What a year it was. We rang it in with fireworks in a tiny farming village on the highest peak in our part of the Rhineland Pfalz. We closed it out watching magnificent fireworks explode over the London Eye. (and can't wait to share!)
In between there was dancing
in Stuttgart, Ramstein, Munich...
and in Ireland. Beautiful Ireland.
There were parades big and small.
There was a lot of football. From little boys playing alongside the flight line to American pro football in Wembley Stadium
to English football in Manchester.
There were great celebrations. Holy Communion...
Confirmations.
As well as solemn memorials to a good man gone too soon for us.
We cheered at a high school graduation and a college graduation.
And then there were the road trips. Lots of them.
Luxembourg
Köln
Trier - a couple times.
Some of them hiked the French rock formations along the old Roman road.
another put her toes in the sand on the Italian coast
Others splashed along the Suffolk coast.
We watched another cross the finish line in Prague
Prague, the city which stole Abbie's heart.
And we boarded ship for the white cliffs of Dover, not a road trip but to make a home.
Where we pal around in Cambridge and London
From flowering rapeseed in Germany to the bowing fen grasses of East Anglia.
We have been blessed to share this year's adventures with over a half dozen American students as well. The one face you don't see in these pictures is our son Asher. He spent 2012 in Korea. Major goal of 2013 is a picture of him next to his mama.
It's been quite a ride y'all. I count it as a singular blessing to have been able to share it with the people I dearly love near and far, face to face and via this screen. 2012 saw a lot of boxes and suitcases and smiles - as well as tears. Life is full.
It is never easy.
It is always good.
Life is good. Hold on to that.
Happy New Year Kim! May the coming year bring blessings, and courage, and grace.
xoxo
Posted by: Ellie | January 01, 2013 at 06:08 PM
What a beautiful year you all have had! Thank you for sharing glimpses of it with your readers in Internetland. :o) Please know that you never cease to inspire me to be a better wife and momma. Happy New Year to you and your family!
Posted by: Wendy in VA | January 01, 2013 at 06:25 PM
What a beautiful, rich year you've had! So much to take joy in, and so much of which I envy - what an experience you are giving your children! Happy New Year to you and yours, Kim! I love being here with you - with whatever you share. Such a beautiful soul you are :)
Peace and Joy!
Posted by: Chris | January 02, 2013 at 12:45 AM
You have a beautiful life! I am a wannabe traveler, so I thoroughly enjoy visiting your blog! Peace and Happy New Year! +JMJ+
Posted by: annita | January 03, 2013 at 02:41 AM
You have had such a full year (and life as well)! Beautiful.
Posted by: Rebecca | January 03, 2013 at 06:01 PM
What a beautiful year filled with your lovely family! I just love how I get to visit these places with you too through our blog.
Posted by: Amy Caroline | January 08, 2013 at 04:01 PM