Wrapping up the recap of Christmas vacation today, and I realized that I have very few photos with my dad’s side of the family – other than when we went to go see where my Grandma & Grandpa are at rest. I think with this being the first year without both of them made me just try to soak up every single moment with them..

Peanut had a solid place in my grandmother’s heart, and more importantly in her mind. As she battled Alzheimer’s, she would still light up and say Peanut’s name when my family members mentioned her, or if my dad mentioned her over the phone. There’s nothing like that gift for me.  My sweet brother decided that Grandpa needed to have his Christmas Star, so he made one out of pebbles. Aaaaaand our hearts all melted just a little bit.  Love these guys (and that view)!!  Max, Peanut and I took a quick trip to the beach before the rain rolled in one day, and it was so fun to see her looking out at the ocean (and getting quite excited about the birds…). As usual, she is such a great reminder for me to take time to really look at things, and to appreciate all the wonder there is in this world. 

And then, way too quickly, it was already New Years Eve… time for one of my favorite family traditions on the beach! So thankful the weather cleared for us to be able to go down for the sunset fire on the beach… just wouldn’t feel like the close of the year without it!! 

No better way for me to take a second, realize what a year it has been, but still be able to put it into perspective of just how small my life really is…