This is me overlooking Middlefork Lake outside of Red River, New Mexico. This was our last family vacation as a family of three. Right after this trip, we began the process of weekend visits, overnight stays, and trips to Little Rock as our family grew from one five year old son to a family of five children ranging in age from five to thirteen. 

We're moving into our fourth year as a family of seven. Now, we have two at the same high school I teach at and three in elementary school. It's the first day of 2025. I'm hopeful that this new year will bring some positive energy.