2011 - And that's a wrap!

Just like last year, I decided to make a highlights video for us.  We watched it for FHE on January 2nd since it wasn't ready until then.  :-)

We also tried a new idea I got from my friend.  Every year, each memmber of her family comes up with a "Top 10" list.  You could do this however you want to, but we decided to just leave it open.  So we included personal accomplishments, favorite activities/hobbies/other interests, and specific memories or experiences.  I love this because it lets each person share the things that have been the most significant to him or her personally, and I'm sure that Ben and the kids will surprise me with the things they come up with for their lists.  I hope we continue this!

We actually came up with our lists during our drive home from Moab a few days before New Year's, but I think it would be a great FHE activity or New Year's Eve tradition.  Here goes--

Eliza (based on our conversation on her behalf)
- talking
-singing
-running
-dressing herself (beginning to, anyway)
-playing at the playground
-baby dolls
-eating
-yelling
-playing
-being with her family

Jack
-"tonadoes" (tomatoes)
-trains
-monster trucks
-the beach
-camping
-books
-preschool
-dinosaurs & dinosaur bones
-bananas
-riding his bike (tricycle)

Cat
-camping on Mt. Timpanogos
-Universal Studios
-being with our family in Moab
-graduating from Kindergarten
-new school
-new ward
-new friends
-flying to SC to see Grammy and other Fields
-learning to sew
-learning to do hair

Brett
-going to the beach all summer
-camping on Mt. Timpanogos
-St. George Island with the Millers
-Universal Studios with the Fields
-Arches National Park
-getting to spend time with friends and family in and around Utah (such a treat!!)
-hanging out in Salt Lake City
-making new friends in Utah
-running races
-rock climbing in St. George

Ben
-cross-country trip
-starting the MBA program and finishing the 1st semester
-Zion National Park
-coming to Utah
-seeing Liberty Jail
-St. George Island
-Universal Studios
-Tuacahn
-trip to Moab
-camping on Mt. Timpanogos

It was an exciting year, to say the least.  We had our stresses and difficulties, but in the end, I would say that 2011 was a great year, complete with lots of adventures and many opportunities to grow individually and as a family.  January of 2011 seems like such a long time ago after everything that has happened.  I don't think that 2012 will be the same kind of year, marked by change and adjustment, but even if it isn't, I'm sure we will grow and learn in many other ways.  Time has a way of making that happen.

And with that, my friends, our blogging for the year 2011 is officially COMPLETE!