For some reason top 12 of 2012 sounded better than top 10 of 2012, but top 13 of 2013 doesn’t sound right so I may be setting myself up for a difficult decisions come next December.
Anyway, I was thinking about 2012, which was a big year for me and I love countdowns of any kind so I decided to create my own!
12.) Starting the year in Madrid! This was definitely a big travel year for me and it started out with a bang in Madrid Spain. We spent a lovely new years eve with Isaac’s aunt, Lourdes and her kids Malu and Pablo. I learned about eating the grapes as you count down to the New Year and watched fireworks going off around the city from the comforts of Lourdes’s living room! The next day we had a very nice relaxed lunch at Isaac’s mom’s house and enjoyed our last few hours in Spain.
11.) The Olympics! I love the Olympics, it’s a true love that started back when I was very young and has continued. Every year they are held Isaac has to give up control of the TV and DVR while I try desperately to watch as many televised moments as possible while still holding down a job, going to the gym and generally keeping myself alive. This year was special in that I got to fulfill a long standing dream of hosting an Opening Ceremonies watch party with a themed meal of fish in chips! I’m already planning the menu for my Sochi 2014 opening ceremonies party. I’m thinking fondue and something warm and alcoholic!
10.) The Euro Cup. I was once an avowed Soccer hater. I could not understand the appeal, but then I married a Spaniard and then I got it! Don’t get me wrong, I don’t sit around watching matches all day, but I’ve come to appreciate the big world events. This year was the Euro cup where the reigning champions, Spain, were looking to keep that title. Per usual Isaac and I had a great time following the tournament even though with the time difference catching some of the weekday games was a difficult at best. It was worth it though and Spain went to win the tournament and keep the title! Now we’re just waiting for the 2014 World Cup!
9.) Downtown holiday tree lighting. Just earlier last month we had the chance to go downtown and enjoy the tree lighting and holiday “stroll” up Congress Avenue. A completely free event with lots of activities for the kiddos. We had a great time enjoying the city and it was of the few holiday things we got to do this year!
8.) Being Bath Crashed! This can also count as biggest surprise of the year. I was totally caught off guard by the opportunity, drug my feet a little bit but in the end had a great time. We also have a great new bathroom and you can watch the transformation sometime next year on the DIY channel!
7.) Bridal shower. A fun day I got to share with friends and family. Let’s be honest getting presents is always fun and it was fun to share the day with Carolina who managed to win one of the games, kept good track of who gave what and enjoyed being the only kid and getting that spotlight!
6.) The evening in Rome we saw the Trevi Fountain. Rome was not really a highlight for us. We saw everything but felt there was something in Rome that just didn't click with us. However, there was one night that stood out. The second evening there we walked over to the Trevi Fountain and then found a great little restaurant in what seemed like an alley!
5.) Dinner on the Champs Elysee. I’ll admit, Paris and I never had the love affair others seem to have with the city. However, you can’t deny its beauty at night or the overwhelming feeling of sitting a restaurant on the Champs Elysee looking at the Arc De Triomphe with you new husband. That is one of many amazing honeymoon memories, but it is most defenitly one of my favorites. Oh and the food and wine were pretty good as well!
4.) Pub hopping and high tea in London. Our first day in London (well everyday in London) was amazing, but the best part was our evening spent pub hopping with Isaac’s friend Tim from University and his wife Laura. We hit 4 different pubs all with interesting histories and I had like the best meat pies ever!Later we had high tea with our fabulous friend Eleanor at the Lanesburough Hotel. I include these together simply because it wasn't just what we were doing but the people we were with that made everything even more special!
3.) Shopping with Carolina. I haven’t been able to do much shopping this year, something I hope to rectify later in 2013, but I did have one memorable trip when I took Carolina to get a dress for Easter. I’ve been buying Carolina clothes for several years now, but this time was special in that it was the first time Carolina came along and we enjoyed the trip! She’s old enough now to like clothes shopping and be able to appreciate a day out! We looked at several places before she decided on one and even stopped at the mall food court to share a pretzel and coke. A couple weeks later she mentioned how much fun she’d had and I can’t wait until I get to shop again and we can have another day out!
2.) My wedding day. Obviously! Well not the whole wedding day, parts were stressful, but the ceremony itself and reception were so much fun and so special. I felt like our ceremony, though short, was perfect for us and who we are. And I loved getting to see everyone who was able to come and visit with them afterwards.
1.) Our amazing honeymoon trip overall. As we landed in London very early on September 12th I looked over a city I dreamed about for so many years and thought about all the sacrifices we'd made to save enough money for our trip. We'd started planning the trip nearly a year earlier and so many times it had seemed like it would never arrive. My eyes filled with tears and I turned to Isaac and whispered simply "we did it, we're here." He smiled and promised me we could do anything and I’ll carry that sentiment with me to 2013!
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| One of my first moments in London, another amazing 2012 moment! |
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| One of my favorite pics of one of my best 2012 days! |
