Top 10 of 2012

2012 was a big year for our family. The arrival of our second born was obviously huge, as well as our move across town, but what I immediately recall when reflecting on the entire year is how our family has grown stronger, closer, bigger, older and how we totally enjoyed our little piece of Northwest Arkansas as a family. It's the little things that I remember and cherish. The daily bits of grace, joy, mercy, love, and tears that fill our home.

Here is a list of our Top Ten {photographed} Memories of 2012. In a random order, but luckily the big one got uploaded first.

1. Graham's Arrival

September 10th was a beautiful day. Labor was not fun to say the least, but Graham arrived weighing 9 pounds 8 ounces and has completely changed our lives for the better. I can't stop staring at him, can't stop kissing him, can't stop smiling at his unbelievably sweet smile and laugh. The first few weeks were rough, but these days now are fabulous. I'm in love with the four month stage. Graham is a wonderful baby, and I had forgotten how wonderful this age can be. We are so very blessed.

I had to throw this one in. Back in February, Reese sent this message to everyone.

2. Spring Break Lake Trip

We kinda sorta last minute joined the annual Spring Break Lake Trip last March, and we were so glad we did. These friends really make life fun, and I'm so thankful for them.

3. Spring in Bentonville.

Wes and I decided that Spring is Bentonville's season. From walks on the Crystal Bridges Trails to strolls around the square and meals at fun local restaurants, we try to soak up this season in Bentonville. And it's really fun with a toddler.

4. It's a BOY

This was a fun day. I wore this to the ultrasound (pink shirt with blue necklace) thinking I would just take the necklace off because we were going to find out it was a girl. Wrong. I had to go home to change shirts before meeting lots of friends at Pressroom to share the big news. Finding out we were having a boy is such a great memory. One that I'll always remember as such a sweet, sweet moment. I had tried to suppress my desire for a son, and I was beyond grateful and excited when he revealed himself on that screen.

5. Walker Beach Trip

The entire Walker family spent a week in Seagrove, Florida in June, and it was a perfect week. Full of beach time, pool time, family dates, couple dates, and strolling around Seaside and 30-A. 

6. Bentonville Square Fun

Most Saturday mornings between April and November you can find our little family on the Bentonville square. Live music, great shade trees, local artists and gardeners, good food. Emmett is one of the hits of the Farmers Market, and he loves the attention he gets there. 

7. Babymoon to Scottsdale

Wes and I spent a long weekend in Scottsdale in 100+ degree weather. It was hot but so so good for us. I got a fabulous massage, We ate royally, and Reese was entirely spoiled by Moppy and Poppy while we were away.

8. Turning Two. And turning into a little girl.

Oh, how I could write a book about her and this year with her. We went from taking two steps to running full speed, saying two words to speaking full sentences, a few strands of hair to a full head of curls. We now communicate with each other with a level of reasoning, and my baby girl is turning into a little girl. She has the greatest friends and really began to love spending time with them this year. She loves to read, sing, play, whine, scream, and laugh. It's a crazy age, but I love her. 

September 10th. A BIG day for her. Reese's first day of school and the arrival of baby brother. She had quite the transition period becoming a big sister, but I'm so happy to say she excels in her new role today.

9. Moving

We moved from one craftsman house to another, and we are so so blessed. We love our new home and are so thankful we got to move before September. 

Old house 2007-2012

New house 2012-??

One last stroll through the old house. 

My parents moved two weeks ago after being in their house since 1977. Their new home is fantastic, and I want to share pictures of it along with long overdue pictures of our new house. Some day, right?

10. Christmas/Snowmageddon

Our first Christmas as a family of four. And 11 inches of snow. I just wrote about this yesterday, so I'm going to leave it at that.