So, I'll admit that I probably prematurely started this blog back in October. With the holiday season bustling around me I definitely lost track of time and this blog... but don't you worry..I'm BACK! Besides, it's New Years Eve, so it's a great time to start over :-)
So, first things first. In true cliche form, here are some pictures from 2010...some of my favorite moments I want to share with you. Enjoy!
Last January my sister and I had a "girls getaway" to Greensboro where we went to the George Strait/Reba concert. A long time admirer of both of these superstars, this was an awesome concert! Here are our boots, ready to dance the night away to some of the greatest country music of all time!
Here I am with one of my very best friends. We were in Savannah,GA in April for yet other girls getaway. We had a blast, as usual when we are together.
Probably June? Not so sure, but here I am on a sailboat with my sister. We are 7 years apart but have grown extremely close the older (and wiser) we get. We both love being on or near the water, probably because we were raised by an Eastern NC bred set of parents :-)
This year was the very first July 4th I've been off of work for my entire nursing career. So, in true Banks form, we headed to Topsail Beach, NC...the spot my family has enjoyed since well before my time. You will read a lot on this blog about Topsail, because it was one of my most favorite places on Earth. Here I am with my dad and husband, enjoying a beautiful day on the beach. (Under a tent because we are all pale and care about not being wrinkly and burdened with skin cancer when we are older)
Now did I forget to mention above how beautiful Topsail is? My Grandma and I sometimes say "Who needs Heaven when there's Topsail Beach?"
My sweet mother in law and my grandfather in law with me at a wedding reception in July. One of the many things I have learned in 2010 is how insanely important family is. After a year of marriage I've finally been able to embrace my new family and find my place as "Daughter in Law".
Another lesson learned this year...leaving the clean laundry unattended provides my little lady, Bella with a resting place...just in case she gets tired of my lap.
August!!! Some lovely gals and I at the Brad Paisley concert. Needless to say, I adore Mr. Paisley <3
September 12, 2010...our one year wedding anniversary! We spent our anniversary in VEGAS!! I absolutely LOVED this trip and can't wait to return to Sin City...my 30th birthday perhaps?!
And of course we hit the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on the tale end of our trip.
Thanksgiving in Annapolis. My parents' street in late November.
Preparing the feast, with that being said, I am definitely not the Betty Crocker of the family. I would much rather be socializing during the cocktail hour instead of slaving in a hot kitchen. However, I have made great strides this year (since I'm a wife and all now) with my culinary skills. I made 2 pound cakes, a meatloaf, and brownies all from scratch. Even though it probably took me longer than the average wife, I secretly enjoyed making all of the above. Hopefully, 2011 will bring even more motivation to increase my meal planning and cooking skills.
December 2010. This December was one of the most unique I can remember. Every since weekend in the month prior to Christmas, we had family staying at our house. Here I am with my mom, baking Christmas cookies on one of those weekends. I really enjoy getting together with family and baking (even if it leads to cursing and heavy drinking later on). The best part of this Christmas was that it took place at my house. It was the first time I got to play "hostess" and I really enjoyed it. Hopefully I didn't scare my family off too bad :-)
