2022 is coming to an end.

How did 2022 go by so fast!? It was full of change, disappointment, growth, travel, therapy, basketball, and the happy outweighed the sad...I think. 

Drake {age 7} - Drake finally came out of the electronic addiction fog, and his imagination blossomed. He doesn't play on the Switch anymore, and rarely plays on his phone. His favorite things are art projects of any kind, sleepover's in Mom's bed, and playing outside. Drake is the first to want to play in the snow, the first to wake up every morning, and the first to complain when he doesn't get his way. He loves "making plays" with Devin in the basement on the basketball hoop.

Bina {age 10} - Bina started playing the Viola this year, and has become quite good. She has become addicted to her iPad, Stranger Things, and her heating pad (don't ask!). She prefers her pj's over her school clothes, and likes to see how many days it will be until I ask her to wash her hair. Bina had her heart set on being the CEO of Chick Fil A at Biztown, and was so ecstatic to fulfill her dreams. Bina loves playing Roblox with her friends and cousins, she has become my best babysitter, and is saving $2 bills {and almost has 50 of them!}.

Devin {age 12} - Still playing on multiple AAU basketball teams, and always has the energy for more. He is loving Junior High, and always has drama filled stories about his day when he gets in the car (it would be nice if I went the rest of the school year without a call from the VP). Devin started playing the trombone, and we always have a good laugh when he practices. He also got his first set of stitches from colliding in the paint during a basketball game (no surprises there!). Devin is sweet, sensitive, and wants to make friends with everyone.

Savannah {age 18 - adult!!} - Savannah started a real job at Sonic, still manages the girls basketball team, and has found love in a new boy. She got in to every college she had her heart set on, and we are excited for what after high school has instore for her. She went on a trip to Vegas for her 18th birthday, and had the time of her life with her Dad. She got in her first "real" car accident, got her first bank account with direct deposit, and travels the freeways like a pro...but driving in the snow is still a no-go. We don't see her as much as we would like, but I guess she is just preparing us for when she moves out.

Paul {forever 32 baby!} - We lost track of how many times Paul went to Vegas to recharge, it is most definitely his happy place. He traveled to Oregon for a convention, and opted for Uber instead of a rental car...which was a big deal for Paul who doesn't like "new experiences". He started a little side hustle of selling sports cards, and didn't always enjoy the highs and lows of the business. He broke my heart by telling me he wanted sleep in separate rooms, but it turns out it might be one my favorite things we did for our marriage in 2022. 

Evonne {40-something} - This was my biggest year that I can remember. I started a new job at the first of the year, quit that job, and started another new job. Who am I starting 2 new jobs in one year!? I got my first tattoo {+9}, and they make me soooo happy. I went on 2 solo trips, and one of them I got to use my passport for the first time in my life. I went to Palm Springs for a visit with my Dad and his partner. I also got to enjoy a Mexican cruise with my SIL being her +1. My year wouldn't be complete without a random dental issue mixed in, and I am going into 2023 with one less tooth! I also pulled up my big girl panties and got myself my own bank account. My van blew up, and I ended 2022 with a new van...but I am still so sad and miss my old one.

In the Spring we experienced the loss of Coach Z unexpectedly, and we closed out 2022 with the death of my Mom. Navigating death with my children was hard, and not something I was ready for. I was also not expecting the feelings that were brought up with my Mom's passing. Hard times always show you who shows up for you when you are at your worst. I am thankful for the kind gestures small and big that have carried me through the past couple of weeks. 

We did our usual travels to Idaho, St George, and Wyoming, but didn't quite make it on a big family vacation in 2022. Eh, maybe next year. I struggled through Summer realizing that the life of having our 4 kids around to play with is long gone. The littles and I spent endless hours by the pool, while Devin was off playing basketball with friends. Savannah worked, but we occasionally snuck in adventures with 3 of the 4 kids (Devin or Savannah was always missing). I definitely relish in the moments that we are all together as a family of 6. 

I think I am ready to see what 2023 has for us, but if I am being honest...I am slightly terrified. I am tired, and I am needing some "normal" months, if not years, to recover. Our family has done a lot of growing, changing, and healing this year. Even though those are all good things, they can exhausting. Paul and I are really proud of the family we have built, we are raising some pretty incredible kids. 

2023. It felt so far away to say Savannah would graduate in 2023, and here we are watching our oldest get it done! Man, this growing old stuff is wild.