I wanted to post some photos that reflect on the past year. It's been a trying one. Some things I don't have photos of. I finally finished my masters degree this summer which really put a dent into my health. Poor Faolan did not get as much of my attention this summer because of it all. When she began pretending that she was going "upstairs to work on her paper" I realized even deeper the sacrifice. How do I explain that I must spend time away from her in order to keep my job? In Michigan, a certain number of graduate credits are required every five years to maintain certification. One might as well get the degree and the slight increase in pay.
Anyway, classes took up most of my year from January to August. We did get to the beach a couple of times, and had several trips downtown where Faolan loves to run through the fountain, have ice cream cones and listen to street performers. She also got to spend some time with her Grandmas and her Grandpa & cousin Justin. She got a new cousin, Danielle, in September whom she adores. She asked her aunt Linda if she would "put baby Danielle on the floor so I can teach her to crawl". She often pretends her dolls are baby Danielle. It is so interesting to watch her real world play and how that develops as she observes and engages with others.
Tim was able to get to a writers conference in October and has begun a new novel. He has written a couple of short stories as well. He sneaks some writing time after Finn and I go to bed (which is quite early) and he also gets up early every weekend to write. He is dedicated.
In December we drove to Georgia and visited some of my family. Tim's mother moved to Texas in December as well. Having both of our mothers so far away is a strange feeling.
We were back in Michigan for the last few days in December, and to welcome the new year.
So, here are a few pics from Jan-March 2010. Look for other posts that will have pictures from later in the year.
Faolan's first sled experience in January, 2010. Yes, I have three hats on. Didn't anyone tell you it's cold in Michigan? We were going down tiny hills at Kollen Park, which is on Lake Macatawa. This lake connects to Lake Michigan. In short, lots of wind. We always forget.
Faolan watching Wonder Pets from her favorite seat in the house....her horse "Clint" lovingly named after my sister's horse of the same color. That's Nigel on the couch. I keep telling him he has over romantic memories of being outside.
We took these pictures in March, 2010. The set-up mimics a very old photo of my father's mother when she was the same age. When I get my scanner working, I will post both photos together. Absolutely precious.
Fairy fun. These are Faolan's 2nd birthday photos. I got the dress for $3 at a resale shop, sewed some fabric, silk leaves and flowers on it. All together, it was under $10. She looked sweet as a flower. Perhaps I should also post the tantrum photos?
Fairy Grandma Melba shows Fairy Faolan some pretty Tinkerbell stickers at her birthday party.
Planning a fairy birthday party was a nice diversion from working on homework and long papers & projects. Much of our family attended, including Grandma & Grandpa Hartsaw & Grandma Melba. It was a good excuse to see family too.
Easy cake to make when you have a figurine to put on it!
We celebrated Easter with my parents at Frederick Meijer Gardens. The butterfly exhibit was a beautiful way to usher in the spring!
Faolan finds her Easter basket! Isn't she cute in her ducky dress?
We enjoyed Faolan's first Easter Egg Hunt at her cousin Justin's house!
Faolan loves dressing up!
Grandma Emery turned 105 years old in April!
The first tulips of spring are always so welcomed after a hard winter.
We love visiting the Outdoor Discovery Center. There are wooded trails and a predatory bird rescue. The owl above was hit by a car and lost his eye.
Faolan works in her new kitchen to fix something delicious for Nigel kitty.
Mmm. Imaginary food again. Fabulous!
