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2016 A Year In Review

It seems like 2016 wasn't as much fun as 2015, but we still had fun and adventures.

Hmm...I'd say they were close.


January - Spent Scott's 30th Birthday at the Cottage

Then we all got sick from our nieces and nephews.

February - This month was really hard to pick, but I went with when we renovated our bathroom. Our best house project yet.

It's looking pretty great. Thanks Mr. Mike for the help at the finish. And I can't forget about Joel Baird's help with the bead board. It was a team effort, but looks great.


March - Easter in Duluth at Blake's house

It was no New Orleans Easter, but Duluth is always magical.

 I think it might become a new family tradition.

April - We bought ourselves a canoe

Now we just have to use it more often.

May - The Smelt Parade in Duluth of course

That's always a highlight. 

June - Camping with friends in Redwood Falls

Meadow adores Roman and we made such great friends with Anna and Aaron. I love this family.

July - This was another hard month to pick, but I went with the time we went backpack camping with Cayla and Amanda. I had been dreaming of this day since Meadow was born.

We haven't back packed for years. The mosquitos were insane, but the Baumann's were such good company.

August - Day Out With Thomas in Duluth

Another great Duluth adventure and the Brauch-Sapp's tagged along.

September - When Meadow rode the Bay Beast ride at Bay Beach Amusement Park

This ride was not meant for the world's shortest three year old, but she braved it! Bay Beach was amazing in general. Need to go back a few times in 2017.

October - Canoeing to Big Island on Lake Minnetonka

The only thing that would make this better would be if you could camp here. Come on Three Rivers Park District!

November - All Souls Night in Duluth.

Duluth. Enough said.


December - A trip to the Cottage in mid December




Things We Had Hoped To Accomplish in 2016
Brooke
1. Hike and camp the Superior Hiking Trail. We never did get the chance, but at least we tried backpack camping.
2. Make at least one photo album. We started one, but didn't finish...
3. Finish baking all the breads in my Artisan Breads book. Ah I really should have tried with this one.
4. Getting pregnant again.  (I thought this was a 2017 thing...) Oops. Can we just adopt a 1 year old?
5. Try cross-country skiing. We finally bought skis!
6. Go golfing, it's been years. I finally went over Labor Day weekend!

Scott
1. Start writing and researching a book about free backcountry camping in the North (Upper Midwest for those not in the know). Well, this was a total fail. I still would like to do this over the next few years, but this may take years to accompalish and a few less trips to the cottage.
2. Bike 3 Days a week once spring has sprung. Got to one up last year's goal. I'd say that this was pretty close to true. Meadow and I would bike two or more times a week to playgrounds, fishing or swimming at Wirth Beach.
3. Finish renovating our bathroom. We did it, we really did it! 
4. Continue shooting the Downtown East Project. I'd say it's more or less done. Not sure where to go with it from here.

Things We Hope To Accomplish in 2017
Brooke
1. Let's try this again. Hike and Camp the Superior Hiking Trail.
2. Maybe we will finish this year. Make at least one photo album.
3. Finish baking all the breads in Bread Bakers Apprentice.
4. Take a road trip outside of Minnesota and Wisconsin
5. Visit all the Minnesota Historical Society Sites
5. Do more sewing. I want to make a dress for Meadow and something for me. 
6. Improve flexibility. Get in the habit of stretching everyday.

Scott
1. Finish remodeling our kitchen, refinish the floors, do some final painting and sell our house!
2. Which will lead us to paying off most of our student loans.
3. Get more artist grants and get paid for more art work. I love doing commercial photography, but getting paid for art was so great in 2016.
4. Save up money and get myself a new bike. My beloved SR is ready to be moved to second string status.
5. Be nice. Sometimes I get grumpy way too easily. I need to remember to r-e-l-a-x.
6. Visit my parents more. We've been so lucky that my dad has rebounded so well from his lung cancer treatment. I can't be complacent. Life's precious.

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