2012

There is so much to be grateful for in 2012.  When I look at back at this year in the future, I hope I am remembering the days and experiences that I've represented with my 12 favorite photos.

Our little lady turned one all the way back on February 1.  Her golden birthday.  

Then her big brother turned three about a month later.  He continues to be a major ham in front of the camera...not that I'm complaining in the least. And it was his big year to start nursery school. 

We repeatedly took advantage of the warmer days that involved sun.  

Because in the fall, winter and spring months here in Scotland they can be few and far between.

  This photo is of J#4 tentatively taking steps outside in March...by the end of the year she was running and taking the slide on her own. 

I think my absolute favorite part of 2012 was watching these two develop a sister/brother relationship.  Their random hugs and cuddles are probably the best thing I've seen in my life.  This was the first one where they got together on their own; I was lucky enough to capture it. 

Then came visitors and travel.  

First up, one of my best friends and her husband came for a stay. 

Then came my Mom...

Who also joined us up in Inverness and at Loch Ness (where this picture was taken)

In July we had the opportunity to take a cruise and visit Sweden, Denmark, Estonia and Russia.  Amazing.  Too many photos to choose from.  So... 

The kiddos had to share a bed.  'Nuff said.  

Then just a few weeks later, my brother and his family came to Scotland to see us. 

We all got to make some priceless memories during their visit. 

September was a month for hiking and continued to verify that in fact, 

Scotland does have some beautiful terrains. 

And then we ended out the year with a trip back to Minnesota for Thanksgiving... 

where J#4 got her first manicure.  

And last, a trip to Rome for Christmas. 

Huh.  I'm grateful to have the chance to look back at this year this way.  When you are in the 'thick of it' --with sick kids, a dirty house or cloudy skys--its hard to remember all the highlights, but there have been quite a few.  

I hope you all have a happy new year's eve.  Ours will be quiet, but enjoyable.  

And tomorrow?  My plans and thoughts on 2013.  Here's to making it the best year yet!

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Linking up with Leslie today for a December session of Thanks-living. 

February {in photos}

I am guessing most of you have heard of Instagram {an app on the Iphone to take photos and give them some fun effects}?  My user name is jenbucket.  If you are there, come find me.

I joined in with a HUGE crew to do the #febphotoaday with Fat Mum Slim.

Don't have Instagram?  Want to see my photos?

Well, you ask, and I deliver:

feb 1: my view today {Scottish hills and turn-a-rounds.  The entrance into our neighborhood.  On our way back home from dropping off J#3's nursery school application.}

feb 2: words {on a map}

feb 3: hands

feb 4: a stranger {a neighbor we haven't met yet}

feb 5: 10am {drinking coffee}

feb 6: dinner {the best part...dessert}

feb 7: button {oops, almost forgot to take the photo this day...on an old, baggy pair of jeans}

feb 8: sun {don't get much, but these cute faces make up for it...mostly}

feb 9: front door {all locked up tight for the night}

feb 10:  self portrait

feb 11: makes me happy

feb 12: inside my closet {see the hidden presents? he hasn't discovered them yet.  5 more days...}

feb 13: blue {on my favorite new walker}

feb 14:  hearts {x 2, to prove that yes, valentines is just as "big" of a holiday here in Scotland.  and we still don't celebrate it in our house.}

feb 15: phone {we have 2 home phones.  Scottish & American-via Vonage} 

feb 16: something new {coffee in the evening...decaf, but something new}

feb 17: time

feb 18: drink {blue mountains = ice cold beer = ready to drink}

feb. 19: something I hate to do {dust}

feb. 20: handwriting

feb. 21: a fave photo of me

feb. 22: where I work {so glamorous, no?}

feb. 23: my shoes {favorite ever. I think this is the first time I have actually worn OUT a pair of shoes.}

feb. 24: inside your bathroom cabinet 

feb. 25: green {chair.  and a husband tired of photo taking}

feb. 26: night {in my new favorite place}

feb. 27: something I ate

feb. 28: money {bought this table & chairs.  the best purchase we have made in a while}

feb. 29: something i'm listening to {a Dutch music maker}

Whew...and February only had 29 days.  Wonder if I can keep it up for 31 days in March?  

If you are on Instagram, but don't have time to track me down, leave your user name in the comments below & I'll find you!

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Linking up with a good life. 

Top 11 in 2011

So, yesterday I mentioned a post that I had prepared and lost.

But I REALLY wanted to write it and share my favorite pics of my kids from 2011.  It was something I had been planning on doing, and then I saw this post from the Momma Bird, and learned there was a link-up with Click.Pray.Love, Naptime Momtog, and Click it up a Notch.  I was sold.



And won't give up.  Hopefully this time I don't lose the post again!

So, without further adieu: 

1. Our last month with only J#3.

Petting Zoo.  Netherlands style. Up close & personal.  And the perfect opportunity to capture that perfect little dimple.  {and wow.  he sure looks like a babe still here, doesn't he?}

#2. A bit of sweetness added to the family.

And the secrets begin already?  Uh-oh.  Love being able to capture sweet moments between siblings. 

#3.  Made in the U.S.A. 

Peace, baby.  Love the little smile, and the declaration that she was "made in the USA" even though she was born in the Netherlands. 

#4. 10 years celebrated

A trip to Paris, France and the surrounding area including a day long tour of the city, a day at Disneyland Paris, and what is J#3's favorite part?  Feeding the ducks behind our hotel.  So happy to be able to capture the simple moments. 

#5. Rolling thru the year

June, and J#4 starts rolling, and then creeping.  Oh boy girl, life isn't going to be the same, and love catching her inquisitive look. 

#6. Special moments

Like a fourth of July celebrated outside of the U.S., a trip back to Minnesota and a little lady's baptism. 

#7. Photo love

In August I took an online photo course, and started to capture everyday moments using the manual {!?!} mode on our camera.  

#8. Sunny September Days

Quite possibly my favorite photo of the year.  Pure excitement.  Captured. 

#9. New things

October brought J#4 pulling herself up, me making homemade baby food and a move to Scotland. 

#10.  Discovery

Learning our way around Scotland, enjoying time at our new home {pictured above}, and flew back to Minnesota for a month long visit. 

#11.  Home sweet hotel. 

We spent most of December living in a hotel, but didn't spend a ton of time there. Most of the time we were out and about visiting with family and friends. One of the highlights?  Heading to the Children's Museum in St. Paul. J#3 on a slide that he had been scared of just a few minutes earlier. 

What a year.  Wish I could have picked more than eleven photos!  

So, have you ever heard of Project 365 366 (since it's a leap year)?  I am thinking about it.  Let me know...do you think it doable?