Best of 2011

I am stealing this idea from a friend's blog...but I really wanted to reflect on the extra-awesome moments of 2011.

1. January: Officially becomeing a nerdy math major.  I have never questioned this choice from that moment.  It has been the most exciting and challenging academic year of my life!  I have way too many textbooks and calculators but lately I have been craving reviewing calculus concepts in my spare time.  Weird, I know, but it will pay off.

2. Summer: Buying a piano from craigslist and November: getting to play at my best friend's wedding!  That was truly awesome and I forgot how much good stress it is preparing and the adrenalin rush when suddenly that many people are listening.  It was such an honor.  Congratulations Jess and Steve!

3. August: Daniel proposing and the ensuing wedding plans.  It really is the most magical time of my life so far.  My aunt would tell us that when you meet the right person it really feels like a fairy tale.  Let's just say I am so happy I moved to Portland.  (Sorry for the mushiness...but it's true.)

4. Family Time: In 2011, we spent most of our time off together with family and made some great memories.  We took four trips to Salt Lake City to throw my sister a wedding shower, see her get married (Congrats Whit and Ben!), our parent's getting to meet each other, and the wedding of my best friend.  We also got to spend Labor Day in Hanford.  These are some of my favorite moments...

5. December: Learning the importance of friends.  Daniel and I had the opportunity to spend Christmas with some new found friends this year and it made all the difference for us.  Very rarely do we get to relate with people our own age and in a similar life-stage as us and when we do it really lifts our spirits and is a reminder that it's ok to act our age.  We also got to go to California to see his friend's wedding which was so beautiful and fun to get to meet his college friends. 

There is so much to look forward to in 2012!  Graduation, wedding, my mom visiting Portland, a new job.  It's going to be awesome.  I hope everyone is looking forward to a great year!

Labor Day Weekend in Hanford

We are back from another memorable trip to Hanford, California!  The whole family was there except one sister-in-law who had to stay back to take care of a loved one, and all-in-all it was a wonderful weekend.  We surprised Daniel's family since he didn't get the time off from work until the last minute.  We were glad that we didn't miss it because it was a good time for me to get to know the new additions to my family better especially my soon-to-be sisters-in-law.

Here are a few pictures from the Portland-Fresno plane ride.  We were able to see some of the wildfires which were creating a haze around Mt. Hood.

                         

Here are some of the donkos playing in Grandma's backyard...

Some of the highlights were taking engagement and family photos, a much needed return trip to superior dairy for chocolate chip ice cream, and more silliness than one girl can handle.  I love being a part of the Kahn family.

I know this post is already overwhelmed with airplane photos, but I couldn't resist some aerial views of Portland on our return flight today.