Part two of my look back at 2012. Part 1 ended in June while we were in Australia. It was a long trip (6 weeks) so July picks up right where we left off.

July

• Animal fix at the Melbourne Zoo
• A most sophisticated afternoon tea with the ladies
• Inspiration overload
• Boomerang training
• Kid-free in the city
• Adorable animal overload
• Bringing some Australia home to Portland

August

• Eating his weight in watermelon
• Random moments of zen
• Seattle-bound
• Visting the Star Wars lego window display (an annual Summer tradition)

September

• First day of 1st Grade and Pre-K (and the first time with two boys at the same school)
• Seven years old
• Soccer season part 1
• Soccer season part 2
• Lingering days of summer light

October

• School performance by little bunnies
• Apple tasting
• A close encounter with a Big Friendly Giant
• Bring on the rain and the beautiful colors of Autumn
• Ninjas, Wizards and Jedi’s.

November

• Leaf joy
• Fiery foliage
• Discovering Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge
• Quiet moments at Powells
• Thanksgiving soccer games with friends
• All aboard the Polar Express

December

• The countdown to Christmas
• Christmas Tree hunting
• Christmas adventures in the city
• Peacock Lane
• Family fun
• Ready for Santa
• Saying goodbye to 2012 at Zoolights

So, with that, it’s farewell to 2012. It was a good year for the Ishidas and I just know that 2013 is going to bring more joys, challenges and, above all, fun.

Happy New Year!