Traditions

Today, January 3rd, my family and I had the opportunity to return to our favorite park in Iowa. Each winter, the flickering of the fireflies is replaced by the twinkling of Christmas lights. We all snuggle into the car with our the warmth of the winter apparel and the taste of peppermint from the complimentary candy canes. We begin the parade of the lights as the reindeer jump over the car, the elves have a snowball fight, the dump truck is pulled high with presents, and the snowmen wave from the road. Every tree branch is glittering with hanging snowflakes and the road is lined with tin soldiers. The winter wonderland has a way of sparking the Christmas spirit within us all, and somehow we all leave with sticky hands, grinning faces, and light hearts. With a Christmas tradition like that, what's not to be grateful for?

The Journey

Today, January 2nd, my family and I embarked on a trip to the rows of corn and scent of manure in Iowa. Even with family sometimes the close, inescapable corridors can drive you crazy. However, I am happy to report that this adventure went smoothly and the five hour drive, much like the landscape outside, flew by. Mom and I spent hours in a heated Trivia Crack battle, utilizing the rest of the passengers to dominate each other. Although Mom put forth a valiant effort, I came out victorious! We also spent a great deal of time listening to the new Pianoguys cd I recieved for Christmas. As always, the performance was amazing, and we enjoyed spending some family time enthusing about the music. Once we arrived in Iowa, we got to spend some much needed time with family, most of whom we hadn't seen for years. The highlight of the dinner was the delicious pizza (what can I say, I'm a foody). Somehow there just isn't pizza as good as  Happy Joe's, whether that's due to the ingredients or the anticipation I'm not sure. Flying through the corn rows didn't feel boring. I didn't have the urge to pull my hair out or to strap my brother to the roof of the van. Today, I enjoyed passing the corn, and the time, with the people I love most in the world, my family.

Welcome to 2015

In the New Year, I decided I would start a simple blog dedicated to all the moments that will make 2015 pleasantly memorable. Each day, I will be posting about the day. It won't be long, and honestly it will probably only be meaningful to me. Maybe it will be about a funny story. Maybe it will be about the people that are blessing my life. Maybe it will be about a kind deed or a breathtaking sunrise. Just like life, the posts can't be predicted, but they can teach lessons about finding good in the world. My goal with this blog is simply to be able to focus on the happy parts of each day. I'd like to look back on these posts and be able to see all the amazing parts of 2015.

So today, the first day of this New Year, I am posting a picture. These lovely people were with me to close out 2014 on a positive note and will be with my along the way for most of 2015. We've gone through lives journey's together, and I am very grateful to have such incredible friends to celebrate with at the beginning of a spectacular brand new year.