A 2020 Review

2020 was definitely a year like no other. Covid and quarantine had us examine what we were doing and how we were doing it. For me, a lot changed, but then nothing changed. Instead of a shut down, my job was harder, longer, and more stressful for a couple months, until we figured out how to operate in the new normal.

Since Darrin's job was shut down/canceled/changed/postponed...he had free time that he's never had before. As with a lot of things in 2020, there were pros and cons. We found ways new ways to spend our time. We discovered Pinson Mounds, which the boys think is grand.

We bought this climbing dome. It was a flop. The boys didn't play with it and we sold it a couple months later.

We had people over for outdoor parties. Not hanging with our friends was hard on us, so we had several bonfires. 

Darrin took the boys on day trips like Bass Pro shop and exploring local lakes to help fill their days.

They also found some neighbors and church friends to help with projects. 

We spent a lot of time outside in what was one of the mildest, most beautiful summers I can remember.

Miles and Darrin discovered a love of fishing. Carson was happy to be along for the ride.

The time spent fishing was probably the biggest blessing of the year. I believe Miles is hooked for life. He spent a lot of his time and money building up his supplies and learning all about fishing.

In a normal year, Darrin never would have had the time to take Miles to lots of different lakes and spend this time doing something they both enjoy.

Carson is happiest when he's outside, so fishing was good for him too.

We drove around looking for bears in windows.

We did things like chalk art in our downtime too.

I'm not one to enjoy a lot of downtime, but 2020 gave me a new appreciation for it. When I had nothing to do and nowhere to be, I started to enjoy it. It felt good for my soul to rest and sit on the couch more. Our busy lives don't always allow for it, but this is something I hope to take with me from this crazy year.

Outside of the shut down and quarantine, we enjoyed time with friends. We enjoyed so many weekends of baseball in the beautiful summer weather.

Miles got to play with his friend, Mason, which is something our families have always hoped for.

That meant getting hang out with Mason's mom, Kelly. We had fun times.

Stephanie and I do a terrible job of taking pictures together, but we had fun shopping, eating at Picasso and La Caretta, and sitting by the pool.

We never have enough time with these two, but there are always laughs when we get together.

We had great times with Granny & Pa. Carson got to spend several weekends with them while we were traveling for baseball. Many memories were made.

A huge event this year was my mom moving to Jackson. After many years of contemplation, she is finally here and can enjoy watching the boys grow up from a little closer.

Hornet Nation winning the 10U State Tournament was a big highlight in 2020. They played terrible on Saturday and won four tough games on Sunday to win it all.

Miles closed out the game pitching on Sunday night. It was a moment he will always remember. We love these kids, families, and coaches, and are blessed to have spent so many great times with them.

Miles made his first school team...the 5th grade basketball team. A lot of the season has been interrupted by Covid, but we are excited about the future with school teams and basketball. It's so fun to watch!

We went on a mini trip to Muscle Shoals, AL. We were too afraid to plan anything else in this crazy year. The boys had a great time and didn't know the difference between this weekend trip and a full on vacation. Carson asks if we can got back to Muscle Shoals at least once a week.

Miles started middle school...in a mask of course. He LOVES middle school. He's had some really good years, but this is the best. He has four teachers and he loves them all. I think he likes some of the freedoms and treatment that come with being a middle schooler. He also started riding the bus this year.

Darrin and I celebrated birthday number 44...

...and anniversary number 19.

In other big news, we put up an inflatable pool for the last time because put a down payment on an inground pool for 2021! We have always wanted a pool and we can't wait for it to be installed in April or May. The quarantine and downtime at home made us realize how much we would enjoy having a pool. I know that all years won't be like this one, but we are committed to slowing down the pace of life to be able to enjoy our time together at home.

One of the funniest moment of this year was when Carson was playing outside and then knocked on our neighbor's door...a neighbor that we've never been inside their home...in the middle of pandemic and social distancing...and invited himself in for dessert. 

If I was reminded of anything in 2020, it's this. And, I needed reminding.

It wasn't my favorite year, but just typing this reminded me how many blessings we had. I enjoyed another year with these people and I'm looking forward to a fresh, new year and the memories to come. Happy New Year!