A year in review: Adios 2011; Hola 2012!

I hope this blog post documents what we did and what we looked like in 2011, so years from now we can look back and remember what a great year this was.  I want to remember that this was the year each daughter made her first ER visit, and went to the dentist for the first time, and shared each others clothes and shoes.  I want to remember the outings and adventures of family life with two little girls.

Fresh and clean, for a fresh new year. (January 1, 2011)

In 2011, Chris completed his first full year at New England Financial, aka Strategic Wealth Associates, a Metlife company (yeah, I still don't get it!).  He has been busy maintaining his financial planning practice while performing a management role there.  That, along with being on the board for the National FPA, he traveled at least 8x away from home this year, not counting the numerous day trips to Irvine/LA for client meetings or work stuff. 

Karen worked at Steele Canyon HS part-time, teaching one class, and coordinating Senior Exhibitions.  Getting paid 1/3, but working 1/2 keeps me busy, as I balance working in the mornings with tending to children and the home-front the remainder of the afternoon and evening.

Addisyn and Piper made a habit of counting for the home bridge on our way home daily, which is a bit redundant, so we mixed it up by learning our numbers in Spanish too.  The girls enjoyed their first pets, fish, and are eager to feed them and flush them down the toilet when they die.  Summer time was great with all the swimming they did.  Addisyn still talks about popsicles and swimming on a "hot summer day" in the middle of our San Diego winter.  Since their dance recital in Spring, the girls can't wait to take dance class again, frequently playing "dance class" or "dance recital" at home, dressed up in tights, tutus, and ballet or tap shoes.

Cousin Jacob made entrance to the world this year, and the girls continue to adore him.  They like to hold him, feed him, and play with him.  Jacob is nine months old now.  Chris and I think our nephew is pretty adorable too!

One of our favorite family things to do is camping; I'd say we got good use of our trailer, taking it to the beach, mountains, and the desert.

Overall, my favorite memories are of the kids swimming, bike riding, dancing, and enjoying sunny days in the backyard. 

As for welcoming 2012, I resolve to embrace the roles and changes life brings me.

Enjoy the photo recap...

Using our back yard with the new dome climber.  (January)

My kids will hate me one day for saving this picture! (February)

Drove to the mountains--there was so much SNOW! (February)

So much love for Cousin Jacob. (March)

Once upon a rainbow.... (July)

First outing of summer--climbing trees. (July)

Making music for their dance recital in the living room (July)

Girl power! (July)

Beach fun! (August)

Piper likes driving the boat. (August)

Special occasion lunch with mommy. (September)

Getting riled up before bedtime! (October)

They'll never fess up to liking this ever again. (November)

Sea World kid zone with daddy. (November)

Who knew riding bikes with tamborines and undies on your head could be so much fun!? (November)

Riding bikes in the garage was awesome...because the garage is never this empty.  (November)

Addisyn's tea party with the "fancy, fragile cups." (December)

I wish this was my Christmas card this year. (December)