So Long 2020.....

We did lots and lots of hiking...Lake Rebecca State Park

Hiking in Taylors Falls

We watched caterpillars become butterflies in the spring

More hiking at a rock quarry in St. Cloud

Hiking at the rock quarry

John got a new Jeep

Hiking in French Park

Luke's new bike

John and I learned how to do haircuts (although we both agree that we would rather pay for one!)

Luke perfected his cooking skills...cakes, pies, cookies, biscuits, breads, Mexican corn tortillas, etc....

More hiking

Hiking to a waterfall

Liam's new bike

We learned about George Floyd

We were part of the homecoming in March of a classmate with terminal cancer and then learned of her death in May. 

Luke played lots and lots of golf, Liam and John joined when possible

We biked as a family

More hiking

We went skiing

We took everyone to the North Shore in July

Hiking in the beautiful spring weather

We received fun quarantine packages from friends

We hung from bridges when we went hiking without Mom!

While 2020 had its number of challenges (homeschooling, quarrantine, masks, grocery shortages, no sports, etc...) and we missed out on a number of things, there are so many things we were able to do.  Some things we did for the first time like snow skiing and some things we have done before, but don't have the time to do on a regular basis when our weekends are busy with sports (i.e. hiking).  Either way, we made the most of the time we had and tried many new and different things.  

As writer Richard Evans suggests, "It is often in the darkest skies that we see the brightest stars."  While 2020 was difficult in many ways, we saw beautiful things happen all around us.  We celebrated with family members at Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas over Zoom calls.  We received surprise gifts from friends at our doorstep.  We learned lessons in diversity, racial inequality, and social unrest right in our own backyard.  One of the most touching things we did was watch a 3rd grade classmate at our elementary school come home in March via a police led parade of cars after fighting a courageous battle with cancer.  She lived two months at home in hospice care before passing away in May, but the support from our city, teachers, neighbors, and friends was amazing.  

In 2021, may we look for bright stars together. May we step into this new year with renewed hope and with courage for the challenges ahead.  May our hearts be at peace, may we be safe and may we continue to be sources of healing on earth. 

Happy New Year 2021!