a year in review...

Emily came to California to visit and I took her to Disneyland for the very first time! 

Gan and I celebrated Kenz’s 26^th birthday while Em was in town with an attempted hot balloon ride that never came to be, but breakfast at Old Vine was beyond delicious and outlet shopping is always fun.

Gan, Kenz and I celebrated my birthday with a fantastic girls trip to San Francisco, which included breakast at dotties, lots of adventures with public transportation, another “S” for my collection, beautiful city views, dinner at foreign cinema (perhaps the best meal I have ever eaten), hot tub time, a bike ride through Golden Gate Park, and a LOT of great coffee!

We found out Izzy had biliary atresia and started praying God would provide a liver.

A LOT of my friends had babies!
I returned to CBU after 5 years to sing at the farewell concert for Dr. Gary Bonner who retired as dean of the School of Music. 

My big brother Kevin graduated from SDSU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing AND passed his NCLEX!

Enjoyed a bit of Carlsbad beach camping

Celebrated Gan’s birthday over breakfast at “Break of Dawn” which was again, delicious – I think breakfast is my favorite meal to eat out! YUM!

Madeline turned 4 and had a fabulously fun park party!

Enjoyed a bit of bubbly and some dessert at POP when Gan was in town for a quick visit 

IZZY GOT A LIVER! 

Gan, Kenz and I took our 3^rd annual trip to the San Clemente Beach House where we ate out a lot, caught a movie, did a couple awesome pinterest DIY activities and just enjoyed some serious down time!

Kevin, Jamie, Madeline and I spent the day together at the La Mesa Oktober fest before Kev left for OCS with the US Army.

Izzy was released from the hospital and dedicated at church, what a monumental opportunity to celebrate God’s faithfulness.

Sara came to visit, so I took a week off work and we played! We went to Disneyland, to a taping of 2 Broke Girls, and to see Hairspray!We also had a quick WC reunion - ALWAYS a JOY!

Madeline came to stay with me while mama was on bedrest and daddy was away training with the Army! We had a wonderful weekend together and made memories to last a lifetime! 

Dad and I traveled to San Antonio, TX to visit Kevin and see him graduate from OCS. We had a wonderful weekend away and really enjoyed getting to see a taste of Kev’s army life. While we were there, Dad and I ate at Lulu’s and experienced the 3lb. cinnamon roll from Man vs. Food – WHOAH HUGE! 

 Charlotte Rose Swope was born on November 18 bringing a refreshed sense of the meaning of love.

Izzy turned ONE and we celebrated her life with grateful hearts and joyful spirits! She is a miracle and we will forever praise the Lord for her life! 

The Swope Family celebrated Christmas all together in San Diego just before sending Kevin, Jamie, Madeline and Charlotte off for the adventure of a lifetime in Hawaii! We will miss them terribly but are looking forward to lots of vacationing in paradise in 2013!

Looking back I just have to be thankful for the many blessings of 2012. God is incredibly faithful and never fails to fill my life with joy, laughter, amazing family, and fabulous friends! I can't wait to see all the adventures that are in store for 2013!