me a lot of joy over the holidays to sit and reflect on the year.
Here’s a visual retelling of notable highlights and lowlights.
January
Hyatt thought riding the train at the mall was the best thing since sliced bread.Despite the snow, we made it to a dear friend’s wedding. That’s me on the left (wearing a wig, y’all), with my sister, Mom, and Dad. Ragland made a lot of messes.When cancer treatment got old, I challenged myself to go for walks and find one beautiful thing each day. I took this picture the day before one of several surgeries.
February
I took this picture the day after another surgery. I was ready to see some flowers and thankful for God’s impeccable, mysterious timing.With much more gusto and intentionality, I embraced my oncologist’s recommendation to “eat the rainbow.”
March
We read a lot of dinosaur books.My sister moved back from California (her second home) for her ACL surgery and some serious family time.I figured out the deal with Pinterest.
April
We stared at the seeds until they grew.Easter officially became my favorite holiday.Lincoln basically said “game-on” to every adventure we threw his way.
May
Ragland passed away. It was hard, especially for Bryce.Weeks later, Rambo got lost in the woods for five days, probably looking for Ragland. A good friend found him. We were so relieved. We participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure with a gang of great family and friends.
June
Hyatt, a.k.a. Peter Rabbit, nibbled away at whatever he could find in the garden.
July
My dad put on a free fireworks show in the backyard.Hyatt turned three!
August
A friend did some work on our floors. We slept in the backyard.I took a lot of pictures of Mexican sunflowers.
September
Hyatt and I both had strep throat at the beach, but our friends were so sweet and we still had fun……Lincoln most of all.We (I) made it through Preschool Open House without falling apart……and then we embarked on a new adventure.Lincoln turned five!
October
The fall weather was divine.We went on our first field trip.Hyatt found just the right pumpkin.
November
We logged at least 2-3 hours per day building Legos.We made it to Maymont’s Japanese Garden when the leaves were at the peak of their fall glory.
December
We welcomed winter with a snowy weekend.We spent most of the holidays building Legos. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone! Thank you for all of your incredible support in 2017!
Rockville Diaries 
January 3, 2018 at 6:15 am
What a positive look back on a roller coaster year! So thankful that you and Christy are both healthy, along with the rest of the family.
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January 3, 2018 at 9:00 am
Great memories! Blessings in 2018.
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