While looking through all my photos to get prepared for this post I had such a great time. 2013 was a big year! The thing that stands out the most, above all amazing things is that my husband quit smoking. I love my husband so much. Some days the stress of life, work, kids, money, parties, laundry and more get in the way and I forget to tell him how much he means to me. Some days I am so focused on trying to remind my children how much their mother loves them that I forget to remind their father!! Rob and I have been together for 10 years and married for 7 years. He is the greatest love of my life and I have been begging him since our kids were born to quit smoking. Last year, January 1st he went out and bought nicorette. I feel like we have been blessed with many extra years now!
In February I was honored to be chosen as one of 100 new Shot@Life Champions. I was invited to the Shot@Life Summit in Washington, DC and there my life was changed. I was educated on the importance of vaccines as well as the need for access to vaccines. I met with members of Congress!!! I was so nervous in those meetings that I let my fellow Champions do most of the talking but I give a nice “Hello” and “Thank you for your time” plus I made sure we got photos with everyone (see a few below) . I also met the MOST AMAZING WOMEN EVER!!! I came face to face with bloggers I so admired!! The amazing Jen Burden, of World Moms Blog, recommended I apply and really has been an amazing mentor to me and she showed me the ropes!! I made connections with women that I will forever feel bonded to as well as admire!!
Hayley discovered her love of all things chocolate this year!
We took a weekend trip to the Strasburg Railroad and saw a vintage baseball game.
I coordinated the 2013 Philly/South Jersey Promise Walk for Preeclampsia and we raised over $28,000!! My family and friends were amazingly supportive!! They helped, walked, donated and more. I felt so lucky that day!
Derek…..oh Derek…My baby boy asked to cut his hair, OFF!!! My heart ached, and still does, but it’s his hair so this happened
Derek learned to ride a bike on two wheels and Hayley learned to ride a trike and a scooter
I became a guest post editor at World Moms Blog!! WOO HOO!!!
Rob and I took the kids to Hershey Park for a mini-vacation in June and we all LOVED it!! It truly is the Sweetest Place on Earth!
And then our boy turned 5, HOW DID THAT HAPPEN SO QUICKLY!!! We had a Bounce U party and then everyone came back to the house to party into the evening and celebrate our boy!
We spent the summer swimming and added some beach trips in plus a week at the shore
The kids both played soccer and Rob even joined in as Derek’s coach this year!
In October Hayley, my youngest baby, turned 3!!! Deep breaths….. She got a big girl bike and had a princess party
We spent a lot of time at parks and also went back to Hershey, Strasburg Railroad and Sesame Park for their holiday events
And then there was Christmas!!!!
2013 was a wonderful year for my family. I remind myself every single day how lucky I am. I love my family more than anything and I enjoy every moment and adventure together! Happy New Year to you and yours!! Thank you so much for reading….
xo Sarah
I was inspired to do this post by my friend Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife! Be sure to check out her review by clicking the image below
Also be sure to check out my Ten Simple Ways to Start Fresh in the New Year
That last picture of Finnegan is AMAZING! Congrats to Rob on becoming an ex-smoker!
Aww! Your family is just the CUTEST! And you KNOW you have your hands full with your little Hayley. Both of your children just look so happy. GREAT job, Mama! Congratulations to your husband, too! Have a great new year!
Lovely pictures of an adorable family. Happy New Year!
You had a great year! Lilly and I loved looking at all your pics 🙂