Favorites of 2007

I am finally getting around to putting together a list of my favorite things that happened in 2007. So in no particular order, here it goes!

Switzerland & Italy
Now I will be the first to admit, I am not one that can claim “world traveler” status. But in my limited travels, I was so incredibly impressed with our trip to Italy and Switzerland in the spring. The word that comes to mind when I look back is stunning. I have never seen such picture perfect views. And when you add wonderful cheese, bread, chocolate, cows with bells and chalets tucked into the mountainside, a very good trip is made.

The Swiss Alps - My favorite part of the trip


Everywhere you looked there were tiny chalets high on the mountainside. We kept trying to figure out how anyone got up to them?


The Grand Canal - Venice, Italy


All you can eat chocolate at the Nestle Factory!


Asolo, Italy


Did the pizza taste as good as it looks? Yep.


My favorite picture of the trip. Scott has a special dislike for pigeons. They are plentiful in Italy and one was kind enough to give him a souvenir.

My First Garden
This year was the first time I have been able to try my hand at gardening. Our old home in Eagle Mountain had no yard, so when we moved to Saratoga Springs, I was itching to grow some veggies. As soon as March rolled around I was setting up my square foot garden. Scott made the frames and I bought the “special” dirt and planned out what I was going to grow where. It was definitely a learning experience. I had great success with some veggies and not so much success with others. There is nothing that tastes as good as a homegrown tomato and nothing that smells so good as fresh dill. So I will take what I have learned and work on it again this spring. I will get loads of fresh peas this time around!




Camping
Anyone who knows me, knows I am not a camping girl. However, I do enjoy being in the mountains, watching the boys load the creek full of rocks and eating huge amounts of junk food. Bacon, cheetos and hot chocolate top my list. This year we had mixed success with camping. One time, we had to cut it short because after 7 episodes of throwing up within 24 hours, (2 were from our dog in our van) we decided we were done being tortured. Our favorite spot remains Tinney Flats up Santaquin Canyon. This summer we were visited by deer in our campsite numerous times. With three boys, I have resigned myself to the fact that I will be camping a lot, so I might as well find some enjoyment out of it right? Perhaps I need to talk Scott into purchasing a camper!

Owen pointing to the deer next to our campsite.



Being a Mom
Every parent knows that kids are excellent at bringing out the entire range of emotions in their parents. My boys are no exception. But for all the frustrations, messes, crying and chaos I am so grateful to be able to stay at home and raise these boys. I never knew how much I could love and be so protective of my kids!





Beijing, China
Anyone who knows me, also knows I love to shop. And shopping without my kids is a rare thing these days. So a shopping trip to China with my good friend, Kari, would definitely make my 2007 list. Although there were some funny quirks I had a great time. I loved The Great Wall, Hutong Tour, Summer Palace and Forbidden City and of course the shopping!