2013 Review

What a year 2013 was!  We celebrated lots of firsts with Matthew, took family trips, and welcomed new babies into the family/friend circle.  Here is a look into the highlights of our year.

1.  Mike and I's 5th wedding anniversary!  We spent the day in Hot Springs eating great food and getting a couple's massage.  Mike wasn't so keen on the massage part, but he went through with it for me :-)  It's crazy how fast time flies - especially after having kids.  It's been a wonderful 6 years and I'm looking forward to many more!  We look like babies in these pics!

2.  One of my best friends, Katie, had her first baby.  Sweet Eleanor Marie was born May 8th (1 day after her Aunt Lindsay's b-day) and is absolutely precious!  She looks just like her momma.  The pic is from Matthew and Eleanor's first play date and the Fall Carnival at Crestwood :-)

3.  In May, I celebrated my first Mother's Day!  I spent the day with my family and being pampered with love.

4.  Mother's Day is also the day that Matthew was dedicated at church.  It was such a special moment for Mike and I to promise to raise Matthew in the church and teach him about his Creator.

5.  We went to the beach with the Fleisher family in June.  While Matthew wasn't sure of the beach and sand, he loved the pool.  He was the cutest beach bum there!

6.  While at the beach, we celebrated Mike's first Father's Day.  We spent the day at the beach/pool and went out to eat that evening because it was also his birthday.  Matthew is lucky to have such a great daddy!

7.  In July, we went to Branson with my family.  Matthew was a trooper with all of our shopping.  I know we will make many more trips to Branson in the years to come.

8.  We also took Matthew to the zoo for the first time in July.  He loved it, but I can't wait to take him again because his love for animals has become an obsession.  We are waiting for the first warm Saturday to go again using our family pass!

9.  Matthew turned 1 in August and it was a huge celebration!  We had water activities in the backyard and the house was decorated in blue, green, and orange for our dinosaur themed party.  I loved having a house full of family and friends helping celebrate our sweet boy.  

10.  Another best friend of mine, Laura, welcomed her first baby in September.  Wyatt Andrew was born on September 4th and is one handsome little dude!  I know he and Matthew will be best friends.  I can't wait to see them grow up together, along with Eleanor :-)  All 3 BFF's are pictured below.

11.  On September 15th, my second niece was born.  Little Emily Kate joined her big sis Alli and is an absolute doll!  It's been fun watching how different the two girls are.  I know they will have a sweet, sister relationship.

12.  After Christmas, we went to Illinois to spend time with family.  It was even more special this time around because the entire Fleisher family was there for the first time since I joined the family.  While it was a quick trip, and a LONG car ride, it was an amazing trip.  Pictured below is the whole Fleisher family, Carlson family, and Grandma Carlson with her 8 great grand kids.

13.  Matthew is going to be a BIG BROTHER!!!  We found out we were expecting in early November and announced to family at Christmas.  We are thrilled to become a family of 4.  Fleisher baby #2 is due July 24th.  I'm anxiously awaiting early March when we find out boy or girl! 

Here's to 2013 being such a great year, and to 2014 being even better!  There will be lots of changes, but I know it will all be worth it.