A little bird...

A little bird (named Jenny Beth) brought it to my attention that I have been neglecting my blog posting. "What?!" said I. "But it has only been a mere... 6 months since my last stirring update."

So, as is common this time of year, I will do a "Year In Review" of sorts. For, as I started going through my pictures, I found them to be delightful reminders of many a memory I do not want lost. So, on with the show...

2009
I unexpectedly spent the first days of 2009 moving from my home on Locust Lane in Provo into Brett and Tufa's basement apartment in Orem. It was a bit of a squeeze, but eventually found my new home and especially my new house-mates (Brett, Tufa, Josiah, Tasi, mom, and dad) to be just what I needed.

My dear Erin Colleen and I have celebrated our birthdays (which are only one day apart) together for many years now. Caroline put together a luau and murder mystery party for us this year. Good times were had by all! Me, dad, and my Caroline.

Erin and I did have a minor issue when it came to a handsome fire-knife dancer. We eventually worked it out - thankfully friendship is thicker than... cardboard and brads.

For our birthdays, Erin's sister Shannon did a photo shoot with us. These were my favorite.

When it started warming up we did a trip to the zoo. This is not all my nieces and nephews, but you get the idea that they are all darling! I took pictures of them impersonating different animals. Wow, laughed till my cheeks hurt.

I was up on a hill so I was face to face with this giraffe. And look, he's totally winking at me! He is kinda cute, but not really my type (or species).

Spring is such a fun time of year. We visited one of my favorite families who have a farm full of the usual (goats, chickens) and not so usual (kangaroos and alpacas) farm animals. Tasi was a little leery of the chicken.

We had our Easter program and egg hunt at my brother Spencer's house. Luminaries were set out and the kids had flashlights to help them hunt for sweet treats. These two little cousins, Grace and Jess, were apparently pleased with their finds.

In early May, my sisters and I took a little trip to Salt Lake to see Wicked. I'd seen it before but was thrilled to go with my sisters. We all loved it (doi...who doesn't love Wicked?)

I finished my master's degree this year as well. Graduation was in May but classes weren't actually finished until June. Jess made this crocodile for me as a graduation gift. It is one of my most treasured possessions.






























As a graduation gift to myself I took a little trip to Europe to visit Alex and some friends. It was fun all over! I know I'm over doing the pictures on this post, but I thought I'd include one from each country we visited.
Scotland...













Ireland...
























Finland...














England...
***No pictures available***
About 3 days after I got home from my trip I was back to school. The first month was quite the whirl wind, but we made it through. A short trip to Lake Powell was a welcome break. Thanks to my brother-in-law Troy's patience I got up for the first time on water skis. Pay no attention to the glow of my legs, it was the glare off the lake!!
























I started noticing a funny sound coming from the corner of the ceiling in my room one night. I thought it might be a mouse. I got up on my night stand to knock on the wall and punched a little hole instead. Within seconds there were a dozen wasps flying around my room. This was our patch job and that would be the wasps trying to escape when the exterminator sprayed. Yucky.














Some girls in my ward decided to do the Turkey Tri triathlon in early November and to try and raise money for a friend who has cancer. To my (and my whole family's) surprise I decided to do it too. We trained for several weeks. I won't claim speed (in fact I was dead last in my age group) but I had such a good time. And, we raised $5000 for our friend. Awesome!

















During Thanksgiving break I again found myself packing, this time to move to Pleasant Grove to live with my sister and her family. She's got 3 little ones now and is expecting twins, so there is plenty to keep us busy.





















The first 5k Santa Run in Provo took place in the beginning of December and our running group decided to take part. When you register you are given a santa hat and beard along with the shirt. Erin and I added the socks. I hadn't trained as well but again had such a good time.















I spent Christmas morning with Caroline and her family. Christmas is a different experience with kids. All my siblings came over later in the morning and we spent the day chatting, opening gifts, and eating. I love them all, really and truly!

It's been a good year. Very good. I wonder what 2010 will bring about. Hopefully I'll have a post or two up before then end of the year ;)