As you have all noticed, it’s almost a new year! Wow, I know right? Where did the time go? I still find myself writing 2011 on things, and it’s almost 2017? It went by too fast, and has been one of the most exciting years of my life!

First of all, I wrote a #book (please, no paparazzi). Writing the first book to the Blackwood Witch Series was a huge accomplishment that still doesn’t even seem real yet. I keep waiting to wake up and realize it was all a crazy dream. I started my writing journey in February, shortly after our first family Dumont Dunes trip. We bought an old motorhome and packed up the family and headed out for an adventure.

My husband has always been a huge Dumont fan, but I had never been. It was the best trip, and really started our year off right!

I studied hard for another month to take my TEAS test, and low and behold, was accepted into nursing school! *Happy Dance*

Now the real fun began…waiting. After given my start date, which was two years later, I asked myself, “What am I going to do for two years?”

Shortly after, the writing craziness ensued.

While doing some soul-searching, and a lot of researching, I realized writing is a lot harder than it looks! Sure it’s all fun and games and world building and talking to my imaginary friends. But there’s a lot more to it. Thankfully, someone created the internet, and did you know there is a whole world of information out there? I know right?? Crazy!

During the spring we planted our yearly garden, which is always fun. Ryan and I celebrated our seven year wedding anniversary, and in June planned our big river trip! Since the year was packed with excitement we planned to take the new motorhome down to the river for a week. I was going to drive it down, and the hubs planned to drive out a few days later after work.

I had my graduation the Friday of the 10th, and my birthday was the following day, June 11th. Everything was planned, prepped, and primed. But do you think anything ever goes as planned? Of course not!

What could possibly go wrong? You might ask yourself… Oh, I’ll tell you.

I broke my foot, the-night-before we were supposed to leave.

*Violins play solemnly in the background*

 

I sulked for a day or two, but do you think I let that stop me from a fun-filled weekend of frivolity? HECK NO! I put on my big girl pants and I crutched across that stage and accepted my degree in Math and Science.

Next, I hobbled over to the river and was a bad girl and took off my cast so I could get in the water for the Parker River Float for my birthday.

 

Ok…maybe I didn’t party like it was 1999, more like a 29-year-old with a broken foot, but it was still a blast!

And the year is only halfway through!!

In the summer, we celebrate a lot of birthdays! In June we celebrate me and my little man. And in July we celebrate my Bella and Ryan’s birthday. For the Hubby, we went to VEGAS!

 

We had never been to the Hash house a go-go and it was better than I imagined! We also went and saw the Cris Angel Mind Freak show, and had a bit of gambling fun. It was definitely some much-needed relaxing time.

(Oh, and did I mention I found a vampire bar??? That quickly went on my ‘to-do’ list for the next Vegas trip for sure!)

 

 

Then came AUGUST!!! We celebrated the best friend’s birthday in Havasu, and had a blast!

We also took a visit to Topoc 66, which was a first for the both of us.

(Butt-chair-picture for proof)

 

 

 

We celebrated for three days and had the absolute best time.

I am so grateful for this life I have, and the amazing friends I get to call family.

I could never ask for better people to share it all with.

 

 

After the river, the sand, and the sun, it was time to wind down. With the sunlight fading, the days shortening, and the air growing cooler, it was time to say goodbye to summer.

The rest of the year was filled with razor rides, girls nights, book releases, family time, and pumpkin carving.

 

Before we knew it Thanksgiving was here, and then Christmas, and now I’m sitting at my computer reminiscing about the extraordinary year we’ve had. I wish it would last longer. I wish I could capture time in a bottle and relive these moments over, and over.

It goes too fast, and I’m going to make a point of enjoying every last second.

Cheers. 

To a new year, new friends, new experiences, and new adventures.

Bring it on 2017.