2011 in a nutshell...

What a year!  
Lot's happened around the world, as well as in my little world.
We watched Japan get rattled and destroyed during one of the biggest earthquakes in their history.  Osama Bin Laden was killed, the war in Iraq came to an end, our stock markets took some scary dips, and we lost one of the most intelligent creators of our generation, Steve Jobs.  With all of this unfolding around the world... my life had some ups and downs of its own.  {mostly ups, thankfully}

In my little world...
We celebrated the kick off of 2011 in San Francisco, watching the fireworks and spending time with our friends C&K.

I got a new job in February working for a non profit organization that I am extremely passionate about... it's been a great fit for me.

I travelled to 9 countries during a month long trip to Europe with my best friend (TL) and celebrated my Birthday in Paris.

 {Started in Germany}

 {ended in Ireland}

My precious nephew Ryan turned two.

My college girlfriends and I took a weekend to relax and catch up in Los Angeles.

One of the best days of my life happened on July 16th, when I watched my sister Julie tie the knot to her husband Matt... and the festivities leading up to her wedding take the cake for some of the most fun celebrations I have ever been a part of.

{Bridal shower for Juls}

{houseboating bachelorette party}

TL and I visited Hawaii to celebrate our 2nd wedding anniversary in September.  I fell even more in love with this guy this year.

My sister Kelly shared the news that she's expecting her 2nd little baby boy... due in March.

My girlfriends and I took our annual girls trip to Vegas.

I got a second part time job as a morning traffic anchor working back at a television station in our area {again} and have been fortunate to work with some incredible people.

I spent many happy hours, movie nights, and bunco nights with a wonderful new group of friends in my neighborhood... we've gotten very close.

We took a trip to Disneyland with our close friends Sabrina & Justin to see it lit up for the Holidays.  Boy was it beautiful!

The year ended on a high note... getting to spend the holidays with all my family together.  It was the cherry on top of it all. :)

This year we are spending New Years with my MIL to celebrate her Birthday and bring in 2012 with a bang!

Thank you to those of you I have met through this blog, those of you who provide encouraging words, and follow along on this journey with me.  I love this community of women that I have come to know.  You are a source of knowledge, creativity and support for me.  Thank you!

Cheers to a new year, a fresh start, and many new adventures!