Bright and Shiny? A 2016 Wrap-Up

It's a good thing I did most of my work on this post last night, because I woke up today with a raging head cold and not much ability to function as a human.

Here you go.

I chose words for 2015- CHANGE and BRAVE. There was (way too much) change.  And I had to be (way too) brave.

At this time last year I chose a phrase for 2016- SHINE BRIGHT. I don't really know how to feel about those words a year later.

2016 was a year that was pretty rough for humanity in general.  Lots of people on social media are posting things like "#2016sucks."

But to end the year in a SHINE BRIGHT-Y way, I thought I would look back at my pictures from each month and choose ones to share.  All the bright shiny ones.  Because there were many.

First up, I have Callie- my bright shiny girl #1. She has grown so much this year.  And lost lots of teeth.  And is a super reader.  And a great friend. She is so observant and asks lots of great questions.

Next up, I have Maya- my bright shiny girl #2. She has also grown up so much this year, moving from toddlerhood to preschoolhood.  She is the nutball of our family, and embraces the role with gusto.  When I look at her I still see my baby, my love bug, and I don't think that will ever change.

And you have probably noticed that I spend a lot of time with my bright shiny girls, just the three of us.  And I document it a lot. I feel very lucky to have a job that allows lots of time with these two.

And then there is my bright shiny husband. He is the best partner in parenting a girl could ask for.  He is caring and gives back to his family, friends, and community.  He thinks he is hilarious, and I do too, if I'm in the right mood. He gets me, more than I get myself most of the time, and I'm thankful for that.

And our bright shiny family. Just straight up gratitude right here.

We are so thankful to have such a wonderful bright shiny extended family as well. I can't even begin to explain how thankful we are for our families. They give so much of themselves for us, and the love they pour over us and the girls is amazing.  Each one of them is one of my personal heroes.

And the best thing about our families is how much they enjoy spending time together and hanging out together and including each other in fun things. I think it is the best in-law match up in all the land.

And you guys.  Our friends.  We have so many bright shiny friends! It has been so fun having kids with our friends by our sides and going through the same joys and difficulties that we do.  It is a bond like none other.

But my favorite bright shiny thing (and the most aggravating at times as well) are these two girls as SISTERS.  I'm so thankful they have each other, and I'm so thankful every day I  get to watch their relationship grow.

After spending a substantial amount of time looking through all of the pictures I have from this year, I can conclude it WAS a year full of bright and shiny moments, despite more difficult ones like losing our dog Kona.  I'm thankful for the pictures to remind me of all the things I have to be grateful for.

Shine Bright.

So cheers to 2017, and let's hope that there are many more bright shiny moments to come.