Good bye 2016

Good bye 2016 #dontletthedoorhityouonthewayout

Wow! What a year it has been. A rough year, one that I don't want to repeat, but a good one, none-the-less. I would say 2016 was probably one of the hardest, most stressful years we have experienced as a family. I haven't mentioned it too much on the blog, but Tyler has had a really rough year at work. It became so hard that he started looking for a different job around March. He had a few interviews in Nevada and Arizona, but nothing seemed right, and we really didn't want to move our family. In June there were some pretty significant changes in the organization of Tyler's work that seemed promising, so we decided to give it some more time. In some ways things have gotten better at work, but there has been a lot more responsibility put on Tyler's shoulders. He travels a lot more, and has to work long hours, but we're hoping we made the right decision by deciding to stick it out for a while longer. 

I've also really come to appreciate my health and my family's health more this year. We've seen a lot of family members struggle with health problems, and it really makes me appreciate my rambunctious, crazy, inquisitive, healthy kids.  

2016 has had some great parts to it as well. It has definitely been a growing year for both Tyler and me. We've become closer as a couple, became stronger as parents, and tried to become better as individuals. I am excited to see what the future holds for us and our family. I know the rough times just make us appreciate the good times even more, and make us better people in the end. 

I tell ya, though, I couldn't have made it through all of the ups and downs of this year without this guy by my side. There are not enough ways to express how great of a husband and father he is. He makes me laugh everyday and is right there by my side through the good and the bad. Tyler is the most honest, ethical, and level headed person you will  ever meet and is always trying to better himself.  He works so hard to provide for our family and definitely has his priorities figured out. I really lucked out marrying him. 

And these kids. They make our life complete. They worry us, make us want to scream in frustration, and force us to hide in the pantry to eat Oreos, but they are also the best kids around. They are so loving, innocent, forgiving, funny, sweet, helpful, and honest. They are healthy and happy, and we couldn't imagine our lives without our Kay Bugs, Cader Mater, and Brynnie Bear. 

We are so excited for 2017. We have set some pretty lofty goals for ourselves and our family this year, but I know we can meet every single one of them. I know this year won't be easy, but I am so ready for it to begin.