The joy jar tradition continues! The Mason jar in the kitchen is filled with slips of paper. Each slip is dated and has a note about something that gave us joy on that particular day. We read these out loud on New Year’s Eve. Here are some of the highlights from 2018:

• I am the sudden and proud owner of a ukulele!
• Watching Aria ice skate for the first time.
• “I love you so much too, Daddy.”
• Our new home is stunning, and we love it.
• Watching Aria coach the AAA guy as he fixes Lisa’s tire.
• “I like the music you make, Daddy.”
• Seeing how Aria has developed her imagination.
• Making up a story at Aria’s request about a cat and unicorn that love each other.
• Hawaii…so wonderful to be back.
• “Daddy! Dance with me!”
• Lisa playing the new piano.
• “The fireplace feels like a big warm monster hugging me.”  —  Aria, age 4

The main theme was once again family. We saved our favorite notes and put them in a time capsule with the others from years past. The new year always has its challenges and opportunities, so a new joy jar is ready to go for 2019 as a reminder of all that’s good during the next 365 days. Happy New Year!

Here’s one more glance at 2018 with a few joyful pictures: