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I had High Hopes...

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...for 2026. They were dashed right away. We started the year with a few different medical issues (me scratching my throat with rosemary (requiring an ER + ENT visit), Scott bruising his ribs (requiring X-rays at Urgent Care), and then me picking up the flu in either the ER or Urgent Care. And then lots of death...a friend of Arya's, coworkers' relatives, friends' pets, celebrities, etc. Let's not even get started with the federal occupation of Minnesota by CBP and ICE. It was horrible, and yes, it is STILL taking place, regardless of the promised drawdown. It's just not being publicized as much.

It's been a brutal year so far. There have been moments of joy, but they have been overshadowed by sadness, grief, and despair. I needed to take a break from blogging for my mental health, but I'm going to try to pick it back up. I barely even took any pics of the kids during that time.

Sometimes it would be easiest to be a dog without a care in the world


Arya's first Wind Ensemble concert - 3rd from the left, sitting down in the back row


Running into old RHSMB parents at a RHS 2026 Senior Party Fundraiser!


G's first RMS Gold Band concert - 3rd from the left, standing up in the back row


A true Minnesotan...shoveling snow in shorts!


MN has beautiful winter skies...this pastel palette was lovely


I love (mostly) when these two interact with each other



PP loves to snuggle in the mornings


Rebel Loon - we love Minnesota!


Here's to hoping that the next 10 months are better than the first two! We've got exciting, fun things coming up, so we're going to try to focus on the positive and come together with friends and family more often, focusing on the love in our community.

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