Well that creeped up quickly!  I’m sure I’m not alone when I say that 2013 was a whirlwind.  The calm after the holiday storm is one of my favorite times of the year.  It’s a great opportunity to give ourselves permission to slow the heck down and reconnect with what’s important.  We’ve been snowed in the past two days and I’ve enjoyed having the time to look back at the year in pictures.  It’s always an emotional, nostalgic experience for me.  The following are a sampling of some personal highlights. You can see 2012’s selections by clicking here.

I knew when I took this image that it was going to become a treasured photo.  I knew that these times would be fleeting and I was right.  But for a few short weeks, my children would only sleep if they could sleep together.  And it was beautiful.

Speaking of sleeping, this is my son passed out after a hard day on the slopes.  I love how the light caresses his face.

For a girl who sure hates being cold, I could shoot in the snow every day.  It’s beauty knows no end.  Whenever I am feeling uninspired, snow always helps to get the fire back.

My son and his idol.

This sums up age 4 in our house.

In my daughter’s eyes I am a hero
I am strong and wise and I know no fear
But the truth is plain to see
She was sent to rescue me
I see who I wanna be
In my daughter’s eyes

– Martina McBride

I never get sick of photographing my sister.  Every frame from this evening was magical.

Happiness is…

Nature’s classroom.

My husband competing in his second Tough Mudder.

And my son. Proudly taking after Dad.

Odiorne Point State Park – Rye, NH

An appropriate send off – Floating lanterns on Wells Beach.