Looking Back at 2012

Looking back, 2012 sure was a year full of hard work -- but also full of fun. It started off in Idaho, with Alan's family and ended in California with Ly's family. All the time in between was full of studying, laughs (some tears), and adventures.

Highlights include:

Ly got a new computer so she could apply to grad school for advertising. She should've taken it as a sign when her old computer died a few weeks before her portfolio was due...but she applied, then didn't get in. Turns out that was great because at the end of the year she applied to grad school (again) only this time for a MDiv and was accepted within a few weeks...and thus begins her journey towards working in Pastoral Medicine.

For spring break, Ly + Alan spent some time at their favorite beach on the East Coast - Hilton Head. They ate lots of yummy seafood and Alan studied for his boards (which he took in July and totally rocked) while Ly read lots of books and made friends with the local wildlife.

After the boards, Ly + Alan went to the beach again - only this time to Cancun for almost 2 weeks. Ly loved being back in Mexico again (although this trip was quite different than her earlier Mexico adventures) and especially enjoyed her time on the beach, (surprise surprise) reading, and of course snorkeling with the sea turtles. Alan enjoyed not having to study for boards.

After getting back from Mexico, Ly + Alan moved into a new home...complete with an office AND a sewing studio. Then Alan started rotations for med school and spending time together became a rare gift.

 With her newfound time, Ly turned her focus towards her quilt blog (www.PurplePandaQuilts.blogspot.com) and spent time learning new sewing skills -- including how to sew curves and how to make her own bag. She was especially excited to meet other modern quilters/bloggers at a conference in SLC - and even more excited to discover that they read her blog on a regular basis.

Speaking of Salt Lake, in the fall, Alan + Ly flew out to SLC for a weekend to see Alan's youngest sister get married. She was a gorgeous bride, and Ly + Alan enjoyed catching up with friends and family.

As fall hit the east coast, Ly managed to steal Alan away for an afternoon to go apple picking and to go for a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Ly loves the east coast in the fall...almost as much as the beach.

Finally, to finish off the year, Ly + Alan headed out to glorious Southern California to visit Ly's family and celebrate the holidays. Obviously ample time was spent at the beach and relaxing with Ly's entire family. It was the perfect way to end 2012 and ring in the new year.