I can't believe another year has come and gone! 2 days (well, almost 3) into the new year and I am feeling particularly reminiscent. 2013 was a year of growth for me personally, as well as for my marriage. We went through a lot this year and through the good times and bad we came out stronger than ever! Here is my traditional recap for the year:
{January}
This month was definitely one of the most trying of the year. I realized during the most difficult of times I am so grateful to be married to Mike - my anchor to keep me grounded when I feel like I am losing it. What an amazing blessing.
Some of the highlights:
Rang in the New Year with our best friends the Aubreys!
A birthday tradition at Kobe Steakhouse, my favorite restaurant in Hawaii! :D
The Manti Teo fiasco happened, and that was a little crazy! Then Bama won another National Championship, and we LOVED watching that.
Mike re-enlisted - we're in it for another 4 years at least! I am grateful for how hard this man works to provide for me!
{February}
Oh and we hired a private chef for Valentines Day to come cook us a delicious meal! Sooo yummy and fun!
Enjoyed studying, Dr. Pepper, the beach. :D
Mike enjoyed his first dive ever with Brett! They are dive buddies and Mike has really enjoyed his new hobby this year.
Many days and nights we have just sat on our balcony and enjoyed this view. Sometimes its just the little things in life.
{March}
We had a birthday celebration for Mike at Farrell's Ice Cream Parlor. The big 31!
My job was a little stressful at times (I was working as a caregiver for a care at home company) and so Mike made me this sweet panic attack kit, including a Dr. Pepper fund. Further photo evidence that my husband is the coolest. :D
Mike went on a TDY, I went home to Utah for the best friend's wedding! This is our last "fling before the ring!"
It was so fun to be a part of Emilie and Landon's special day.
Prepared for Easter with these sweet little ones. So fun to be a part of the family celebrations.
Also got to do the Festival of Colors with my sweet sister in law, Krystal! It was an adventure that I have been wanting to do forever!
{April}
Mike returned from his TDY, and we had a fun time just enjoying each other's company.
I got to participate in a "Mormon Helping Hands" service project helping to beautify the grounds at Farrington High! These beautiful girls inspire me to be a better person.
Colvin's came out for an awesome trip towards the end of April! Sadly, they just missed Mike as he had left on another TDY, but it was super awesome to have them back and experience the land of aloha with them!
Here is Mike in Burma, traveling the world!
This is a picture of my sweet Grandma Avery - her last Easter spent with us. She joined my Grandpa Arthur on the other side this past August. I love this picture because it shows how much she was loved by big and small!
{May}
Hiking Olomana with this lovely lady. We went on several hikes this months - so grateful for her and the good times we have had!
Go kart racing with one of our favorite couples! They all placed first, second, and third... and I got eighth... Good times.
For our girls camp hike we went to Aiea Loop.
{June}
Dan and Krystal came for a trip to the islands. We had SO much fun with these two!
Right after Dan & Krystal's trip our sweet nephews flew out from Georgia came out to visit us as well. These two were so much fun to have around!
{July}
Mike and I decided it was time to explore the islands and get away from all the crowds on the 4th of July on Oahu, so we took off to Maui! It was one of the most romantic and special getaways I have ever been on!
Girl's Camp with the Moanalua first ward was one of the most awesome, spiritual experiences of the year. So amazed by the youth of today. My testimony grew so much because of them. Thankful for the time we spent with one another on Bellows Beach!
The in-laws were passing through Hawaii this month on their way to their mission in Samoa. We were lucky to spend a few days with them as they went on their way to serve the Lord.
A Stake Family Fun Fair! One of my favorite events of the year. Had a blast doing zumba, stuffing myself with all sorts of junk food, and working the fish pond with these lovely ladies!
Mike with Elder Evanglia, shortly before he left for his mission in Samoa. We sent along a picture to his parents and they have been able to find this missionary! The world really is small when it comes to the gospel!
A youth temple trip.
{August}
Flew home in August to be with the family. On August 2, Grandma Avery passed away. She lived a very beautiful, long life and it was so nice to remember her.
Camping up Farmington Canyon with the best friend! This made me really miss Mike since we used to off road around their all the time during our dating days. Nothing beats Utah.
Lisa came home from Seattle for a week, and we had a blast hanging out and taking all the nieces and nephews to Lagoon!
The family took a special trip up to Mirror Lake. It was beautiful and so serene.
We enjoyed many football games of the young Christopherson boys!
{September}
My nephew driving a go-kart- scariest moment of my life!
A hike up Waterfall - one of the most beautiful hikes in Utah!
A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. BYU vs Texas game with my Dad... One of the biggest upsets of the year and easily my favorite BYU game of the season. Go Cougars!
Going to the Burnett wedding, so fun to catch up with Hawaii friends who are really family! :D
Meanwhile, Mike has been working his tail off in Papua New Guinea! What a handsome man!
The RIVALRY game with these sweet boys. Love them so much, didn't love the game, but still love them!
Rachel Hebert, one of my childhood friends, got married in November. It was so fun to catch up with her at her Bridal Shower!
{October}
Started working full time selling insurance and taking a full load of classes from Weber State. Loved every minute of school and work - grateful for the opportunities to increase in knowledge and training!
Georgia Tech Game with the best friend!
Just grateful to experience another Utah fall in all its glory!
Halloween tradition with the family - carving pumpkins.
{November}
Got to see Rachel looking so beautiful and happy at her reception!
The Health Admin department at WSU puts on a banquet each year - it is a huge/stressful project but we did it. A big shout out to Judy and Dave and Mom and Dad in supporting me in this endeavor!
This was my first time being home for Thanksgiving in a few years, and I treasured every second!
Emilie did this ombre to my hair - it is my favorite hair color EVER! Thanks Em!
{December}
Whew, get ready this month is a big one! The best of the year in my opinion. Work ended (it was a temporary job) and the day I got off we took off for DISNEYLAND! It was quite the adventure. Got stuck in the car for 12 hours due to road closures with these crazy kids, and loved every minute of it! Busted out the glowsticks and had a dance party!
Flew home Friday to the BEST surprise ever, Mike was home from Papua New Guinea just in the knick of time for my graduation. It truly was one of the happiest moments of my life. I was so thrilled that he was there to support me, and just to see him! He has been such a wonderful support through these past few years of getting through college, I couldn't have done it without him. Also, my parents have been a huge part in me being able to get my education as well. I am a pretty lucky gal.
Being together and strolling around temple square was surreal. I was so happy to be with him and home for Christmas!
Oh, of course he impressed me with his intellectual prowess on aircraft. #swoon
A very special day where we were able to take family names that the Deans had found and do sealings in the Brigham City Temple. Such an amazing feeling to be able to do that work and learn about our heritage!
My Christmas surprise was a concert - The Piano Guys! I have always loved them and was ECSTATIC to go to their concert. It was amazing, some of their music is so moving it had me in tears. What a wonderful Christmas gift.
Snowboarding at Snowbird with the fam was ... an adventure.
Mike wore the pink beanie keeping the tradition alive.. My Grandma made him that beanie when we were dating. I just love that he wore it, as I really missed my Grandma at Christmas. It was fun to remember her.
We were able to meet up with our friends the Garrett's who happened to be in Utah at the same time. We met them in Hawaii and they moved to Cali a year ago, and we miss them! It was fun to connect and see how they were doing!
This year was AMAZING. I am so excited to see what 2014 has in store! Happy New Years!
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