As I think about what to blog about in 2012, it is hard not to reflect on all the great things of 2011. One of the best things about 2011, was putting 2010, one of my toughest years, behind me.
In February, there was the 20th Annual Livestrong Austin Half Marathon. Jane E and I had done the full marathon in 2010 so this was a "breeze" compared to the previous year. It was a very tough course and we are looking forward to completing this again in 2012 (less than two months away now).
In March, there was Moe's Best Half Marathon in San Marcos, TX. Do you notice a trend here? We did a lot of running at the end of 2010 and the beginning of 2011. Moe's was a very challenging course in the hill country. We met a new friend, Lolly, at the race and have kept in touch with her via Facebook since that time. We are thinking about doing this one again in 2012. We'll see!
In April, on a whim, I did the Big D Half Marathon (Dallas, TX) and then 6 days later, did the planned Zooma Half Marathon (Bastrop, TX). I wasn't feeling well during either of these races so I had my worst time ever at Big D and then ended up in the doctor's office with what I thought were cracked ribs after Zooma. it was time for a break. I was relieved I didn’t have anymore races until October.
Now on to some more recent memories with pictures...
The summer began with Ashley's first t-ball season and spending Memorial Day in Cedar Park and ended back in Cedar Park for Camp Jasper. Shortly after Camp Jasper, Jason, Cody, Courtney and I took a trip to Gulf Shores, AL to celebrate my birthday and enjoy some R&R. We had a fabulous time! Just a few weeks after returning to LA, we celebrated Cody's 21st birthday with a trip for 4 to Superior Grill.
In August, Jason received some difficult news about the passing of "Doc" Yearty, his Dad's Dad, so in September, we made a trip to Georgia for Doc's interment. Although the visit was not under the best circumstances, it was great to meet Jason's Georgia family.
In October, Jason and I went with some friends to see David Crowder Band on his final tour at House of Blues in Dallas. We ate some amazing food, enjoyed some great company (including the Norton's and Brent and Julie), and even got to make a trip to the Dallas Arboretum while we were there. Later in the month, Jane E, Lorie, and I ran the Tyler Rose Half Marathon. For Jane E and I, this was our 3rd annual Tyler Rose Marathon, which makes us "veterans", and it was Jason's first Marathon. Jane E picked up the stomach bug from Les over the weekend and it hit her in the middle of the race, but we still finished with a respectable time. Jason finished his full marathon in 4:56 which was awesome, especially considering the heat and humidity.
In November, Jason and I went to see Chris Tomlin at Municipal Auditorium in Shreveport, which was incredible. I was able to spend Thanksgiving in Dallas with my immediate family and a special guest, Uncle Richard (Mom's brother).
We ate way too much food and enjoyed some delicious cajun fried turkey as the main course. I also had the opportunity to spend some time in Salado with Jason, his parents and his sons, Cole and Connor. We finished off Thanksgiving weekend enjoying some time catching up with Cody and Courtney. When he moved out in September, it seems like we never see each other anymore!
December was the busiest month of all. We started off the month taking Cole and Connor to see David Crowder Band (again) at the Belcher Center in Longview. It is DCB's farewell tour so we took advantage of his last stop in Texas. The following weekend was one of the biggest events of the year - Cody & Courtney's wedding. We thoroughly enjoyed showers, luncheons, and the festivities leading up to the wedding weekend. The rehearsal dinner was held at Robinson Film Center in Shreveport and was a huge hit for all that attended. The wedding at Heritage Baptist Church was perfect and we now have a beautiful new addition to our family. Although I gave my notice way back in October, after 8 years, my official last day at Regions was in December. My first official day at EPC is in just a couple of days, after I finish enjoying my Christmas holidays in Cedar Park with my family and Salado with Jason's family.
