Bests and Worsts of 2013

I was talking to a friend the other day and she said that their family always goes to dinner together (they have all older children) at the start of the new year and they discuss their bests and worsts of the year.  I loved the idea and I wanted to copy her.  But I think I'll save a restaurant conversation for when my kids are older as well.  It's funny though, as I ponder what were the bests and worsts of the year, a lot of times, the bests came from what I thought were the worsts, or the worsts could also be considered our bests, ya know what I'm saying?  Probably not, I"m a little crazy...but here are some of our bests and worsts of 2013.

Cory

There were certainly a lot of ups and downs this year with Cory's new job and living in a new city and country for that matter.  But Cory said that his best of 2013, hands down, was being called as bishop.  That said he also said that his worst of 2013, hands down, was also being called as bishop.  The past 6 months as Cory has served as bishop of the Kalgoorlie Ward, it has been clear to see what a challenge it is, for all of us, especially Cory, but what an amazing blessing it has been.  The best side of it far out weighs the worst side of it and we are still continually grateful for this opportunity for service and for growth.

I wanted to find a picture of Cory serving in a bishop's capacity, but that is just something you don't really photograph.  So here is the best I can do.  Cory at the ward Christmas party, hanging with some of the brothers.  He hates this picture, he thinks he looks so girly. Hahaha!

Lily

Lily has grown and changed so much over the past year.  I am so amazed with how much can happen in a year.  She started school all day at a new school, in a new town, in a new country and has done nothing but really excel.  She has had her challenges throughout the year, but she has worked hard to better herself and overcome them.  We are so proud of our little Lily bug and know that she will have another great year!  We asked Lily what her best and worst of 2013 were and she knew without hesitation.  Lillian's best was starting school with a really nice teacher.  On the other side of it, her worst was ending this school year.  She just loves school.  :)  Cute little smartie.

 Here are a few pictures from the year.  Pirate day at school.

 Lily turned 6!

 She got her ears pierced!

 School girl.

 She got a whole new set of teeth this year, thus creating a whole new look!  I think she lost at least 6 teeth just this year.

 School lunch.

 Her very first of many awards this year.  I think she got 5 total.  :)  Way to go, Lillian.

 And here she is way back on that first day of year one, almost a year ago.  Wow, she sure has grown up!

Ava

Ava has also grown up heaps this year!  She started kindy, and at first, I was a little worried that I was pushing her into school so early!  But she also really thrived at school.  She made so many new friends and she learned so much.  She also became so much braver.  Ava now goes down big twisty slides!  Milestone!  Ava was also really lucky to have such amazing, loving, and caring teachers to start her out on her school journey.  Ava became a huge unicorn fan this year and she can't get enough of them. Here are Ava's best and worst of 2013.  Ava's best was meeting so many great new friends.  Her worst was missing all of her friends and cousins back home.

Here are a few pictures of Ava during the year.

 One thing I was excited about is Ava's hair finally grew into the beautiful little girl hair I've always dreamed of!

 Ava turned 4 this year!

 Can't believe how little she looks!!!

 Starting school!

 Ava started the year on this trike and now she rides a two wheeler with training wheels.

Will

Well, Will couldn't answer for himself on what his best and worst of 2013 was.  I really wonder what he would say if he could.  But this guy has really come out of his shell this year.  When we first got here, he was really not into other people.  He was quite anti-social even.  Now he says hello to random people and loves shaking the missionaries hands as we go into church.  He even doesn't mind being babysat by a certain few lucky people here.  Besides blossoming socially, he has obviously grown so much physically.  It's hard to narrow down what could be classified as Will's best for the year, but for me, the best thing about Will in 2013 was his learning to talk and communicate.  His voice is the absolute best and his pronunciation is fantastic!  We all get a kick out of conversations with Will.  Will's worst for 2013 would have to be his haircuts!  We managed to only give him two the whole year...but, man, they were bad and some of the between haircuts hair was also pretty bad!

Here are a few pictures of our favorite boy.

 See what I mean about bad hair??

 I can't believe how little Will looks!!!

 Oooh, here's a few more of some really bad hair!

 His hair may have been bringing him down, but how can you not love that adorable face???  Love him!

 Haha, I forgot he did this last summer.  Will would eat the passion fruit pulp right out of the passion fruit. :)

Noelle

I don't even know where to begin for myself!  Can I just tell you what a rollercoaster 2013 was for me in just about every way imaginable!?!  I was a train wreck emotionally for a good majority of the year, my physical body went through lots of changes as well.  Mentally, I was certainly tried and tested.  It was one of my hardest years yet, but like I said in the beginning,  some of our hardest times are our best times as well.  I wouldn't trade the hardships of this year for any of the growth or blessings we have received in return.  I am so blessed to have my loving husband and my three wonderful children with me always.  I could not be more grateful for them.  That is certainly my best of 2013 is how much we grew and came closer as a family.  My worst on the other hand was being so far away from our home and our families that are such a big support to us.  But if I hadn't had my worst of 2013, I never would have gotten my best.  It is because of the trials and hard times, and having to just make it on our own out here that has made us stronger as a family.  And I couldn't be happier!

Here are a few best and worst moments in the year.

We started the year out at some of Australia's best beaches.

 Then we had to come live in the desert.  (Which really isn't so bad, but living by the beach would be nice)

 I started out the year with the best stomach I have ever had! (Sorry if this picture is too much for anyone, I took it because I wanted to remember that once upon a time, I had awesome abs!  But it is a little scandalous)

And I ended the year pregnant!! This isn't a worst thing, this is a miraculous and best thing, but it does make it so my stomach isn't quite as awesome.

We were so money poor at the beginning of the year, which was the worst!

But it also made it so we were amazing at budgeting and meal planning.  I made some awesome dinners from being creative with leftovers. I learned how to make so many things from scratch.  And we all learned how to do without and be happy.

 At the beginning of the year, we didn't have a car.  Which was the worst in some ways, but also a really great experience!  But that doesn't mean that I don't think it is now the best that I have a car!  ;)

Running and biking to school in 40 degree heat!  Great experience, but I don't miss it!!

One of the worst things of 2013 was being away from family and missing the exciting occasions and everyday things about the lives of our loved ones.

But one of the best things about 2013, was all the family that came to stay and visit.  And also the friends that became like family to us here.

Uncle Bradyn

 Aunt Sara

 Some of our family, away from family.  Love these guys!!

What a great year!!   Best wishes for 2014!  We have a lot to look forward to.