Looking back on 2011

In one year my life has had more changes then I could have ever imagined.  I have been so blessed with so many positive growing experiences.  2011 is a year that I will always reflect on.  I want to highlight some of the more important events from each month.

JANUARY:

The first of January Jordan had to go back to Camp Pendleton to SOI.  We spent every weekend looking at each other like this.... This picture was a typical "date night" for us.  I have such an appreciation for Skype.

 Towards the end of January I met a new friend.  This is Kelsey.  She helped me through some long lonely months.  She was someone that I could tell her how frustrating the Marine Corps is and she totally got me.  We have so much in common and I will always be thankful for her friendship.

I also went back to school after taking the fall semester off.  I don't even know what I would have done without these girls.  I love them to death.  I will always remember taco Tuesdays, going to new places for lunch, and countless hours watching movies and heating up the corn sacks.

 FEBRUARY:

This picture isn't actually from February but this is the month that I got the ok from the doc to ski! yay no more back brace... even though i ditched it i bit earlier.

MARCH:

For spring break I was able to make my way around the great state of California.  I got to spend several days with my Janessa and Tyson.  I always love hanging out with them.  Then I got to spend a couple hours in Newport Beach with the girls.  I continued to Camp Pendleton to spend a couple more day with Jordan. That weekend we got engaged.  I had no clue it was coming.

 APRIL:

Jordan surprised me and was able to come home for my birthday.  We had a went skiing together, took engagements, and hung out with the families.

 MAY:

I bought my first new car.  Thats a big deal ya know.  I was able to fly out to California and visit Jordan over Memorial Day.  We had a great time shopping and just hanging out.

 JUNE:

This was pretty much my last month as an unwed lady.  Tuesday night bowling was a must.

 JULY:

I must say I have the best friends in the world.  If you ever need someone to plan a bachelorette party for you Brittany is the go to girl.  She knows how to throw a great party.  I had so much fun with the girls and felt so special to them that night.  

Jordan and I got married! YAY! Easily the best day of 2011.  I don't even know how to describe my feelings of that day.  I couldn't stop smiling... ok I'm really lame... I have a huge smile on my face just thinking about it.  There was no better feeling than knowing I get that boy forever!

We honeymooned in Jackson Hole, WY.  Took a hot air balloon ride, saw a play, checked out Yellowstone, and tried to get over that fact that after what felt like hundreds of days apart we actually didn't have to say good-bye anymore.

 AUGUST:

Haha what the heck is wrong with my lip.  I still don't have any answers.  Jordan was in the field for five days so as this was happening he had no clue.  I woke up one day and my lip was just a tiny bit swollen. The next couple days it just kept getting bigger and bigger.  Finally Friday came and I went to pick Jordan up from work.  He took one look at me and drove me straight to the hospital.  I spent 2 and a half days there.  Honestly I had a great time.  Jordan never left my side.  He is pretty good at that.

 SEPTEMBER:

We took advantage of a 3 day weekend and make a trip to Knott's Berry Farm.  Its like a thousand time better than Lagoon.  Even better there weren't any lines.

 OCTOBER:

We were able to get together with Nick and Cortney and Janessa and Tyson and make a trip to Disneyland.  I hadn't been there since kindergarten.  It was great to be with everyone.

First Marine Corps Birthday Ball

San Diego Zoo

 NOVEMBER:

Tim McGraw made a stop at Camp Pendleton.  My first country concert.  I loved every second of it.  Free concerts are a bonus to your husband being US property.  

Jordan and I were able to celebrate our first Christmas together.  We had it a bit early because of his deployment.  We enjoyed spoiling each other. 

 DECEMBER:

We moved out of our first apartment and put our lives on hold for the next 6-7 months.  Jordan left for his first deployment.  I hate good-byes!  The good new is 6-7 months is no big deal when you have forever.  This is nothing we can't handle.

 Cider came to our family.

 We were all able to be together for Christmas minus Jordan.

After reflecting on the whole year I really can't believe that all happened.  I love my life and I am so excited for the new adventures that await me.