It's Always Something...: 2012.

Well, I guess today is the day to recap and think about and ponder the past year... My biggest notation about it is how insanely fast it has gone by. I mean, a year ago Lila was my first kiss on New Year's at the stroke of midnight and that is because her tiny infant self was up for a midnight feeding and had just nursed to sleep. It's amazing how much can happen in the span of a teensy little year, but it has.

Sweet girl. It’s amazing that the tiny baby in that photo has morphed into my hilarious, kind, loving, ball of energy that she is now.

So, because it has kind of become a thing (and one I quite enjoy, J) Here is a photo montage of the year 2012. Enjoy!

We surprised Mimi for her 70th birthday by having her three sisters fly in from Ohio. Se didn't expect a thing. ;)

And she cried a lot. It was so worth it.

These women are amazing, and they have "Patton" hands. I feel so lucky to be a part of this family.

Strong hands belonging to strong women.

Stu surprised me for our anniversary with a limo ride, dinner, flowers, and wine. Such a spoiled girl. :)

Kaden started his first day of preschool!

Stu mastered the art of simultaneously studying, eating, and raising babies. A skill he put to good use all year long. I am so proud of how hard he works on school and taking care of our kids.

"Wigging out" with my bestie for Ian's 30th birthday party.

Kaden and I enjoyed hopscotch for "Let's Move Boise" at the Boise Zoo.

Lila played dress-up a LOT! Here, she is sporting her Minnie Mouse dress from Cousin Hayley and her knit sweater from my friend David's Mom.

Jackson tried out the playroom floor as his nap space. (A rarity for sure, for those who know Jackson.)

Lila decided to get as big as her brother! She came within one pound of matching his weight this year.

My beautiful girl. We got a surprise visit from Momma E, Maddy, Hayden, Colten, Stevie, and Kylie.

So we went bowling.

Maddy and Stevie. I think they should get married and have babies.

And there was lots of "dog-pile-on-Mom" time after work and between work and school. Mommy was stressed out a lot that she was missing so much time away from her babies, but she kept trying to remind herself that it was for them.

Stu and the kids spoiled me on Mother's Day!

We watched movies on the "big screen" in the playroom.

Kaden "graduated" from preschool.

Mommy met her goal of nursing Lila exclusively for 6 months. Then nursed until 9 months. Goal reached.

We went to CDA for Uncle Hayden's graduation!

Such a handsome boy!

The boys celebrated their 2nd and 5th birthdays in July!

Then in August we went to CDA for the Pig Pickin and to see Justine, Kemer, and baby Keegan.

Hayden came down again for the last time before he went to the Air Force boot camp.

We had WAY too much fun with Mimi.

And Papa turned out to be a real dope rapper. :)

Salem and Cru came over for lots of playdates. Salem and Lila especially love being twinners!

Momma E came down again!

We brewed our first batch of homemade beer.

And Lila learned to walk!

Kaden started Kindergarten.

And Lila had her very first birthday!

Lots of family came to celebrate her birthday.

Stu enjoyed an aerial acrobatics flight.

And the kids all hung out with him in the hammock in their monkey jams!

Stu had his last birthday in his twenties decade. :)

And we all carved pumpkins.

We visited the farm and fed the animals.

And all dressed up for Halloween.

We bought our first house (here, enjoying our first meal in it).

And said goodbye to our old house... it was very bittersweet for Mommy.

We celebrated Christmas as a huge family with family from both sides of the family present. Including Mimi and Papa, who moved to Boise this year to be nearer the grand kids, and the Fox grandparents, who drove from Michigan to join us for the holidays.