Every year I think I say the same thing; this was the fastest year of my life! But truly, I think this was. 2016 was pretty incredible all in all. Some parts were difficult, others were rewarding, but all in all? I'm extremely happy with 2016.
This is always one of my favorite posts to write because I get to reflect on the last year and really take at the things we went through, our memories, the things we learned (both good and bad) and to make some loose goals for the new year ahead. I always love doing that!
Here's a look back at the past year:
-We rang in the New Year with our best friends doing what we do best; playing board games!
-Took Emily Ley's Simplified Challenge and cleared up some serious house/mental clutter!
-Found out Erin and Jared were having a BOY! We love that little man to death.
-Becky came to visit me again!! I love that blogging brought us together!
-Angie and I went to visit Lyndsie in Nashville and ate WAY too much food!
-I got into my first car accident (not my fault, luckily) but ended up driving my DREAM CAR for a week, so it wasn't all terrible.
-Celebrated Easter weekend with family and brought treats to share!
-Wrote my first "things I'm loving" post which quickly turned into a favorite prompt of mine!
-Helped throw Erin her first baby shower!! That was such a blessing for me! Being Aunt Kayla is seriously one of the coolest things in the world.
-I found an old letter my Grandpa, who had passed away two years prior, wrote me.
-Ran and finished my 3rd half marathon with my husband by my side!!
-Wrote a heartfelt letter to my younger self that really opened my eyes.
-Watched my brother graduate High School in May! *cue the tears*
-Caleb and I celebrated 3 YEARS of marriage with Mexican food!
-Met our first INCREDIBLE baby nephew and snuck in as many cuddles as we could!
-Successfully photographed another week of our church's annual Sports Camp!
-Enjoyed a couple of obligation free weekends with friends/family over the Summer!
-Got a little frustrated that we're still in debt but realized we're still making serious progress and to be proud of wherever we are in life!
-Turned 25; Caleb threw me the most quaint little surprise party ever! He's the best!
-Spent an amazing week with the teens in Cleveland, TN for CIY! Hearts were changed!
-Stepped outside of my comfort zone BIG TIME and visited my first Tuesdays Together meeting (where I knew no one) and WOW, it's made a huge impact on my life! So thankful!
-Hung out with the Bengals on field, NBD!
-Photographed one of my favorite weddings to date and made some new friends!
-Had a ladies night with two of my favorite ladies!
-FINALLY GOT A NEW CAMERA! Haven't put it down since ;)
-Celebrated Caleb's 28th with a week off of work and lots of tasty food and good movies!
-Spent Halloween handing out candy with family! No fun costumes this year, sadly!
-Enjoyed a fun paint night with the ladies!
-Photographed our first out of state wedding, in Nashville, TN!
-Caleb and I followed God's quiet whisper to start a young adult group in our church and it's been a HUGE success!
-Enjoyed an incredible Thanksgiving with all our family and then decorated for Christmas. YAY!
-Got spontaneous dinner with my bestie because she was in town and I miss her way too much!
-Successfully photographed 31 whole weddings this year. WOW! We're exhausted, but feeling SO proud!
-Tried to soak in as much of the Christmas decor as we could. Feeling so thankful for our tiny town home, even through the days of annoying maintenance, noise complaints, etc.! We're grateful, especially this time of year, to have a roof over our heads and warm feet before bed.
STARTED OUR BUSINESS!!!! Omg. Still amazed at this one!
Celebrated Christmas together!
Caleb and I have quite a few big goals and big wishes for 2017, which (hopefully) include...
getting out of debt (finally)...
beginning the process of finding/buying a home...
spending a LOT more time in prayer...
saving more money...
...truly enjoying every bit of free time that comes our way.
Next year isn't near as booked up as the last few have been, and I have to say that was pretty intentional. Caleb and I are so excited about our new business, and can't wait to book up like crazy in the next few years, but next year we're REALLY trying to enjoy the time we have together more intentionally. More unplugged date nights, more cuddles on the couch, more time with friends. I am excited to have a better workflow system in place to cut time down behind my computer screen. After all, I didn't pick up a camera in the first place to be stuck behind my computer half my life.
I hope 2017 is amazing for ALL of us! Any big moments from 2016 you want to relive? Any fun goals for the New Year you have? Tell me about them!
