Kroger and I had such a great show this weekend. We went into the SSHC Hunter Under Saddle Classic and ended up with the championship. I was so proud of him, it feels great to be part of a team again.

This little pup is having quite a nice summer. I’ve really enjoyed having the freedom during the day to take him to the park and I’m pretty sure he’s having fun splashing in the backyard everyday.

A few weeks ago my friend Hillary and her dad were kind enough to take me sailing on their beautiful sailboat, the Meridian. A few years ago we cruised around the Boston Harbor on the boat but this was my first time in what I like to call, the open water. We left from the Mattapoisett Yacht Club and sailed to Martha’s Vineyard and back. We were out on the water for several hours and because of the great wind that day we were really cruising! I had such a fantastic time and Hillary and her dad are always so sweet and let me hold a rope so that I feel like I’m actually the one sailing. They’ve raced their boat to Bermuda before so I did my best to convince them that I’d be a great addition to that team. Think I may have a little more convincing to do!

So much printing has been happening lately. I’ve been lucky enough to work with so many talented illustrators and designers over the past few months. Each print has been a learning experience and I’ve loved getting to know the letterpress community.

Snow days are best spent building snowmen. We build this one out front, Huck had the best time greeting all of the people that were walking by and catching snowballs that Ryan was throwing to him. The snowplow came through a few hours later and knocked the head off our creation but we got to enjoy him for a few hours at least.

Cleaned up the studio this weekend.

This is Krogie. The adorably gentle paint I’ve been taking lessons on for the past few months. He has managed to fill a hole that I’ve had in my heart and soul for the past six years. No horse will ever replace Yoshi but I’m so thankful that I have Krogie to help fill the void I’ve dealt with for so long. Every Saturday morning I leave the barn feeling fixed, and I owe that to this handsome giant.

Chris always wins the award for best gifts. They’re always thoughtful and fun and something you never realized you wanted but as soon as it’s yours you can’t imagine not having it. This year one of the things he got me was a stamp kit. It came with a double sided rubber stamp, rubber carving tools and plenty of templates. I decided that I wanted to use the stamp to make some thank you cards to send to everyone who was so generous to Ryan, myself and of course Huckleberry this holiday season. They were simple to make but I always think hand made cards mean the most.

Looking back at the year really makes me realize how fortunate I am. 2013 included so many great moments, people, and places – here is a list and a few pictures of some of my favorites:

Ski trip to Stowe, VT with some of my most favorite people

Gifts for my love

Winter Storm Nemo

Celebrating my brother and Nana’s birthdays in Vermont

Portland, Oregon

Paris & London

Turning 27!

Reuniting with the best friends a girl could ever ask for

Buying and restoring a printing press and starting Valor Press

Sidecar rides

Bringing our puppy Huckleberry home

Skiing in Utah with my mom

Baking Christmas cookies with my Grandmothers

There are so many more things that made this year wonderful. As always, I can’t wait to start all over again in 2014.

Merry Christmas from our happy little family to yours. Ryan and I accidentally acquired matching shirts over the years and when I saw this dog coat in the matching plaid I knew it was meant to be. Christmas was extra special this year with our little Huckleberry in tow, hope you all had a wonderful holiday as well.