"Where did the time go?"... was a phrase I remember my parents saying a lot when I was a child and yet I never quite understood what they meant by it. Now, many years later...I get it! And so it was for 2006. It seemed to come and go in the blink of an eye. It was full of happy times, sad times, fun times and hard times... but it was a memorable year, and in reflecting back on it, I realize how truly blessed we are. Here's a look back on some of my favorite moments of 2006. (You'll notice they all seem to have something to do with family and travel!)
Can it get any better than this? Here we are in "The Big Apple" visiting Bryan and Bre. We were able to see "Wicked" and "The Producers," and visit all the great sights. But the best part was our "Deluxe Hotel" accommodations... all 5 of us stayed with Bryan and Bre in their one bedroom apartment! It was great. Bry and Bre were so gracious to let us invade their home! It was a memorable trip for all of us.Of course, it wouldn't be summer without a trip to California, and what would a trip to
California be 
without a trip to Disneyland! Although nothing compares to the look on your children's faces when they see Disneyland for the first time, it's nice to know they still have that childlike excitement as they board "Indiana Jones" or "Pirates of the Caribbean!"Another great highlight of 2006 was traveling to St. George to watch Bryan and BreAnna run in the St. George Marathon. Nick and Chelsea were able to come with us to help "rally them on." I gained a great appreciation for what many of these people sacrifice to run in a marathon. Many of them were limping and others looked in sever pain...but they did it! (I, of course, was grateful to be
a spectator!)
Steele didn
't have to go far to find some of his favorite moments of 2006. All he needed was a lake, a little wind and his Hobie Tiger. Steele loves to go sailing, but I think what he really loves the most is the time he gets to spend on the lake with his sons.! This is his idea of a perfect summer day!While Steele
was off sailing, Sean was off in the
HOT Utah desert. He spent 5 days in the extreme heat, dressed in pioneer clothing, pulling a heavily laden hand cart on the much dreaded... "Pioneer Trek!" The idea was to give some of the youth from this generation an appreciation for what their ancestors sacrificed to come to this valley. Although Sean was really dreading it, Trek ended up being one of the best experiences he had all year. He made some great friends, and learned a little about the blessings of sacrifice and endurance.
2006 had it's share of fun and travel, but I tend to agree with Dorthy..."there's no place like home!" There's something about the feeling that comes with going home. It's not nearly as exciting, and there is certainly a lot more work, but after all, "Home is where MY heart is!"Happy 2007!
