A Fantastic Year: Summary of 2011

At the conclusion of each year, I like to create a little blog and photo recap regarding our family's main events, accomplishments and travels of that specific time period. (You know, the good stuff!) Let me just tell you that 2011 was a big one for Michael and I. It was one splendid and rewarding year where we saw our hard work come to fruition in countless of different ways.

On January 7, beautiful Laneia King made her big debut and I was appointed as the trusty godmother. It was one special day that I will never forget.

Here's Adam holding his daughter for the first time.

In February, Mike gloriously returned home to D.C. from his long work assignment in Pennsylvania. (Oh I was one happy wife.) The seperation was a trial but taught us to treasure our marriage and enjoy the small, ordinary and quiet moments that we have together. We haven't had a desire to return to PA since..

Here's a photo of Amish country in PA.

The Cherry Blossom Festival in April 2011 was just gorgeous this last year!

In May, my Dad and I traveled to Las Cruces, NM to watch David tear it up in his Spring Football game.

On Cinco de Mayo, we also celebrated our fourth wedding anniversary with a relaxing picnic in the park.

Later that month we ventured into the famous Pentagon and watched my father receive an Army medal for his service there. We were very proud of him. A few months later he was transferred to South Carolina. We definitely miss seeing him on a regular basis.

In June, we took our own family vacation to historic Williamsburg and

to the beautiful Outer Banks of North Carolina. What a fun vacation!

Later that month we ran "amuck" in a race with fun friends through obstacle courses, mud pits, etc. on the Marine Corps Base in Quantico. (Home of the FBI Training Academy.) We returned home filthy and as happy as ever.

In June, I traveled to green Oregon to visit with my mother's side of the family. It was so wonderful to catch up with countless of family members, see the new babies and to spend precious time with my mom and little sister Madeline. I miss that girl so much! She's becoming one very thoughtful and intelligent young woman.

While I was enjoying time with family in Oregon, Mike started an annual tradition of taking his two younger brothers, BJ and Matt, on a rigorous survival trip in the great outdoors. They traveled and backpacked in West Clear Creek in Arizona. They returned home dirty, scratched and with countless of funny and memorable stories. Later we went camping as a family in blazin' Sedona.

 Oh and I ran my first half-marathon in Alexandria! (Blah, blah, blah.)

 In August, we went camping and hiking with awesome friends in Shenandoah. It's really such a beautiful park and I'm aching to return this next summer.

During the fall, we enjoyed countless of Navy football games with our family members. We are super excited to see what this next season has in store for us! Gooo Navy!

My Mom and I had a blast in Las Cruces celebrating David's Senior Homecoming Game!

In October, I graduated with my Masters in Public Administration from the University of Phoenix. It was a challenging experience and taught me discipline, sacrifice and the importance of working towards your goals.

The next week, Mike and I traveled to hilly Buchanan, Virginia to participate in our first adventure race! Mike has discovered a new passion in adventure racing and is already prepping for his next one this Spring 2012. Meanwhile, I have strengthened my resolve to be a cheerleader at his next race...

 In November 2011, we traveled to freezing Provo, Utah to watch my brother play against my cousin, Va'a, at Brigham Young University. It was one big family fun fest and I loved it!

This is a photo of David and Uncle Steve after the game.

 For Thanksgiving, we traveled to Arizona to visit with Mike's side of the family, meet our new nephew, Jackson, and to be there for Benjamin's mission farewell address in church.

Mike and BJ also ran 21 miles through the Coalmine Canyon. We're very proud of Benjamin's determination to serve the Lord for two year in Mexico and can't wait to hear about all of his great adventures.  

 Phew! What a year!

We are so thankful for our dear family, friends, good health, the Gospel, our marriage, and for the special memories and experiences that we have shared together as husband and wife. Despite the challenges, life really does get better all the time and we have an immeasurable amount of blessings to be grateful for. I'm thankful that I get to share each day with my best friend, Michael, and for the great joy that he brings into my life on a daily basis.

2012 is going to be another big year for our family! We're looking forward to graduations, a new apartment, etc. Who knows what new friends we'll make, experiences we'll share and adventures we'll embark upon? I love life and hope to always cultivate the enthusiasm, strength and optimism that I need to overcome any challenge that comes my way. Adios 2011!