I almost don’t know what to say as 2011 closes out. I had what might have been the best year of my life so far.

I worked the full year in my dream job, helping people make great websites, using skills I’ve worked at and I loved it.

Tyler and I both turned 30 in 2011, and we threw him an unforgettable surprise party in January. I was really touched by everyone coming out and he was totally shocked (and also lit his hair on fire from the many, many candles on his cake. Haha, you’d think that would stop being funny after a year of jokes, but it’s still funny).

My big birthday was in June and was much quieter. Music, family, and friends – can’t go wrong! I guess turning 30 just makes you think about your life and what you have done, and still want to do.

In honour of turning 30, we saved up overtime and money and went on a 3 week vacation to Australia which was just unbelievable. I still can’t believe we saw kangaroos hanging out in the wild, that we went scuba diving, travelled the Great Ocean Road and saw the Sydney Opera House.

Summer flew by, with Tyler putting in an energetic performance at the Ottawa Bluesfest. In the middle of the show, he told a cute, romantic story about us and confessed to me later that he had been planning to pop the question but thought I wouldn’t like it. He’s right – I’m glad he kept the day and the show about him (I don’t think my feet would have moved me out onto a stage in front of so many people anyways) but we decided to go ahead and set the date to get married in October.

The baseball tournament in Venosta was another summer highlight even though it happens every year. Because the Sullivan’s team was out early, we went to this creek that looked like something out of Lost, dripping with moss and vines, and ending in a large cool pond filled with clay. It was such a peaceful, fun day, and there was also the night of floor stomping music and dancing.

We had a quick trip to Montreal in the summer as well, to meet my company team members (the first time I had met most of my colleagues!) and we were treated to fabulous food and a great hotel, a few meetings, plus time to wander the pretty cobblestone streets.

The fall rushed by in a haze of planning our perfect, low-key wedding and I couldn’t have asked for a better day – I can’t get over how generous our family and friends were with their time and talents from organizing everything, to music, to photography. We were also blessed with plus 20 patio weather in October (I think it was meant to be!)

It was probably one of the most fun nights I have ever had. I couldn’t stop laughing, crying, hugging, and talking to everyone I love.

Our honeymoon in New York was fantastic as well – I have always wanted to go there and shop, walk, eat, walk some more, and discover the most fabulous city there is. Now I can’t wait to go back!

Looking back on this year makes me feel so fortunate and happy, and I can’t wait to see what the upcoming year will bring. Happy New Year!