2014, what a year!

We began the year completely unsure of where it would take us, I don’t even remember last New Year’s Eve to be honest. Actually, I do… I was trying to finish a video game, it was a 2013 resolution. We were living on Fernandina Beach in our creaking, yet charming, apartment. Through the end of the Winter season our direction became clearer, we’re moving back to Orlando. We had planned to rent, but came up with few options that fit us (and our fury friend). So, we bought a house! The process was definitely a roller coaster, and pretty much took any savings we had built up… but we have a home, and for that we are thankful! Here’s a little photo journey of our best moments this year!

January – We spent my birthday with best friend Kristin & Geoff! We explored Fort Clinch on Fernandina, and enjoyed a nice dinner.

February – We went to Savannah for a day to celebrate our 2 year “Cotton” Anniversary – so here we are in front of the Cotton Exchange. 🙂

March – We became Uncle Andrew & Aunt Rachel to sweet Kimber! ❤

Also in March was Kristin’s very retro bachelorette party. I must say we look fabulous.

April – It was a BIG month, we were finalizing on the house & celebrating our friends K&G’s wedding! This is a re-do of a photo of us girls from years ago!

Maid of Honor speech at the wedding with the pretty couple!

Gorgeous Mrs. S and I!

May – Then we bought a house! A WONDERFUL house, for a great price. We almost ended up with a termite infested tiny home.. but God was just using that as a distraction while they dropped the price on the one we got… #blessed

When we found out we were moving back to Orlando, we weren’t super thrilled – we were kinda over the city. But… it’s where God wanted us. So we’ve been making a conscious effort to not get in a rut, and enjoy what the city has to offer! Our first date here I took Andrew to Video Games Live.. It was actually pretty cool.

June – This year wasn’t all good, sadly my last grandpa died over the summer suddenly. A sad time, but we know he’s in Heaven now with Grandma!
July – We attended a Blue Rays game with Andrew’s parents! Go baseball!

Here’s Roux’s new sibling Jackson, he’s about 2 years old. The little guy was a pain at first, but he’s growing on us. Roux LOVES having a friend, and that thrills my heart.

I got to see my favorite band The Fray!! Barcelona opened for them, and they were great too!

August – Andrew and I got to visit Northern California (AND WE LOVED IT). It was a half work/half fun trip, we got our business done then enjoyed exploring Santa Cruz, Big Sur, San Francisco, and Napa (all in 3 days, whoo!) Let’s go back.

September – I hosted my first party in the new home a Fall Pinterest Party! A great turn out, and the girls made some awesome things! I’m about ready for another one!

October – One of my favorite things to do in October, Epcot’s Food & Wine Festival! And this year we didn’t have to eat gluten-free, praise Jesus. I love my gluten. They added a Brazil tent this year, it was delicious. Food & friends, can’t beat that.

Celebrated the coming of baby Peyton with my best college friend Becca!

Watched a little Boys 2 Men with my good friend Amanda. ❤

November –  We went to Missouri to celebrate Thanksgiving and meet our new niece!

December – And to end the year, we threw an “It’s a Wonderful Life” Christmas party. About 30 or more people showed up, it was a great night, despite all the rain!  A few us even dressed the part! Having people over might be one of my favorite things to do…. Our family for Christmas! 

To ring in the new year, Andrew and I did our usual.. go to a coffee shop, reflect, and plan… We like making lists & goals… and even if we don’t keep them we enjoy the process. This year we picked a word to be our motivation… my word is Fierce.

Thankful for all our blessing this year, thankful for friendships & family, thankful for puppy dogs, and for good food.

Find it,

Rach