WOW! Hard to believe that 2012 is here already. It is hard for me to imagine a year that could possibly top 2011, but I have a funny feeling that 2012 is up for the challenge. I know I am once again, soooo far behind in my blogging. I could not help putting together a little post of 2011 in review. We were so blessed to see and do so many wonderful things, that I felt the need to post an update about the whole year, before individually posting on everything from August to December...yes, that is how far behind I am.
Why not start with the most recent and move backwards.
We ended 2011 with a trip to Singapore and Thailand. One of the highlights of our trip was riding the elephants in Thailand. Very beautiful animals. Very large animals. Very sweet animals. They were loved by everyone in our family.
The last family picture of 2011. Thanks to technology and wonderful cameras with remote control capabilities, we were able to get a quick picture of our family before heading out for dinner one night.
Breakfast with the orangutans in Singapore. These guys were hilarious. Very human like. I fell in love with the little guy back there. Thought briefly about attempting to kidnap him. However, I figured if they will jail you for throwing your gum on the ground in Singapore, I could only imagine my sentence for stealing a baby orangutan.
Kenyon was not really a fan of the orangutans, but she did manage to find a scaly friend to pet.
No Christmas season is complete without the required school program. However, in Australia the Christmas clothing is all shorts, dresses and tank tops. Nothing like hearing kids sing jingle bells while wearing shorts and flip flops :)
Our year would not be complete with out shuttling our darling daughters to and from gymnastics practice, lessons, meets, carnivals, ballet, rehearsals, recitals, etc... Very glad they are busy, but they sure do keep us busy as well.
End of the year ballet recital. Kenyon was a yellow flower.
Not to be out done, Ashtyn jumped right in there and performed at her gymnastics carnival like an old pro.
Did I mention how lucky we were this year? Our travel schedule was full and exciting. In August we took a trip to Hamilton Island with Uncle LaLa and Tia Posey. Water was a little chilly here on Whitehaven Beach, but the girls made a run for it anyway.
...and left behind some footprints in the sand...
Good Morning from Hamilton Island.
WOO HOO!!! Got to see The Reef!!!! Look how excited they are. Oh wait...they saw the reef from our boat, and the underwater viewing stage, and the underwater submarine that went out. Both girls put on their wet suits, walked down the steps from the boat to the water, put little feet and toes in the water, and said NOPE! TOOOOO cold mommy!
Our travels are always full of animals. Kenyon found a friend in New Zealand. At least this one stood still long enough for her to catch a ride.
Mommy's and daddy's animals did not stand still however. We did not let that stop us. We will forever have 4 beautiful souvenirs to remind us of New Zealand. I am the only one who named mine :)
He will look beautiful over our big stone fireplace. Wait...I think we need a house first, and then a stone fire place. Oh well...we have the decoration for it when we do get it :)
Not sure where this guy will end up...but he will be fun to decorate for the different holidays :)
New Zealand had so many post card perfect pictures. Took this one from the helicopter on the way to hunt.
Family had our first ski trip. Ashtyn was still a bit young, but I am hopeful that in a year or 2 she will be ready to try again.
In just about every water picture, our kids look like they are freezing, or in some sort of pain. There is A LOT of cold water here in Australia. This was Eli Creek on Fraser Island. Yes...the water was cold. I walked down the creek...could.not.feel.my feet!!!!!!
Little Bit of sisterly love at Rainbow Beach. We managed to get to Rainbow Beach twice this year.
Ashtyn on the beach at Noosa. Running from the chilly willy waves!
Lots of love for the water in Noosa!
January marked the beginning of kindergarten (prep) for Kenyon. Our little girl, was officially a big girl. Marked with some tears from mommy, she was off to school 5 days a week, and loved every bit of it. Hard to believe in about 20 days she will start first grade...
In January, our second home was rocked with massive flooding, that had not been seen since 1974. It was a sad way to start off 2011. So many people lost so much. The city of Brisbane and it's residents came together to help people out and rebuild this great city that thrives off being able to incorporate the river in it's daily activities. Luckily the start of 2012 has been much smoother than that of 2011.
It is hard to imagine what 2012 has in store for us. I don't think we ever thought we would have been able to have such wonderful experiences, new beginnings, and see such great sights and cultures. 2011 has been a year to remember, and I am certain 2012 will be as well. Here is to everyone's health, wealth and happiness. May your year be as blessed as we hope our's to be.
