2014 Year In Review

It is crazy to think about how fast this last year flashed before our eyes, and all that has happened.  A long 12-hour car ride from Minnesota to Kentucky allowed us some time to think back on the year and all that we have to be thankful for.   2014 was a roller coaster ride of happy times, sad times, conquering fears, taking risks and a handful of learning experiences.  While we both mourned the loss of loved ones close to our hearts and the hearts of our family members and best friends, we were reminded how special each day is and to treasure the days we have with the people we love.  We learned to seize an opportunity when it presents itself, live fearlessly, and enjoy the little things.  Here are the highlights:   

January 

• Started the year off right with a fun, relaxing weekend at Grandview Lodge in Brainerd.  If you've never been, I highly recommend going, and visit the Spa while you're there. Ah-mazing! 
• Hosted the annual "Lady Party."  Little did we know it would be our last one (for a while) since Amy has moved all the way to sunny Arizona, and me to hilly Kentucky.  
• Met Keith Urban! This was the most star-struck moments of my whole life. 

February 

• Celebrated Tracey's 40th Birthday in style with a trip to Las Vegas! 

March

• Patiently waited out the end of the worst winter ever! Seriously, if it wasn't face-hurting cold, you were up to your knees in snow. Ew. 
• Broke in the new kitchen at Mom & Dad's.  What a beautiful space it has turned out to be, and we all contributed a little whether it was in the demolition process, the design process, and most importantly the making new memories in the kitchen process.  

April

• Celebrated PJ's birthday by taking a road trip to Iowa to watch him coach some baseball 

May

• Took a trip to Kansas City for some much needed, much appreciated cousin time, and to meet the newest little member of the family, Gavin. On the way there made an over-night pit stop to see Jessie & her crew. 
• Celebrated the successes of Coach PJ and the Southeastern Community College Blackhawks as they made a trip to the World Series! 

June

• Weddings, weddings, weddings! My brother Ryan married the love of his like Christina! Along with the wedding were all the festive things before it like showers and bachelor/bachelorette parties! 
• Did I say weddings?! We made a quick, but super fun, trip to Bemidji for A.D's wedding, PJ's college pal.
• It was a summer well spent watching baseball and makings trip to Willmar to see PJ and his roommates, A.K.A. Grandpa and Grandma.  What an awesome experience and memorable summer it was for both PJ and his grandparents that they were able to spend some quality time together.  Not everyone is lucky to get to have a summer like that! 

July

• My bestie, Jessie, made a trip to Minneapolis to visit!
• Had a non-stop fun weekend with Amber going to the Celebrity All-Star game in Minneapolis, and jamming out at the Bascillica Block Party! 
• Went Cantebury to bet on some ponies and have some summer fun!
• More baseball! 

August

• Celebrated the marriage of my frienative Kali and my new frienative Pete ("Phil")! 
• Said "See you later" to my PJ as he moved to Kentucky! Saying goodbye wasn't easy, but was comforting know we'd be together in a month! 
• Made a trip to South Dakota to celebrate my Grandpa's 85th birthday.
• Reunited with my running buddies Jill, Shay & Michelle, and all of Project Run-A-Way (minus Michelle in PA) for the Healthy Human Race in Rochester, MN.
• Was sent off to Kentucky with lots of love at a gathering at Chris & T's house, and a friend gathering at Kelsey's house.  Goodbyes are the hardest... but, to quote Winnie the Pooh, how lucky we are to have something so good that makes saying goodbye so hard. 

September

• Packed up that moving truck and moved to Kentucky to start a new adventure.  Couldn't have made this move without the love and support of all our friends and family, and most of all our parents! 
• Scoped out our new area, enjoyed the warm weather, and sought out new experiences in Kentucky. 

October

• I love surprises! I made a surprise visit to Fargo, ND to celebrate my friend Shera's upcoming wedding.  I'm not sure who loved it more-- me sneakily planning out the surprise or Shera being surprised! 
• My family made a long road trip to visit us and see all that we're up to here in Kentucky! Their visit was so much fun, with so many great memories! 

November

• We visited a place I have always wanted to go to-- Nashville, TN! It was so much fun, and I recommend a visit there, if you have never been.  Note: If you're going, you better let me know because I want to go too!
• We went home for Thanksgiving.  There were many many miles traveled in this trip, but well worth it!

December

• After lots of sweating about searching for a new job, finally landed a pretty sweet gig that I'm excited about! 
• Celebrated a birthday, a graduation and Christmas with some of our new friends at our house before heading home for the holidays! 
• Went home for Christmas and New Years where we spent times with our loves!