I'm going to call 2015, the fastest year of our lives thus far! We made so many amazing memories and we are looking forward to 2016 and what's to come!
Last January, I returned to work at Melrose after an amazing fourteen week leave to take care of my babies. I thought that returning to work was going to be incredibly difficult, but honestly, the work/family balance just fell into place. It also helps to be in a field that I enjoy. My Grandma jumped right in to her role as full-time caregiver for the twins and Rhylan. Knowing that we have her support and my girls are being taken care of by her made the transition easy as well.
Last February, we celebrated the 90th birthday of my Great Grandma Vincent! It's hard to believe that she's 90 and will soon be 91. Events like that really put things into perspective for you. It's so important to never take things for granted and I'm thankful that my kids have gotten to meet their Great Great Grandma. Not many can say that and we will always treasure the five generation photos with her.
Michael and I celebrated our six year wedding anniversary. It's hard to believe that we've been married for six years and together for almost ten years! Crazy how time flies! We celebrated with a weekend in St. Louis, exploring downtown St. Charles and a Luke Bryan concert! We're looking forward to many more anniversaries to come and hopefully a big vacation for our ten year. We're open to suggestions!
This year, my sister changed her name to Genenbacher when she married Tad last June. It was an amazing day that we'll never forget. Rhylan took his job as ring bearer very seriously as he pulled a wagon with our little flower girls, Emersyn and Everly down the aisle. And after all of the times I made fun of my sister for crying during weddings, there I stood blubbering like a baby during hers. I wish them a lifetime of happiness and love. Tad is a fantastic uncle and brother-in-law as well.
Did I mention that we tried to sneak Dylan into town for the wedding? We came up with an elaborate plan to get him to the wedding without the family knowing until the rehearsal. Even though the secret didn't stay quiet and our family figured it out, having him there was a highlight. I'll never forget doing "The Dougie" at the reception and having drinks with my newly twenty-one year old baby brother on the party bus. He is still currently serving our country in Japan and we are so very proud of him.
Rhylan started pre-school at St. Dominic's last August. It was hard for this mommy to let go of her first baby, but it has been such an awesome experience so far. He absolutely loves school and begs to go five days a week instead of three. I've been very impressed with the school so far and I always look forward to hearing about his day and all of the art projects that he brings home. He's learning to write his name too!
Our sweet baby girls turned one in September! We threw them a party in a Paris theme. We had a great turnout and the day was perfectly sunny and warm. I can't thank everyone enough for their thoughtfulness and generosity as well. The girls received so many fabulous gifts! We were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and I handled my babies turning one pretty well. No tears! It has been a little tough realizing that all of the baby milestones and firsts are for the last time, so we've really been trying to take it all in and there is nothing like experiencing those moments times two!
The Fall season was full of festive fun. It's my favorite season, so I set out to enjoy it as much as possible. We enjoyed a pumpkin painting event with The Ritters where Rhylan designed what he described as a "Hulk Pumpkin". Harvestville Farms is becoming a family tradition. We had a great time, even if it was a chilly day. Rhylan loves all of the activities and the girls had a ball too. We loaded up on pumpkins for our Fall display as well! Halloween was a blast this year! Rhylan was The Hulk and the girls were the cutest owls around. We had a blast dressing the kids up and trick or treating with a great group of new friends. Rhylan really got into the trick or treating this year and the girls loved riding in the stroller taking it all in.
I accepted a new job at Rethink Media Group as Director of Digital Marketing. It was a bittersweet feeling leaving behind the Melrose crew, but I could not pass up the opportunity to grow. I feel ready to manage something, apply what I've learned over the last few years and take on a challenge. So far, it's going well and I adore my new co-workers Susan and Corie. Plus I get to make my own schedule, which means more time with family and never missing Rhylan's events! It's a win/win!
Rhylan celebrated his 5th birthday in December. I'll admit that this one hit me harder than any other birthday. It is such a milestone and it resonates more that he is no longer a baby. He is a little boy with real opinions, goals and a huge personality. I find myself tearing up at every little milestone, because I'm just so proud. We celebrated by making one of his dreams come true - a firehouse tour. Rhylan has always been obsessed with firetrucks and firefighters, so that of course was his theme for this year's party. We surprised him with a tour of one of the oldest firehouses in Quincy. And the expression on his face said it all. Thank you to all who came to celebrate our little man with us!
Christmas was a blast this year! Having three kids to surprise on Christmas morning is the best! Rhylan couldn't wait to see what Santa brought him and woke up us at 5:30 a.m. Celebrating with the extended family later in the day was so much fun! As the year goes by, it's hard to get everyone together, so it was great catching up. The holidays just keep getting better with each year! It's always sad when the holidays come to an end, but 2016 is sure to be an incredible year. I always wish that time would slow down, but I can't wait for all that is in store for my family in the coming months!
Happy New Year!
Crystal
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