12 months & 12 photos blog post has become a tradition on my blog. I first published it in 2016. You can check the posts for 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022 if you want. It’s very simple: one photo for each month of the year. A photo that represents my travels and/or my life of each month of the past year.

2023 was a year of travel. We were lucky to had been able to travel that much this year (and last year). My husband and I explored Krakow, Poland on our own and had fun with friends in Padua, Italy. We revisited Brijuni National park (Croatia) and spent a great weekend in northern Croatia discovering a castle with our kids. I visited Helsinki solo but actually spent time there with my Finnish friend. The cherry on the top was London trip for my 40 ^th birthday with my husband.

Other than great trips, this year had its usual up & downs. I felt too stressed at work and after some long soul searching decided to quit my job. It was the right decision but it wasn’t an easy decision. I am still looking for a new job. I’ve had some women’s health issues and some other problems this year too. Kids are growing up so fast. Our daughter is in true fournado phase and our son is starting school next September. I love them deeply but they also make me mad occasionally.

Anyway, let’s look at some of the highlights (and lesser great moments) of 2023:

January

January was a slow month. And the kids were sick a lot. But we had a fun murder mystery game with our friends. I had the most incredible day off which included swimming pool, spa, meeting with a friend, exhibition and a short visit to a museum (pictured below) and a family dinner.

February

February was another month that we spent mostly at home because everyone was sick again. The only fun day was watching the International Carnival Parade in Rijeka. Luckily, February is such a short month so it passed quickly.

March

March was finally a better month. We were all healthy and spent lots of time outdoors. Seaside walks, playdates at the playgrounds and at home, some beach time and BBQ. My husband and I saw a great comedy show. We bought our daughter her first proper bike (of course, it just had to be pink and have a picture of unicorn on it!).

April

April was a great month. My husband and I spent a couple of days exploring Krakow and eating a lot of delicious meals. I really liked Krakow and we had a relaxing trip (FYI, it means at least 20, 000 steps but no rush to see all the sights). We spent a wonderful Easter weekend with kids and our friends at a hotel in northern Croatia. We visited a castle, went on an Easter eggs hunt and swam in the swimming pool. Kids loved it and they are already pleading with us to go back there next year. I wouldn’t mind that either….

May

May was a very good month. The highlight was our repeat visit to Brijuni islands National park. Since our kids really loved our weekend trip there last year, we decided to do it again this May but this time with another couple and their kid. We got to explore more of Veli Brijuni island and had another fun ride in one of those electric golf cars. We saw deer, rabbits and peacocks roaming around freely. Our cat got seriously injured but he spent all of his 9 lives and recovered successfully.

June

June was a travel month again like April. I finally met in person my Finnish best friend. We’ve been in touch for many years (met through blogging) but finally spent some IRL quality time together in her hometown Helsinki. I liked Helsinki and I was very lucky with the weather. June means beach time and swimming in the sea and our annual long weekend at Krk island. End of the month, beginning of July was a weekend trip to Padua, Italy. However, June was very stressful at work and I began to think of alternative options.

July

July was a very hot month. My husband and I spent the first weekend in Padua. My best friend and I enjoyed Aperol spritz and gelato while our husbands went to the rock concert. I couldn’t believe that prices of meals at restaurants were similar or even cheaper than in Croatia. Weekends were spent at the beach. My son lost his first baby tooth.

August

August is a month of anniversaries for me. Our wedding anniversary (9 ^th) and my blogiversary (8 ^th). I had holidays and we did lots of fun activities with kids such as renting a pedal boat, seeing a mermaid, muddy beach etc. My husband and I joined a fascinating ghost tour as well. I’ve had some women’s health issues all year and it impacted my energy, my mood and my relationship as well.

September

My daughter turned 4 in September. She’s clever and pretty, chatty and bossy. She loves reading/playing with books. We visited an oldertimer cars show and had some fun days out. I decided to quit my job.

October

Some playdates, going to the cinema with my kids to watch Mighty pups and board game nights. Bike rides on island Krk as well. Halloween was my last day at work. I felt a tremendous relief as I walked out of the office.

November

My son turned 6 in November. He’s so big now. Smart but sensitive, cute and goofy and keen on football. He would rather just kick the ball all day long than do pretty much anything else. However, he enjoys playing board games with us. I was at home, doing chores, blogging a lot and relaxing. At the same time I also felt anxious about my uncertain future.

December

December is my favourite month. I love all the festive activities. We visited several Christmas markets in the area. We went again to Delnice by Christmas train and kids had a blast playing in the snow. They tried ice-skating for the first time. We managed to send Christmas letters to Santa this year. We’ve also enjoyed a carousel ride in Trieste, Italy. My husband and I celebrated my birthday in London. It was perfect.

That was my 2023 in 12 photos:)

What about your 2023? How was it?

Happy New Year!! I wish you all the best!

xoxox

Tanja