11. Hiked the Grand Canyon down and up in one day south rim to south rim for the second time in March. Third time I hiked the Canyon, but second time doing it in one day. CRAZY FUN because this year I went with 4 other friends. Can you say, GIRLS TRIP? The best! I loved this trip so much I had to make a highlight slide show for my fellow Canyon hikers for a Christmas gift. * Going to the hospital in the middle of the night after hiking the Canyon for a friend who was in need to medical help was something new and certainly add a twist to our GC trip. 2 days later she came home from the hospital. Not a fun experience, but a highlight for sure.
*10. The school that I am the Vice President of the parent organization was named Charter School of the Year in AZ. WAY COOL! This VP gig has been tough this year with lots of ups like this award and then some downs. Back in June, I attended a funeral of a 4yr old whose mom is a parent on the parent organization with me. Life happens to us all, but a child's death really put things into perspective.
Valley Academy - Winner - Charter School of the Year 2011 from AZ Charter Schools Association on Vimeo.
9. Going on Trek in July. I have done this once before about 3 years ago, but this time was different and this time different meant better. I was in charge of Ma/ Pa training and I worked hard to be in tune with the Holy Ghost so I could be guided. It didn't always work, but I was trying the whole time. We did something new this year and tried the mini-trek for the Ma/Pa training and it worked out great!
*8. Teaching moment in January of this year - because I was preparing to be the Ma/ Pa trainer for the trek, I was praying daily to be a better teacher and to really be aware of the insights to teach all kinds of people. I think this Ma/ Pa trainer gig had me freaked out because I was teaching my peers and leaders from church. Well, the unexpected outlook of praying to be a better teacher for the trek, made me a better piano teacher. I will never forget that moment when I knew the right thing to say and to the right person at the right time and I knew it was an answer to my prayers. I feel blessed to have this testimony building moment this year.
7. GNO - Girls' Night Out/ Goodbye Party - my friend moved. It is still sad, but alas she is not the first or the last of my friends to move away. Only good thoughts and memories of this last night out and the hope is she will move back in a few years. Her extended family is here.
*6. Moab trip - GIRLS ONLY! Just kidding, well sort of. A few boys went hiking with us, but Katie, my SIL, arranged this trip to Moab and invited a bunch of people and I took her up on it. Two of her friends from SLC met us there too. GREAT TRIP good times. *It is a 6 hour drive from my house to Moab, and on the way home I went the long way and stopped by the 4 corners. LIFE LONG DREAM - fulfilled. I am easily pleased.
*5. Hotel San Carlos - BEST BIRTHDAY PARTY EVER! Sarrah, Princess' friend, had a birthday party at a hotel and I was invited along too. Let's just say I don't allow slumber parties, but this friend invited me so Princess could attend the haunted hotel party - THE BEST!
*4. TEMPLE GROUND BREAKING - What more can I say? SO EXCITED! 2 years can't come fast enough.
3. The beach in July. We didn't get to go last year, so this year was even more special. My favorite parts where seeing Trisha and family the day earlier and making fry bread with the kids one evening. This place is my haven.
*2. Slide Rock - and watching my kids cliff jump. A must do - every summer for our family now!
 |
| the highlight is going to Slide Rock - obviously not me in my swim suit |
*1. I rode on an elephant.
I suppose I should have had my son's baptism or my 16th wedding anniversary or my Sweetie's first play/princess tea party or the great Women's retreat at Camp LoMia in the top 11. Those things were very important and blessings in my year, but riding that elephant was and is the coolest thing I have every done! I swear! ;) I love my family. I am glad that they think Mommy riding an elephant is a great highlight of the year.
I love to read year in reviews and all those great Christmas letters. I hope you will take the time post a blog about your 2011, too. Thanks for reading my fond memories of 2011. Now it is your turn to share yours.
