Merry Christmas 2013!

It has been one crazy, exciting year for the Robinson family! It’s hard to believe we were still in Maryland just a year ago because we feel so at home here. Yet, it seems like only yesterday we were packing up that huge truck and flying one-way to this place. It’s been quite a ride! Let’s start at the beginning of the year as we recall all the adventures we’ve had in 2013:

The Move! On January 31st, the kids, two grandmas and I boarded a plane for Colorado! KC and his dad started driving the van a few days earlier so we could have a welcome party and beds set up when we got there. It was tricky, living in the house with none of our belongings, and three toddlers to entertain. Luckily the Ribeiras were moving upstairs so we were able to play with them a lot in our final days. It was a very tearful goodbye as we parted from the family and friends we love so much. But we were excited about our new life awaiting us.

The Apartment! We leased an apartment for a few months while we were getting settled and house hunting. It didn’t take us long to scout out the best parks in the area. It was so fun exploring this new place we called home. But it was a trying time for the kids and me. Three three-year-olds in a small apartment in the dead of winter was rough. But we made it through and have fond memories of that time. KC also started his job at the new office and really loved the new environment and co-workers. We definitely felt like it was the right choice to move.

Half Marathon! While in Maryland I had registered to run a half marathon in DC. When we decided to move, I also decided I was going to come back to run the race. I was too invested in it not to! It also made the move a little easier knowing I was going to see everyone again soon. It was a quick trip, but so fun. The race was exhilarating, and amazing, and I’m so glad I did it. Training in Colorado in the winter was not easy, but it was worth it in the end.

Easter! Since we are within driving distance from Utah now, we took the first opportunity we had to take a trip there. It was great being able to just pack up the car and head out, no expensive tickets, security lines, germy planes, or baggage fees! The kids did so well on the drive, and it made me so excited for the many more road trips we could plan for the future. It was a blast spending time with everyone. We hadn’t spent a holiday in Utah for years, and seeing the kids hunt Easter eggs with their cousins was priceless. 

New House! After moving, we immediately started the house hunting process, knowing it could take some time. The first time we went out, it was a little discouraging, but it only took one more look to find the house for us! You have to stay on top of things in this market where houses go very quickly. We saw the house the morning it came on the market, and were under contract within 12 hours. It was a quick decision, but we felt right about it. The process went pretty smoothly, and within a month or so, we moved in! I was giddy with excitement, and couldn’t believe we had a beautiful home to call our own. A very exciting part of our year, to say the least.

Summer in Utah! After we’d settled in, we decided to take a month-long trip to Utah to finish out the summer. My parents helped with one leg of the drive and KC came for the end. It was a blast! We really packed in a lot. 4th of July festivities, first camping trip with the triplets at Bear Lake, spending time with Camille and Stella who came from Hawaii, and my 10 year high school reunion! It was definitely a trip to remember.

PRESCHOOL! That definitely deserves to be in all-caps. I just never thought the day would come, but it did, and it’s been wonderful! I think the kids love it every bit as much as I do. They have been learning and growing so much. And I’ve enjoyed a luxurious 2 1/2 hours to myself four days a week. They have awesome teachers, and a cute little classroom, and it’s just really, really great. A HUGE milestone for this family.

The Triplets Turned 4! I can’t believe they are that old! And I also can’t believe we made with through the horrible 3s! I really didn’t know if we would survive that year, but we made it out alive, and are enjoying an older, wiser bunch. There are still PLENTY of tantrums and hard days. And I’m more exhausted than I can say. But they are wonderful, amazing little people, and I couldn’t be more proud to be their mom. I’m loving this year with my four- year-olds and hate that they grow so fast. But the trade-off is that they’re highly entertaining, and becoming more and more independent in good ways. We just love those three to death.

Hawaii! A few weeks ago KC and I took an amazing trip to Hawaii, and loved every second. We got to spend a lot of time with the Ericksons, who we’ve missed so much, and KC showed me around where he grew up in Laie. We are so lucky to have wonderful parents who took care of the kids while we were in paradise. They will never know how much it meant to us! It was heavenly spending that time alone together, and being able to recharge. But we couldn’t wait to come home to our darling babies who we missed dearly. I can’t wait to take them with us someday.

Quite the year, huh?! We also loved having lots of visitors, and having room for them to sleep comfortably in our new house. We’ve made a lot of new friends, and miss those we love back in Maryland. It was a crazy year full of plenty of ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything, and can’t wait to see what our life has in store for us in 2014!

We are a blessed family, and we can clearly see the Savior’s hand in our lives everyday. The kids are getting older and more aware that they are being watched over by a Heavenly Father that loves them. We love telling them the story of Baby Jesus, and how he came to earth for all of us. It’s so sweet to see their faces light up as they begin to understand what this means, even if just a little bit right now. We love this time of year and how it is a reminder of the loving Savior we have in our lives every day. Merry Christmas.