It's Official. I Now Like Country Music.

I had a realization last night as Charlie turned on Pandora's Jason Aldean channel. All of a sudden I found myself tapping my foot in the kitchen, singing along, and envisioning myself on a "front porch with wet hair and a sweatshirt drinking a glass of sweet tea"...or something like that.

I thought "how did this happen"? I am a rock/metal/pop/hip hop lovin girl. Never country! Charlie says its called getting old. I think there's a little more to it, a gradual transition that goes like this...

First, I began to tolerate the lady pop/country hybrids (Faith Hill, Taylor Swift). Then I fell in love with Tim McGraw and Trace Atkins on TV and movies. If I liked the men so much, I figured I better give their music s chance. Next came a bit of southern nostalgia, and then to seal the deal enter Jason Aldean. Georgia boy. Fun lyrics reminiscent of summertime. Interesting beats. And...I am hooked!

Admitting it openly was the final step. My sister will be thrilled about her slight influence on the situation.

(Most of) 2011 According to My iPhone

As I reflected on 2011, I found it funny the moments captured by my go-everywhere device. I am still a "real camera" girl, so it's in no way a complete picture of what kept us busy and having fun, but an interesting take none the less. Thought I would share.

Lots and lots of snow.

Left the snow for a bit in March to meet a dear friend's new baby, Ellie, in Charleston, SC.

I got to meet a coworker's new babe born in April. I should probably note that Sara (pictured above) is not the Sarah who mothers this child.

Logan and I did a 5K together by the Capitol.

Logan had a rough go of it.

Apparently I was proud of my "blooming" gardening skills.

My little bro came to visit, and we taught him to climb at Momentum.

We (Haley, Bo, Charlie, and me) went on a road trip in June to visit Grandma Syd and Grandpa Peter in Southern California. We met up with Dad there as well.

I just love my sis. So sad to leave her!

Mud run at Wheeler Farm in Salt Lake.

The first of several trips to Michigan the summer/fall of 2011 for weddings. We took a few perfect, relaxing days at the Earl Family cottage in Harbor Springs.

And...I got to see piglets that were recently born at a nearby farm!

We got to spend a lot of time on the water thanks to our friend, Rich, taking us out on his ski boat.

Another fun night with some of the strong and beautiful women in my life.

We headed up to Heber, UT for a BBQ, where we finally met Wyatt and Violet, twin babes brough into the world by our dear friends Warren and Phoebe.

I played a lot of softball this spring and summer. And this is one of the few photos I have to prove it. Logan made it to quite a few games.

Let's just say this photo captures the fun of several summer BBQs.



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Charlie's cousin Elizabeth's wedding in Gross Pointe, Michigan.



A post-wedding stop at Coney Island in Detroit. Suits and chili dogs go oh so well together.



A stop off in Ann Arbor to visit an old friend and check in on the Wolverines.



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Charlie and I finally got a chance to visit the Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake. Such a magical place, albeit fairly small. I was fascinated by this "house kitty" looking creature.

A night out with my lovely lady friends. It began with football watching and ended with dancing.

I turned 29 and wasn't that happy about it. Charlie let me pick out these boots. Finally, a pair of Frye's in my wardrobe.

We got a Crate and Barrel in Utah finally where I purchased these Logan-proof pillows.

Charlie and I took a break from chaos and stress for brunch, where we rediscovered Oasis Cafe. Oh so yummy!

We saw Kid Rock perform at a small venue in Salt Lake. Great show with a great view!

Spoiled rotten at Christmas. Also, it's important to note that we picked out a darn good tree this year. And Charlie agreed to let me put ribbon on it.

A pre-Christmas visit from my bro, sis and her man, and Dad and his girlfriend

We were very excited to stay up at Snowbird in a roomy condo with a view and a fireplace.

A little post Christmas exhaustion.

A very low-key New Years Eve with a small group of friends. It should be noted that I was too lazy to dress "fancy", which is why I chose to show up in flannel and a beanie. But hey...I was wearing my new diamond earrings (a Christmas gift from Charlie) so that's gotta count for some fancy points.