I have so many goals this year, I have them written down to keep track of them. One is to write more: whether that be journaling, or working on a proposed novel idea, or just my blog. I used to be really great about the monthly updates, but I will just highlight the latter half of 2021 with some of our favorite moments and memories and do a separate post on 2022.
September/October
Kids went back to school: 5th and Kindergarten this year and I am in my 17th year teaching: 10 years teaching 8th graders. Covid protocols and variants keep the game real, ya'll. Shifts about CDC guidelines and everything in-between has me just barely staying afloat. These past two and a half years have undoubtedly been the most difficult in my teaching career and there isn't a day I am second guessing my beloved career choice. But when you're close to retirement from this gig and don't really want to give it up just yet, makes me feel like I'm on the most ultimate seesaw of my life. *Sigh*. Not to mention, the constant change of new admin, new policies, and so much unwanted and uninvited change, it just makes me feel really taken for granted, at times.
However, we have been plowing ahead full force with our lives, staying safe, vaxxed, and boosted. Kids both were in soccer this fall: Jax tried rec for the first time and Maddy continued her Elite Season. Her season ended in December with a Division 1 League, 8 Wins, 2 Losses, and 2 Ties. She had an incredible journey and is looking forward to next season with her new found friends and fellow athletes.
Jax and his buddy Elianna
On a personal note, I ran and finished my first full marathon this past fall. I wrote a long journal about it, as it definitely is one of the hardest things I have ever done. But I am so glad I did. My daughter, Madelynne, met me about a 1/4 mile from the finish line to help me run the last of it. It will always be one of my most cherished memories.
Halloween was pretty normal this year with some trick or treating at our local favorite neighborhood and running into friends as normal. Jax, Brad, and I opted to dress up as characters from Peter Pan while Maddy wanted to be a Pro Soccer player for her costume. We also harvested apples from our little orchard and pressed some delicious apple cider.
November
As always, we tried to get out to enjoy nature and the beautiful natural fall colors that surround our peninsula. I think the colors were a bit more vibrant and lasted longer than most years, so that made it extra special. We enjoyed a couple of serene hikes into the wilderness and near Lake Crescent.
Now, it's not unusual to see the Northern Lights from Washington State, but it is quite rare. I have been following a group on Facebook who chases the Aurora and I was stoked when the data was in our favor for us to see them. AND it wasn't in the middle of the night! Maddy and I packed up some gear, headed to the water, and enjoyed watching the lights dance along the water and near our house. It was super amazing. Of course, they don't look like this in person: they're more of a greyish color, but I know as you go further north the lights can become more colorful and beautiful over time.
We hosted Thanksgiving and enjoyed the company of our wonderful family and friend-family. It was a delightful evening of good food, conversations, flowing wine, and wonderful company. We enjoyed the time together.
Kids had a dance off in the garage after dinner.
My beautiful friend, Elsey, and her new boyfriend.
December
The first part of December we enjoyed checking out the local Railroad Bridge all dolled up in her Christmas Glory. That wrapped up our year until Christmas Vacation, which will be a post in its own.
Until next time...
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