12 Highlights of 2012
#1
Snow
This was technically the end of 2011 and into the very beginning
of 2012 but it counts. This Florida girl rarely gets to see snow
so it was a great surprise that I woke up to the snow on my first
morning visiting Kelly and the kids after Christmas. It didn't
last long but it was a definite highlight. i love the way the snowflakes
photographed making round circles.
photographed making round circles.
We got in a little play time before it all melted.
# 2
If you knew my son and nephew, getting these two boys together and "smiling" for a picture is a feat in itself and a highlight for this mom (and aunt).
My nephew Ben (in the beard) came over for a small
get together for Ryan's birthday and even
cooperated with a smile. thanks Benny boy.
this is the first set of boys who stole my heart.
# 3
Creatively Made online art course by Jeanne Oliver
mixed media
I loved the course and would recommend it to anyone who
enjoys being creative and learning new technique.s Jeanne
rocks and all of her quest artist were completely awesome
I've taken Creatively Made Business and am currently
doing Creative Made Home
(disclosure: obviously I'm not an artist but I really enjoy creating)
the course is for all levels of ability
#4
The Pearl Event
This was a life changer for sure and I recommend all women:
mothers, sisters, daughters and grandmothers to attend one of Sibi's Pearl Events
if you ever have the chance.
and icing on the cake was getting to meet three of my
all time favorite bloggers
Sibi is one of the most beautiful, spiritual and loving women I've ever met.
She is the author of the beautiful blog, Pearls and Grace.
She is the creator, organizer, planner and heart behind TPE-II.
Her calling, in addition to being a wonderful wife and mother, is blessing
women with the knowledge that they are God's pearls. No matter
what has happened in their lives or where they are now.
God created and loves us and we are SPECIAL.
All the speakers were so special and I know it changed the lives for many that day.
It was held in Nashville at the Gaylor Opryland Resort.
B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L.
#5
Brody's 2nd Birthday
All of my family's birthday's are special but I'm limiting my list
to grandkids because....
I'm trying to limits this to 12 highlights and my family is big
I went up to Illinois to help Kelly with the opening of her new performing arts studio
and it happened to be close to Brody's 2nd birthday so I was able to be there for
the special day.
This year Brody was crazy about Cookie Monster so the theme was easy.
Kelly and Matt planned it at a beautiful park and the weather was sunny,
breezy and 70 degrees. You can't ask for anything better than that for a June birthday.
Brody's favorite toy,
his electric buzz light year 4 wheeler
I'm so happy I got to be there for his special day.
# 6
Gulf Shores
My best friend and her husband invited us to stay the week with them over the 4th of
July in Gulf Shores. They had planned a sweet sixteen surprise party for their
daughter, Madison. We got to bring Taylor along with us and we really had
a great time. We were so happy to be included in the festivities.
Taylor and sweet 16 Madison
Here we're on the beach after watching the fireworks doing sparklers
Two of my favorite girlies
Taylor and her Poppy
What a great way to celebrate Madison's sweet 16, Fourth of July
and friends who are really family to us.
#7
Illinois trip with the Girls
In July I took a road trip with Carrie, Gail (SIL), Jessica (my niece)
and Rahel, Hermela, Caroline and Meron (my great-nieces).
American Girl Store in St. Louis. We had such a great time
and the girls did so well for the long car ride. They really made
Makenzie feel so special that they came all the way up for her
Princess Party.
Makenzie and her girl cousins including Ella (who lives there) at the beginning
of their tour of the new American Girl Store in St. Louis.
we had lunch in their Bistro
each of the girls got to pick out the doll of their choice
after we left AG, we visited an underground shopping area
the girls got such a kick out of watching the fudge maker who happened
to give them lots of samples because "they were so cute"
we got to see the arch as we were leaving
Makenzie's Birthday Party
some of the girls in their princess dresses
and this is some of the girls over me taking pictures
the birthday girl with her Mommy, Daddy and brother
**************
they also had picnics in tree houses
and slumber parties at night
and we even got to visit Matt's family farm and the girls were able to ride horses
and tractors
it was so much fun at the farm but well over 100 degrees so we left after a few hours
it was a long trip and we were crowded at times but I think it just made for a lot
more fun and definitely more memorable
#8
Legoland with the boys
Since we took the girls on a fun trip, Gail treated Dylan and I
to a day at Legoland with her, Colton and Caleb.
We had such a great time and I highly recommend it to anyone with
children under 12, especially boys. It's a really fun Grandparent/grandchild outing.
we were actually there in August of 2012
my batteries had to be changed while I was there and the camera reverted by
to the original date and I'm too lazy to go back to iphoto to take the date out
the boys had a great time and the water park was
the best one I've every seen for younger kids
I wanted to put in this picture because this is where Dylan feel in love
with gummy frogs. Colton was so sweet to share his with Dylan.
#9
Fun Friday Sleepovers
One of my favorite things this year was having Dylan stay over
on most Fridays. We did this with Taylor when she was growing up
and she was so sweet to stay with us every Friday until she was 14
#10
Two nephews
This year I got to meet my great-nephew Tyler.
Cindi (my niece) came down for a visit for the first time since
Tyler was born. It was the first time for most in our family to
meet our sweet little guy.
My brother and his wife and kids and grandson, Tyler.
It was also the year our newest family member joined us.
Cutest little guy ever, Eli
Jessica and Nick were able to bring him home from Ethiopia
in November.
# 11
Dylan's 4th Birthday
Dinosaur Party
love how all the kids are "helping" blow out the candles
there was dinosaur egg hunt and pinatas
the fun stuff
# 12
Taylor's Sweet 16
Taylor wanted a dance party for her Sweet 16 so her mom
found a cute little night club and rented it out for the evening.
It turned out spectacular and I'm sure Taylor will remember it always.
Taylor with her Mom and Dad
They set up a photo booth with all kinds of accessories.
We attempted to get a group pictures but there was over
60 kids there so this is as close as we got.
Her cousin group shot. It was special that they all came.
This is only a small look at her party. The photographer took over 800 photo.
Mostly of silly faces in photo booths and tons of kids dancing.
I think I'll spare you that.
Ha
This was one happy girl on her way home.
As I was making my highlight list of 2012, I realized there were a lot more
I could have added in because the everyday things that happen are just as special.
I'm so glad I take tons of pictures, much to my family's chagrin.
However, I'm so glad I do because when I look back over the pictures it reminds
me of the special times that make us who we are.
We'll miss you "2012" but I'm looking forward to
seeing what God has in store for me in 2013.
Happy New Year!
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