As quickly as 2012 arrived, it slipped away... but it left behind a year full of cherished memories. Memories that I had little time to record. This post, therefore, is my feeble attempt to finish out the major highlights of the year. There are many moments now forgotten, but we will hang on to the most precious ones in our hearts.
In September, Hannah and I flew to Minnesota to celebrate my parent's 50th Wedding Anniversary. The trip was filled with some sweet moments, and maybe some not so sweet... but I try not to remember those. And so, I am only going to say that their Anniversary Dinner was absolutely beautiful.
Hannah had worked so hard in the weeks leading up to this celebration making a beautiful album of their years together, as well as a video. She also put together precious gifts to give to them - a framed letter from my dad to my mom, memoirs of grandpa's heritage, as well as painting a beautiful picture that grandma had "commissioned" her to paint for grandpa. It was stunning.
At the end of summer, Jacob, Hannah and I went to the Chesapeake Bay for a four day youth retreat. It really was so wonderful for them - we heard some great teaching, and since Hannah didn't know anyone really, Jacob so kindly gave up spending time with his friends to "escort" Hannah and I around for the weekend. That is selfless love. That is serving. That is one of the character qualities that make up this wonderful boy I have.
In November, we spent a lot of time focusing on politics. We even took a day to travel to Virginia and go to a Mitt Romney rally - which was something I had never experienced before. This happened to be the day before the election (and also our wedding anniversary! Shows how much it meant to us!) and we were just so sure that he would win the election! Needless to say, we were utterly devastated when he lost. Our hope for change in this country died with his loss. We understood, better than ever before, what it meant for Obama to be re-elected. We literally felt sick.
Then came the almost comical madness for a box of twinkies!! haha Who knew??
In November, we took a day trip up to Annapolis to see the town, the Naval Academy, and go out for breakfast. What a fun little family-day that was.
We celebrated Hannah's 15th birthday with a cake, breakfast at the Music Cafe, and then off to some antique shops for some shopping. This cake displays one of Hannah's greatest masterpieces made in frosting!!
In this "season of Jacob" (as we have come to call it) there has been much excitement and focus on him working toward his dream of being accepted into the Air Force Academy. The left picture shows his bedroom with study notes on a chalkboard wall, and the right picture shows one of the many occasions he has had to go to class or an outing dressed up. We sincerely hope and pray that after all this hard work, his dream becomes reality.
Then there was Christmas!!
Jacob participated in a 5K race this fall in Annapolis to benefit wounded veterans. It was a blast driving up early in the morning and watching all the runners participate! It was his first one - and he actually had a really good run time! So proud of him!!
Here he is with Lance Tang and Nate Dreier - his buddies who ran it with him.
Go Jacob Go!!
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