An Ode

2013.

You brought us 7 proficient skiers which equals big family fun.  I love watching my kids outside, active, and happy being together.

You brought us Hadley's first soccer goal.  This is something that does not come easily to this family.

You brought Ian's first job.  Swim coach fun bobby, the little boys think he rocks, which makes him smile, and that makes my heart sing.

You brought Jillian's first overall swim victories at the classic meet.  First place feels good now and then to everyone.

In your year,  Hadley learned to READ.  She knows all about rainbow fairies, and can master so many instructions- saving me time.

Sorrow came with the loss of our beloved Tank.  He just had too many demons to stay amongst us but I also miss him a little every day.

Ella and Hadley learned to love the Texans (third grade size) as part of the cheer team.

You took us to Colorado, the Badlands, Mt. Rushmore, witnessed our first time white water rafting.
( and possibly Ian falling out of the boat....)

You Saw Kevin reach the top of Mt. Rainier, and watched him run/hike 3 miles every. single. day no matter how much his mind said not today, his spirit overcame.

Holly conquered stilts, became a hula-hoop master, and a jump rope queen.  As Ian says, she became great at all things most people suck at doing.

This is the year that we saw the triplets take up orchestra, and watched Jillian's Final Debut concert.

This was the year we got all 5 kids to a real Hawkeye football game, even if it was at Purdue....

You saw us we opened our home to many furry fosters, holding 3 of them as they passed from this world, not alone in the cold, but in warm loving hands.  We watched the rest find forever families.

You watched us celebrate 50 years of marriage with Kevin's parents, showing us that real love endures all things.

We never did learn this year what the fox actually says...

It was during this year, that Theresa re-entered the classroom, surprising herself with the knowledge that she really does love and miss teaching middle schoolers the most.

Your Turkey Trot hosted all 7 Hilbrants crossing the finish line (which is all that matters) some more quickly than others...

You watched Ella as she found her niche in crafty things.  She spent hours watching you tube to learn every rainbow loom thing she could find.

It was in your year that we watched our friends go through some very tough life struggles, and saw us pray for you to end, and 2014 to bring happier times.

Your days were often long, and some of them were dark, but ultimately we know that this year was full of blessings and joys. While we say goodbye, it is to look ahead to a blank slate, where we can be the creators of new adventures.