DPP2016 Day 9 - These Are The Days. . .

Day 9 at the Hoffman household was without pictures.  I had a long work day so Rich took the kiddos to Valentinos.  We met at home just in time to tuck everyone in.  So I thought I would take this opportunity to write something that would resemble a Christmas Letter or at least a few highlights.  I think 2010 or 2011 is the last time I sent out Christmas cards and letters.  I always have the best intentions.  Sometimes even purchasing all the necessary things and never getting around to it. So this year, I am not even pretending.  I didn't last year either.  So here are just a few highlights from 2016. 

In January, we started the year off strong with a trip to Florida with the entire Riley side of the family.  We were celebrating my Mom and Dad's 50th Wedding anniversary.  50 years!  Whew!  That is worth a big trip to celebrate. We are so grateful for the marriage and love of these two.  They are an example of a perfectly imperfect relationship.  Demonstrating that it doesn't always look like the fairy tale but when all those moments come together, a fairy tale is exactly what it becomes. 

We also appreciate any reason to go to Florida.  We get to visit my good buddy, Mickey.  Rich gets to pretend he lives in Springfield and the whole family gets lost in the magic of Hogsmeade and Diagon Alley. A great time was had by all.




We had a few other trips as well.  This 6 of us traveled alone to Colorado this year.  It was weird to not have the rest of the Riley family with us.  We missed them and it resulted in a lot less hiking for Rich and me.  But it allowed for a laid back and relaxing vacation.  Everyone had a chance to pick the activities and our schedule was quite spontaneous.  It was fun to see what each child wanted to do most.  Throwing rocks at the lake was a favorite for all.  It was a joy to strengthen the bond of the Hoffman 6 with beautiful mountain scenery all around.

We also had several trips to "Billie's Cabin".   This was such a fun place for the Hoffman side of the family to come together and spend some time fishing, swimming, and playing in the sand. The kiddos love every minute of lake time.   For us grown ups, it allows time to talk and laugh. 
We had several birthday parties out there, spent the fourth of July enjoying the sun and sand with Rich's extended family, and even a few spontaneous trips.  We learned that B catches a fish nearly every time he throws a line in, that E can't stand that he catches more than she does, that lil b will do what he can to keep up, and that K's got a special ability for getting her clothes and body caked in sand.
Lake time is good for the soul.  Slowing down and getting away from that never ending to do list that waits for you at home.  We also cherish the time to build and grow our relationship with family.

A whirlwind trip to St. Louis occurred in September.  It is the countdown to my Dad's retirement and we all wanted to see his chambers in St. Louis.  It was hard to convince ourselves that we wanted to drive 8 hours on Sunday followed by 8 hours back the very next day.  But it was worth it.  It was such a neat experience.  The kiddos got dressed up and learned how to conduct themselves well in this more formal setting.  The St. Louis Courthouse is gorgeous and HUGE with great views of the ballpark and the arch.  Plus, it always makes me proud to see my Dad at work.  He has built a strong career and with character and integrity.  He is such a role model for me.

All dressed up and ready to go!















While these are not current December happenings, I know that these are moments that I will want to remember along the way.  Thanks for coming along for the ride.