2011 Review

Of all the years of my life, each one seems to get progressively better. 2011 was an amazing year. I have so many wonderful people in my life, as shown by the tremendous support I've received for my wedding, my blog, and all of life's other activities. I cannot wait to see what 2012 will bring. Here are my top 11 memories of 2011 (in no particular order).

1. Our 2-week fall road trip through Colorado in October. Seeing the beautiful colors that covered the state instilled a sense of awe at Mother Nature and renewed (like it was ever gone) my love for the mountains and fall colors. I got to see Aspen and hike the Maroon Bells, go to Crested Butte for the first time and stay in my first hostel, and visit Palisade and the Colorado National Monument.

2. Experiencing the births of many of our friends' first children. It has been amazing to watch (from afar) the little ones grow and learn.

3. Camping trips with two great groups of people, my coworkers and our annual camping trip friends, and getting to tour Tonto Natural Bridge and enjoy all of Payson's natural beauty, namely tall trees and the Rim.

4. Getting 8 ski days in last winter, with the best snow Colorado had seen for years. I skied Winter Park, Copper, and Steamboat with family and friends.

5. Running in the City Search Challenge in Phoenix, a sort of "Amazing Race" for the locals. It was more work than I anticipated, but a memorable and fun experience. 

6. Getting to go to Chicago not once, but twice, for 2 conferences for work. Common Core left some things to be desired, but NCTE (National Council for Teachers of English) was well worth my time.

7. On that note, getting ENGAGED in Chicago on June 26/27 and feeling more loved than ever before while enjoying each minute of our engagement thus far.

8. Christmas with both families, 3 in 24 hours to be exact, and making it work out so that we could be with everyone and see their faces while they opened all the gifts. 

9. Wedding planning, when it was not too stressful, meeting our photographer and planner and getting excited about the final product (our wedding) with everyone's creative input.

10. Sedona, AZ engagement photo session, from climbing in the freezing cold Oak Creek to get that "perfect shot" to changing outside the Chapel on the Rock to get pictures in my favorite outfit before the sun set altogether.

11. Going to Tucson for Kyle's birthday in January and touring the Mission San Xavier, Colossal Cave, and horseback riding through the desert.

Of course, there were many more memorable nights with friends and family, too many to count, and I have realized how lucky we really are to have the life we have. Aside from the events mentioned, successfully reaching over 5000 views on my blog has made me feel even more blessed and has been more rewarding than I ever imagined. Continue on! See you in 2012.

Maroon Bells October 2011

Kyle lounging with Maroon Bells

Fall Color!

My first family bar outing (the youngest is finally 21) in Denver October 2011

"The Bean"- Chicago, IL

City Search Challenge Starting Line

Christmas #3 in Minnesota

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Our Lovely Planner

Johnna herself!

Today I officially submitted our contract for our weekend-of planner, Johnna ('John-ah'), who I am very excited to have help me out on the weekend of the wedding. I did not know the options that were available for wedding planners prior to actually meeting with a couple and discussing the options. Although I am probably a bit too much of a perfectionist to completely let go of all the planning, I was more than excited to find that having a person coordinate the actual weekend is extremely reasonable in price, and will save me, what I hope to be, loads of stress and last minute snafus will go unnoticed.

As I believe I mentioned before, I met with this wonderous woman when I first went to Colorado after my engagement. She suggested a meeting at my absolute favorite coffee shop/bakery in all of Colorado, Blue Moon. It was fate. Then, when Kyle and I returned to Colorado for a second planning trip, we suggested a restaurant we had never been to in Frisco, but that was recommended by some locals, and it was HER favorite. Fate. She got the job when she sat through breakfast and completely put up with Kyle's requests for a juggler and his threat that there may be some debauchery occurring throughout the evening. Not only did she put up with it, but sarcastically egged him on! So if Kyle and Johnna can get along, I know I am set.

What I am most excited about is the list of tasks she will take care of for the weekend, anything from planning out an itinerary for our out-of-town guests (everyone) full of fun mountain activities to occupy their time, and getting all the place cards, table cards, centerpieces etc... before the wedding, so I don't have to be decorating when I should be pampering myself the morning of the wedding!

So Johnna, if you read this, we are more than excited to have you as a part of our day and appreciate you!

Distinctive Mountain Weddings