Looking back on 2021

While it is so very easy to focus on the many negatives of 2021, and those certainly should not be ignored, with this post I am choosing to look at the good things that this year has brought to me and my family. After all, if I didn’t focus on the positive, I don’t think I could quite get through each day during the time of Covid-19. So as I look back on 2021, here is what I are some landmark events in our lives as well as a few things I am thankful for …

April

Tip Toeing Through the Tulips

About a month before I had Arielle in 2019 we had gone down to Rhode Island to visit the tulip fields. I had wanted to take her down last year to make it a tradition, but with Covid, we decided it was best to stay away. So I was thrilled when we had to the opportunity to visit this year. Arielle loved it but I think she was more enamored with the rocks! 

May

My Second Mother’s Day

We had another quiet Mother’s Day but I really enjoyed just spending time with my little crew. We watched movies and travel shows and ate lobsters … it doesn’t get much better than that!

Arielle’s Second Birthday

Just like last year, we celebrated with a birthday caravan on May 27th. Everyone loved seeing her smiling fact as she opened gifts and stuffed her face with cake. I wrote a letter to her to commemorate her second birthday. Though I don’t want to rush her childhood, I’m looking forward to a time when she’ll read it and understand the love behind my words. 

June 

Celebrating Nunny’s 100th Birthday

A few weeks after Arielle turned two, my Nunny turned 100 years old and she is still going strong. Thanks to vaccines and social distancing, we were able to come together to celebrate as a family and I don’t think I’ve seen her happier in years. 

July

Fourth of July in New Hampshire

It was a chilly and wet 4th of July in New England but we still had a good time in New Hampshire up at my uncle’s mountain chateau. He took us to the most charming petting zoo where Arielle loved getting to know the goats. 

August

Turning 35

To celebrate my 35th birthday we brought Arielle to the zoo. She loves animals so she was thrilled with our afternoon at Stone Zoo. She especially loved the flamingos!

Celebrating 7 Years of Marriage and A Trip to the Trapp Family Lodge

On August 16th, we celebrated our seventh wedding anniversary at the Trapp Family Lodge. I hadn’t been up to this mountain retreat since I was a little one. And as a fan of the Sound of Music, I felt like I was in the middle of the set – just so charming! 

October

Halloween was a Success

Arielle is officially obsessed with Halloween and I am so proud. My 31 days of Halloween Costumes was better than ever and she still can’t get over the fact that she was Minnie Mouse for a day. 

November

Christmastime Trip to Newport, RI 

While we are continuing to be careful, we were able to sneak away to Newport, RI for a festive weekend. Arielle loved seeing the mansions all decked out for Christmas. She didn’t want to come home! 

December

Good News for Arielle’s Hip

Earlier this year I shared Arielle’s hip dysplasia diagnosis. While after several disheartening updates, we finally got some good news that her hip is making progress and that was probably one of the best things I’ve heard all year!

While 2021 has been scary, I’m starting to dare to hope for our future. So 2022, please be good to us. We all need a break.