2009 in review.

I love the beginning of a new year. Time to reflect on the past year and what was or was not accomplished and time to make new goals to accomplish for the new year.

This past year was filled with the same things most years are filled with, but at the same time each year is so different it's always a new adventure. There were goals met, there were other goals not met. New friends made, new additions to the family, laughter until I nearly peed my pants, tears of sadness, tears of joy, disappointment, joy and new places visited. Looking back I realize how very blessed I am to have the life I have and to have new beginnings.

Here are some pics of my favorite memories and things I did during 2009.

{January-March}

These are the dreaded dead of winter months where I try to remember that Spring is just around the corner. I made the best of it with a trip to San Francisco, snowshoeing, a girls night out V-day get together, 80's party and lots of movies.

{April-June}

Spring time was busy. I moved from my brothers house to my parents house for two months and

then moved one more time to where I live now, with Ashlee. I went back to San Francisco for my

dear friend Cathy's wedding. I got back in the nick of time to celebrate Easter with my family, always

a favorite. While I was out of town my niece Caia was born. Such a cute little girl and I wasn't complaining

that I get to spoil another cute girl. The bonfires with friends started along with hikes up the canyon

and Sunday strolls. Over Memorial Day weekend I flew out to New Jersey to see my grandma and family.

While there I visited good friends in NYC and made sure to get in some shopping and bike around

the city. I swear I blinked and June was over. I went to the Kelly Clarkson concert with friends, although

it rained the entire time-but we still had a good time. End of June my twin brothers got home from

their missions in Spain. We spent hours together as a family, laughing, eating and hearing

about all their great experiences. It was great to be reunited once again.

{July-September}

I love summer and all it entails. Bbq's with the family, 4th of July, lazy summer evenings, swimming

at the pool, camping and I added some new things to the mix this year. I went to a few rodeo's.

I am not a country type gal, but a few of my friends are. I was happy to go along and see what

the rodeo's offered and I ended up having so much fun. I also learned how to golf. I didn't think

I would like it at all. But with good friends teaching me the ropes I had lots of fun learning. We had many

evening dinners in my parents backyard with the family, and ate lots of yummy paella. End of August

some girlfriends and I decided to take a little trip to the heart of Texas. We went to Austin and San Antonio.

I really liked Austin and all its artsy eclectic culture. I also loved strolling along the river walk in San

Antonio. A few days later was Labor Day and my dear friend Lindsay paid me a visit. We had a great

time in Provo and then headed to Jackson Hole, Wyoming for some good food and entertainment.

It was such a great summer, full of great memories.

{October-December}

Autumn in Utah is always so beautiful with the leaves changing on the mountains. Fifteen minutes

away is a palette full of stunning fall colors. I made sure to go up there for a little hike this fall. We

didn't get too far on our hike because we were so taken aback by the colors. It was a busy month with all the

typical fall activities; corn mazes, halloween parties, etc. I made sure to go to Thriller put on by a SLC

dance company, it was spectacular. My family did family photos after 5 years. There were two new additions

to the family so it was time. November came quickly with preparing for the Holidays that were

coming up. Ashlee and I made our first turkey and had about 30 people over to our place. It was jam packed

but we had so much fun doing it. We might have lost 3 church chairs along the way--ooops! The next

week was Thanksgiving and I got ready to spend it in Kauai with some great friends. I never imagined

Hawaii to be so beautiful, but I fell in love and I hope to go back again someday. December was busy

with all the Holiday hustle and bustle of it all. It was a great Christmas with family and friends. I tried to

reflect on the Spirit of Christmas and I felt a difference.

2010 is a new year that I am sure will be filled with many different emotions, goals and memories. All of which I look forward to.

{Ps. I know this was the longest post ever, thanks for bearing it with me!}