Every year feels like a big year, which is no surprise with the comings and goings of six people to consider. Sometimes we long for quiet stretches of nothing but mostly the buzz and hum of our home and lives feels full and meaningful. I definitely came out of covid wanting to live life to the fullest and not let any opportunity, experience or event pass me by. This year has really felt like that, nothing has has been missed, big projects have been completed and we've really lived a big, full year achieving that. At it's end I feel glad and grateful for it, content at what's been and ready now to move to a new cadence and shift some focus for 2023.
We had some big events to look forward to this year and lots of small ones peppered through. The big family event for the year was all of the Ryan's coming together for Courtney's 30th and Mum's 70th. Months in the planning we managed to pulled off a pretty spectacular week in celebration, first in Berry and then Ulladulla. Lots of lovely family time together. The big one for Levi and I though was our incredible trip to Washington - New York - London. Tacking on a holiday to Levi's business trip. We had the most incredible time catching up with old friends and enjoying so much time together just us. It was truly a spectacular trip, one of my favourites ever.
We had countless fun things pop up through the year. I finally got to dress up 20's style (in our very own 20's) for a fun murder mystery party with dear friends at our place. I'd been waiting for this Gatsby moment for 3 years and it was lots of fun. Levi and I had some really fun nights out. We finally got to see Hamilton which was brilliant, My Fair Lady at the local Theatre, Clementine Ford speak on Love and Bill Bailey make us laugh til our stomachs hurt. We saw the most incredible production of Jane Eyre at the Goulburn Theatre. We went along with friends to the US Marine Ball, fully dressed up for the occasion and had the best night. We even did an escape room which was hilarious watching everyone in problem solving mode. We had another fun night out in the city for Christmas seeing the Tree in Martin Place, going shopping and enjoying a nice dinner in the city before taking that familiar train ride home.
I made the most of lots of nights out and catch up with friends this year. I saw Cruel Intentions the musical at the theatre, met Fran Kelly in person after her interview of the artist Cresida Campbell at the National Gallery with Kate and had so much fun at dinners, bruches, bookclubs and karaoke. We had a old time YSA sleepover to make the most of Meredith's visit from the US and stayed up taking til 4am like the old days. I was paying for it the next day but totally worth it. I had some lovely girls events with Tiffany before she left to Boston. We caught up with our mutual friend Tara for the best night barely catching our breaths we had so much to connect on. We had a beautiful day in Bowral with Kate and Christie and just enjoyed all the little moments to talk before she left. I caught the train to Sydney to meet up for a weekend with Sigrid and Sarah which was so nice to connect. I took the kids to Sydney for a sleep over with Courtney and a day meet up with Sarah and tried to give them some fun experiences ice skating and seeing productions like the Hungry Little Catepillar which was so good! In June the long awaited playground was finished, a very exciting day for me to see two years of effort pay off. It's been a big year for me, particularly connecting with friends old and new, I've loved it but I'm content for a few more Friday nights in for 2023.
Primrose was a very lucky girl and got to have two trips away just me and her to Sydney this year. We had a very fun visit to the Grounds for their Alice in Wonderland installation, lovely breakfast and fun taking pictures with mum and Courtney and we went to see a Cinderella Production at the Lyric Theatre. She loves the time together and sharing a bed when we are away. She is a sweet heart. I love getting to know my growing girl in each and every new stage.
We had some great adventures with Courtney who came down lots through the year. We went to the Summer Salt concert and saw some old favourite bands, we hugged the warm trees at the Aboretum, hiked the Glenburn Trail with Finley and tried out all the good markets and bakeries Canberra has to offer. We enjoyed another year of Floriade together too.
We had some lovely visits from family this year. Mum and Dad of course who always come for all the events. Mum and I took the kids to see Van Gogh live which was beautiful. Michelle and Stuart came for a visit to Floriade. The Stokes families stopped in on their road trip to Victoria and we managed to catch up with them again at The Grounds just before Christmas and had the best time with them.
The kids have their own very busy and full lives. They are their own little tribe and all growing up before our eyes.
Finley turned 10 this year with a Harry Potter everything birthday. We made our way through the first book together and then watched the movie and Finley zoomed on ahead and finished them all in no time. He had been waiting patiently for the day to come. Finley is such a successful all rounder. He works hard at swimming, running, soccer and his school work. He loves riding his bike and horse riding and absolutely loves any computer time. He started walking to school at the end of the year as well which was an exciting day. We are very proud of Finley's work ethic and all of his efforts in our home. More on Finley here.
Primrose has had a steady year full of learning, fun and friends. She is always busy being invited to friends houses and parties, doing lots of activities and working on her own little projects. Primrose's reading has really taken off this year, she began reading chapter books and you the love for reading has really bedded in. Primrose continues to be a little light in our home and we all are thankful for her. More on Primrose here.
Quill is our little family celebrity and is absolutely adored by the community in general. He knows more people in town than me and is always say 'Hi..' to everyone we pass. He is full of life and knows how to have a good time. Quill has loved going two days a week to preschool with more to come next year. The big success of this year has been Quill's swimming, he has progressed so much and is loving being in the water. More on Quill here.
Our little Lily, isn't so little anymore. She's steadily grown this past year and is talk, talk, talking. She loves her days at preschool and her time alone with mummy and daddy even more. She's started making friends beyond her brothers and sister, who really are her whole world. Lily's big event of the year was breaking her leg on the trampoline. The poor thing coped wonderfully through is all and is all better now. More on Lily here.
And that's a wrap. Now let's see what 2023 brings the Cattons!
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