A Look Back

A look back through my iPhone photos at some of my favorite moments from 2011.

(note: due to taking these pictures on my phone they are not top quality, but they captured the moment nonetheless.)

In February my mom and my little sister, Claire, came to see my new apartment in Connecticut and to go on a weekend trip to Vermont with the family I used to nanny for in Boston. My family had met the Roffman's on a few occasions, including the previous summer when they came to Kansas to see where I grew up and to meet all of my family. We were excited to all be able to get together again, this time in New England! 

We skied at Sugarbush Mountain, visited the famous covered bridges and barns of Vermont, and made a tasty stop at the Ben & Jerry's factory!

In February The Program Team went to the ACA conference in San Diego. We took every opportunity we had to be outside and enjoy the sunny, warm weather. 

I flew from San Diego to Carefree, Arizona. My mom and Claire met me there. We enjoyed a few days in the sun with my Grandma and Grandpa Wenger who stay in Arizona each February.

In April I turned 25. My mom came to Connecticut to celebrate. (For living 2,000 miles from each other, have you noticed that we still see each other A LOT?! It's great.) We spent my birthday at The Spa at Norwich Inn and visiting small towns along the coast.

That weekend we also made a trip in to Boston and laughed marveled at our painting skills at The Paint Bar

Each year I look forward to the opportunity to create invitations for the annual Wengerville Easter celebration. This year, I put my new sewing machine to use and stitched bunnies to the top. 

My friend Lily joined my family in Sabetha for Easter weekend. A tour of Sabetha isn't complete without being dressed head-to-toe in camo and heading out to Amaroogie for shooting time with Grandpa W. 

In May the little sister graduated from Sabetha High. It was a quick 24 hour trip home, but a nice get-a-way before the craze of Summer.

Summer brought me to my sixth summer at The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. I spent as much time as I could at my favorite program area...The Boathouse.

My cousin Maria and Aunt Shari came to volunteer for a session at Camp. On our day off I took them on a quick, but beautiful, summer tour of Boston.

At the end of the session we went up to Vermont and visited the Simon Pearce glass blowing factory. A must see!  We also stumbled upon a maple sugar farm and went VT cheese tasting! 

Fourth of July weekend I flew home to Kansas and surprised my parents. They were surprised to say the least! It was so fun. I wish I could surprise them like this every time I came home!

It was a perfect, relaxing weekend hanging out with the people I love most.

Mid-summer we had a mini staff outing to Matt's Outback Paintball. First, and probably the last, time I go paint balling. 

In June, Steven threw another amazing birthday bash at 39 Strathmore. This year featuring Ke$ha. I had glitter in my eyes for weeks. It was great to be back partying in Boston with my old roommates.

In July, I got married! Just kidding. Staff prom was themed "Little White Chapel; Wedding in Las Vegas". Ben and I enjoyed all the drinks people bought us to celebrate our wedding night.

In August I survived my first hurricane! Irene swept through the East Coast and left us powerless for days. It looked a lot like tornado damage to these 2 mid-western girls.

After the whirlwind of summer (& Irene) my friend Bryan and I took a road trip to Columbus, Ohio to visit our friends Tim & Jill. The 4 of us worked at Camp together in 2007. On the drive out we stopped in Hershey, PA to tour the World of Hershey Chocolate! Then, we were happily surprised by our host & hostess waiting on the porch for us in true Camp fashion...beneath a bed sheet Welcome Banner. It was such a fun weekend that needs to become a tradition!

It was not possible for me to take a vacation during the summer which really pained my Dad and I's scuba diving itch. So, in September, I met my parents in Key West and we enjoyed touring the Keys....

...adding to mom's shell collection...

....and marking off dive #10 & 11 in our books!

I then traveled home with them to witness my high school friend, Sam, say "I Do". It was a blast to catch up with childhood friends and to dance on a few hay bails!

In October I took my first trip to Maine. My co-worker Ellen's family has a house on Moose Lake. Despite the cold October weather, we couldn't pass up a little water skiing.

We also visited Acadia National Park where I savored my first taste of Popovers.

Later in October I went to NYC to visit college friends. Molly flew in from Dallas for her birthday and Elise graciously hosted us in the City.

Halloween weekend left Connecticut in 17 inches of snow and without power. My apartment re-gained power after 7 days, but many were out for much longer. I am so thankful to be able to retreat to my house on Camp, which is backed up with generators, during these crazy storms!

My friend Molly lives in Dallas and November was the perfect opportunity to escape the snow, catch up with Molly (before NY we hadn't seen each other since graduation), and watch the Cats play! I flew in to Dallas and then we drove to Austin for the game. 

Back to Kansas for Thanksgiving in November. I love being able to spend each Holiday with my entire family.

In December I hosted my first "Girls Craft Night". We made mason jar snow globes, gift tags, pom pom garland and ornaments. I have some very crafty friends! 

I left all of my supplies out for the next 2 weeks and became quite addicted to making ornaments. 

The first weekend in December Camp hosted approximately 750 of our besties for a Holiday Party! We tested the photo background out the night before to make sure it looked festive enough!

For the past 8 months my parents had been living with my grandparents while our home was being remodeled. I got back to Kansas right on time to help them move back in. It felt great to be back on Lakeshore Drive just in time for Christmas!

Wow, it was a good year! I am so thankful to always be surrounded by such amazing people, to have a job that I love, and to have a loving family to come home to.