2012 - The Year of Change

As I continue to catch-up on my list of blog posts I've been meaning to make, recapping 2012 for our family is one that I for sure need to do.  2012 - The Year of Change.  Big Changes. 

Only 12 months ago, Evan was just learning to:
- Climb
- Eat with a fork & spoon
- Say Momma & Dadda
- Wave & blow kisses
- Say NO

I cannot believe that was only 12 months ago!!  Time flies with kids is clearly an understatement. 

Only 10 months ago, Evan was 18 months old.  We were going to the park almost every night (ouch, that one hurts a little to say given the weather changes we're dealing with from CO to MI....).  Evan had tubes put into his ears around this time too.  And I'm sooo happy to say that since then, NO ear infections! 

In 2012, Erik & I enjoyed the mountains of Colorado after not being in them much (pregnancy & baby seemed to have a way of interferring with that!).  A trip to Estes Park and hiking Mt. Bierdstat, a 14'er. 

In May, I left my job at Red Robin to pursue another food industry restaurant, Panera.  Working from home was a blessing for me - more time with Evan, less daycare days - it was perfect! 

Then comes July.....oh July, you were the month I didn't see coming!  A trip home to Michigan and a few job interviews for Erik.  He had some opportunities in MI come up and since we were already there, well, why not see what happens?  We left MI and headed home after 9 days and didn't really think anything would come of the jobs.  So much so that we actually put an offer on a new house to stay in CO!  Then came the job offer, and the moving package, and the thought that raising Evan near our families in MI is where we were meant to be.  We weren't totally sold on the vision though, and decided to wait and see if there were any "signs" telling us what to do.  Then, two big signs happened - personally & professionally.  Signs that said moving to MI was the right decision for our family.  So we pulled the trigger, accepted Erik's job, backed out of our CO house contract, packed up and moved home to MI.  Phew! 

We continued 2012 buying a home in MI, Erik started his job, and I started working from home for Red Robin again.  I'm in CO 1-2 times a month for the job, but overall it's working out well for our family and nice to have the extra income (especially as we furnish and make our home more "homey"). 

We're in to 2013 now and look forward to finding ways to make MI our home, keeping up with Evan and the joys of watching him grow and learn, and keeping our family happy, healthy, safe and supported.  I'm excited to become an Aunt this year as my sister & her husband prepare for the arrival of their daughther in March - and super excited that I'll be nearby to see the baby a lot!  Erik & I both REALLY look forward to warmer weather coming to MI and getting outside more with Evan, meeting more of our neighbors, and landscaping our house.  And maybe by the end of 2013, having Uncle Danny & Aunt Katie teach Evan how to ski! 

Happy 2013 everyone! 

Christmas 2012

Our first Christmas living in Michigan!  It was nice not having to travel, and also to be able to decorate the house and put up a Christmas tree.  Being the only grandchild, Evan had what seemed like a month-long Christmas.  Every day he would wake up and ask for presents.  He thought every present under the tree was for him, and opened several that weren't (when no one was watching!).  Evan was OBSESSED with The Grinch (both the cartoon & Jim Carrey version) over the holiday season....and beyond.  To this day he still asks to watch "new Grinch" or "old Grinch."  He also still asks me to sing Jingle Bells every night before bed.  In "Grinch" terms, Evan could be the "Cheer-meister" for Christmas! 

 



Smiling for Santa!  The photographer just happened to snap this pic at the right time and it turned out perfect!

 

Not so happy here.  Also, why are we all leaning one-way?

 

Christmas Eve at the Ellis house - opening "Unka E and Aunt Kissie's" gift (a tool bench!)

 

"Helping" Grandpa open his presents (because Evan secretly thinks they are for him)

 

Playing in his new tunnel!

 

And the matching tent.  Evan set-up shop here with all of his toys from the day, and a snack.

 

Homemade aprons for the Ellis girls!

 

Our Christmas tree and Evan's gifts all ready for Christmas morning

 

A toy drill, just like Daddy's!

All of Evan's gifts from Christmas Day.  Half way through opening, Evan leaned back on the couch and said "hard work"! 

Christmas 2012 - part 2

The last of the Christmas decorations were put away weeks ago and now the last of the Christmas pictures are uploaded too!  We had a wonderful holiday season, especially not having to travel!  

 

Christmas Day with the Anderson's - watching Erik & David's old videos from when they were little!

 

 I got a fancy new camera for Christmas so I was testing it out all Christmas Day.  Poor Lucy has few pictures since Evan came along.

 

Being resourceful, using his toy drill to open gifts.

 

"Santa" and Evan

Merry Christmas!

 

Playing with the wands David made (still find it hilarious that David didn't have time to finish Kent's so his is just a stick of wood!)

 

Evan says he's being helpful, but secretly he hopes this gift is for him.

 

Not too sure what he thinks of all the gear he has to wear to play outside in the winter (lots more gear in MI than we needed in CO!)

Sledding!  Evan did NOT like when we sent him cruising down the hill... 

 

Nia & Guh came to visit!  Love this picture :)

 

*Love*

 

BFF's!

 

 Best Godparents ever.  We love you guys!