2012's Top 5

Happy New Year's Eve! Please be safe if you plan on being out and about celebrating. As for me, I will be at home with my husband and our two boys--probably sound asleep before midnight. The year of 2012 had ups and downs with experiencing losses, but I rather focus on the positive for the year. So, I introduce the Top 5 of 2012:

March--We had our first family vacation to Galveston! It was memorable and wet LOL The rain never did damper our spirits, and the boys got feel the ocean on their feet. Kaden and Kody had expressions of pure joy seeing that vast body of water for the first time. My husband was probably the most relaxed and content, and we agreed we did not want to leave. We visited the Railroad Museum, an ocean rig museum, rode the ferry about a dozen times, and ate some wonderful food. And, yes, we do plan on going back in March now that they have a boardwalk amusement park.

June--Legoland Discovery Center in Dallas, TX! The huge plus was being able to take my niece and nephew. It is small, but still lots of fun! My kids are Lego fanatics; always dreaming of owning every single Lego creation ever made. The most amazing part was a replica of Dallas that was built out of Legos. There was even a little amusement ride for families to ride. It had many Lego creations on it plus it was like a game for the kids. And another fun area was riding in cars around a track through a Lego made forest. Lunch was at McDonald's followed by taking a drive by Texas Motor Speedway where we used to spend every April from 2008-2011 at the Nascar races.

July--My brother by heart works at the volunteer fire department, and sometimes we get to bring his kids as well as my two by there to play on the trucks. This is always a treat and NEVER gets old! He loves to teach the kids about the gear, what to do in case of a fire, and what certain things on the trucks do.

October--Actually, had a couple great moments for October. First, family camping trip, which was the first one in three years. I love it when we get a nice and secluded area! The kids had fun exploring and using their imaginations. An entire weekend of much deserved relaxation and fun. Also, later that month, Kaden turned 9, and had a great turn out for his party. However, just reminds me how fast he is growing, but he is growing into a sweet boy who loves to help and can be so silly and cute.

November--After not seeing each other for about six months, we got to see our dear friends Tara and Mike and their children plus do a photo shoot. They live an hour from us so each time we get is a treasure. It was nice to a whole day of it, and even take the kids to see Santa at Bass Pro Shops. Justin, Kaden, and Kody were in awe of that place! I admit, I was, too :) And I always look forward to having dinner with them. Tara is an amazing cook! I really hope it is not another six months before we see them all again. As for other highlights of the year: Cub Scout fun--Awards ceremonies, Dad and Lad camp, Mom and Me camp, swimming party at the local pool, a trip to the police station, and all the meetings. Plus, the memorable holidays such as the annual Easter egg hunt at my parent's house, class parties at school, 4th of July fireworks, Halloween with the school festival and trick or treating, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. So many amazing adventures, and looking forward to more for 2013. Happy New Year!