2023 Photo Album

A large part of the reason that I did not quickly catch up on my blog until yesterday was because I also had a huge project looming that I wanted to complete as well.  This summer I realized that I had not finished our 2023 family photo album.  I couldn't believe it and went back through all of my pictures, albums and even my Shutterfly account, but the book was nowhere to be found.  I had originally planned to start on 2024's this summer, but with this new discovery I decided that I had to make 2023 a priority first. In August I began working on the photo book along with the blog but just couldn't seem to catch up on either since I was busy staying in Orlando for Doug, hanging out with Meg, and hosting Cal and Maggie.  By the time September rolled around, I questioned if I would ever finish either project.  

Once we got back from Indiana in mid-September, I told Doug that the blog and my photo book were the main projects on my list, and I would put everything else aside.  I didn't stop keeping up with housework and I still got my Halloween decorations out, but any other project had to wait.  I hoped to finish both projects by the time October arrived but knew that just getting the photo album done would be enough.  I worked on it every chance that I got, afternoons while Doug was in the office, during non-IU sporting events, and at night when Doug stayed in Orlando without me.  It was a lot of work, and I could see why I had put off the project for so long.  The year 2023 had been one of the busiest in our lives filled with Cameron's senior year activities, two graduations, Meg's engagement, family trips, selling our home, moving to Florida, going to IU football games, holidays and so much more.  Each month took up almost ten pages on their own.  It was by far the biggest photo book that I had ever made and the first time that I had ever reached the 110-page limit.  

Today, our 2023 photo book arrived and it looked fabulous.  It featured the highlights of what we did during that year well.  I don't know if there will ever be a busier year in our family's lives, so I am incredibly thankful to have captured so much of it on film and proud to have it preserved for years to come.  The book was truly a labor of love filled with love.