First and biggest news event of the year was Levi's discharge from the NICU exactly two months after his birth.
Note to readers: This photo preceded an agonizing night of me obsessively checking to make sure Levi was still breathing. It's probably a good thing we don't have a picture of the day after discharge...
Daddy was waiting when we got home, wearing the same shirt he was wearing when he welcomed Kaitlyn home (if that doesn't qualify Steve for husband and dad of the year, I don't know what will).
Another member of the VFN household was also excited to welcome Levi home.
Aunt Sarah
She captured precious moments like this.
And this.
And this.
I got to participate in my all-time favorite hobby: dressing my children up in ridiculous things that will one day cause them much embarrassment.
Is this too much? Be honest.
This was a shout-out to Grandpa Alston. Rainbow suspenders wearers unite!
This was a shout-out to Levi's Eskimo heritage. The shirt is called a kuspuk. The booties are made out of seal and beaver.
Any VFN readers concerned that Kaitlyn was neglected in the photographic department can rest easy.
We got some shots of her too.
Note to readers: VFN regrets to inform you that we are not done oversharing pictures of ourselves. Anyone tired of viewing these gorgeous images produced by the lovely and talented woman married to Steve's brother should probably scroll down a bit. Thank you.
Traditional parka and not-so-traditional hot pink snow pants.
The photo that proves I am a bad mother. Okay, so it's not the photo so much as it is the fact that I laugh every time I see it. Is something wrong with me? Be honest.
One of the few photos where Kaitlyn is not gagging Levi with the pacifier.
More sibling love.
This cheesy moment brought to you by, I don't know, Hallmark? Lifetime television for women?
Note to readers: this blog is not sponsored by either Hallmark or Lifetime television for women.
Forgive me. I have to say that this picture is perfect. Absolutely perfect.
We celebrated Kaitlyn's second birthday with family (like her cousin Peter, pictured above).
And the world's largest pink cake.
Any hopes of hilarious cake-smash-type photos were dashed when Kaitlyn insisted on eating her cake with a fork.
Easter found Kaitlyn sporting an eskifro.
And poor defenseless Levi was once again subject to my ridiculous outfit obsession.
Levi's glasses arrived. He was thrilled.
Just kidding. He wasn't very happy about it...
Until he realized how much faster he could read the Bible with them on.
Kaitlyn started taking her turn in the dinner-making rotation.
And Levi and Kaitlyn proved, yet again, that they love each other. And that clothes are overrated.
Kaitlyn's first Prom was a smashing success.
My youngest sister got married in the summer, giving us a chance to dress in color-coordinated outfits.
The same day my sister got married, Levi was sealed to us in a temple ceremony.
Kaitlyn started her Jedi training early. Now we are just waiting for her letter from Hogwarts.
More family pictures in color-coordinated outfits.
Note to readers: I am not sure why Levi looks terrified and Kaitlyn looks melancholy. Neither were in any danger at any time during the photo shoot. Promise.
Levi's blessing in Yachats, Oregon.
And a family picture to commemorate the occasion.
What is summer without a little Carhartt-themed photography?
Especially when the Carhartts are this little and cute.
Attitude!
Levi continued to be a good model for Aunt Sarah, even when fifteen pounds heavier.
The pinnacle of my penchant for staged and costumed photos.
We celebrated my 30th birthday (did I just write that?) on Maui with a sunset cruise.
And lots of snorkeling.
Kaitlyn's birthmother came to visit us in Seattle. We visited Mt. Rainier.
Rode horses.
Went to the top of the Space Needle during the day.
And at night.
And disco bowled. It was like the best ten days ever (and I didn't even mention the WNBA game, movies, sushi, water park, and roller coasters).
Back in Alaska, Levi tried solid food.
He preferred holding the spoon himself.
Steve heard gagging noises and turned around to find this.
Levi decided to introduce himself to beans and rice ahead of schedule.
Steve proved he was the best stay-at-home dad ever (and most definitely cooler than me) by constructing a cardboard house and letting Kaitlyn decorate it.
Another thing that makes Daddy more fun than Mommy.
Shout-out to their superhero heritage for Halloween.
Kaitlyn licking the mini cake I made for Levi's first birthday.
Note to readers: this cake, and the larger version made for non-baby consumption, are perhaps the ugliest things I have ever created in my kitchen.
Ugly or not, I think Levi enjoyed it.
What Levi did not get to enjoy was his birthday presents. His big sister, big brother, and cousin took off with the toys as soon as they were unwrapped.
There you have it, proof that we existed in 2013.
