ONE: Getting published in a book!

I started this year with the goal to really get paid for my writing. It’s been quite a road, mostly filled with a lot of rejection, but I still completed that goal! Mostly with online articles, but one did make it into a book. It was so, so exciting to go find a book in a bookstore with my words in it!

TWO: Camping in Grand Teton National Park

I spent a good chunk of my life living only three hours from Grand Teton National Park and never visiting. I’m kicking myself because it’s AMAZING and I hope to make it an annual trip. Although camping with a baby was…an experience…I hope she gets used to the tent and starts to enjoy it!

THREE: Ketchum & Sun Valley

In February, we started a tradition of meeting my brother, who lives in Idaho, somewhere in the West to ski over President’s Day weekend. Last year we skied at Sun Valley (with a day trip to Ketchum) and this year, we’re planning on Targhee in Wyoming. Although I didn’t get to ski very much–partly because we brought baby A and someone had to watch her, haha, and partly because I’m not a great skier to begin with, and Sun Valley is a tough mountain! Still, it was a great weekend with my siblings, and there was so much snow!!

FOUR: Christmas markets in Copenhagen

This year, we timed our annual visit to Copenhagen (where my husband’s business partner lives) with the Christmas markets! And some of our very best friends that we met in Budapest came over from Romania, too, which made it all the better.

FIVE: Getting lost in Copenhagen with my sleeping baby

Baby A is such an angel when we travel, and while we were walking around the city one day, she fell asleep hours before I anticipated–just as I lost track of where I was. It’s much less stressful being lost with a kid when they are passed out. I usually love getting lost in new places–it’s an integral part of the experience, if you ask me–but the logistics of a baby can make this difficult. Not as bad when they’re asleep :).

SIX: Baby A turning 2

I can’t believe my child is two years old. She’s officially a toddler! I find myself missing the baby phase a lot, but she is just so fun, it’s hard not to love this age, too! So far every age has been so fun in new ways, and being her mother is the greatest joy of my life.

SEVEN: Christmas in Washington

We went to my in-laws for Christmas this year, and I forgot just how much I love the Pacific Northwest in the winter. The fog! The rain! The green everywhere, still! And it was lovely to spend a Christmas with E’s side of the family–it had been much too long!

EIGHT: Vancouver Island

I was thrilled to finally make it to Vancouver Island for my birthday in August. It is, as expected, gorgeous, quaint, and I need to go back, because it’s also huge! A few highlights–getting coffee in the adorable waterside town of Cowichan Bay, visiting the Old Country Market in Coombs (mostly baby A was thrilled with the famous goats–we went for the donuts), visiting old family friends, and the terrace at our b’n’b.

NINE: Baby A, every day

I could easily make all of this about little things my daughter does, every day. She’s so fun, sweet, smart, hilarious, and keeps on our toes!

TEN: Mont St. Michel

What traveller doesn’t want to see Mont. St. Michel, off the coast of Normandy? I would definitely recommend going in November–although a lot of shops were closed, the crowds were much smaller, and it’s a crammed space as it is. By the time we made it up to the abbey at the top, I was tired of wrangling a toddler on the stone walls and almost didn’t pay to enter. That would have been a mistake!

ELEVEN: Fireplace in Bayeux

For our base in Normandy (which we visited with my mom and sister–such a highlight!), we stayed in Bayeux. Not only is Bayeux a great base, it’s a stop to visit in it’s own right. My favorite part, though, was the Airbnb we stayed in. The fireplace was tricky to get going but having one in our bedroom was a dream!

TWELVE: Staying in Montmartre

For the first few days in Paris, we stayed in the area of Montmartre. While it can get crowded–not as bad in November, though!–I just fell in love with that area of the city. I think anyone who visits does, really! It’s a great place to be while jet lagged with a toddler–so much to explore just walking around! At all hours, too–we accidentally went out at 11 p.m. one night (parent fail, we blame the time change) and baby A loved all the lit-up buildings.

THIRTEEN: Glacier National Park & Flathead Lake for the 4th/E’s birthday

We were invited up to a friend’s house at Flathead Lake, here in Montana, for the 4th of July–and we squeezed in a quick trip to Glacier for E’s birthday, since it was (kind of) close! We had a lovely few days relaxing at the lake, riding the boat, and hanging with my cousin and her boyfriend, and his family.

FOURTEEN: Anderson Island

We took a ferry from Tacoma in Washington to the small Anderson Island with E’s family, while we visited in August. We took a hike that ended in pouring rain, but it’s such a pretty little spot! Baby A got a kick out of the ferry, as a bonus.

FIFTEEN: Minnesota & South Dakota

We embarked on a big ole road trip last June, traveling from Montana to Minnesota for my grandpa’s 90th birthday (!) and a cousin’s wedding. From there, we drove down to meet my in-laws in South Dakota, where we explored the Black Hills area and camped out. Highlights of the trip were our little traveling champ, my grandpa’s birthday party, staying on Lake Harriet in Minneapolis, driving to Wisconsin with my brother for cheese curds and local beer, hiking in Spearfish Canyon, and renting a tiny cabin with my in-laws.

SIXTEEN: The people in Copenhagen

From E’s business partner and his family, to a delivery guy at one of our favorite pastry shops that made friends with Adelie, to everyone who helped me with a stroller, to seeing our old friends, to our Airbnb hosts…it truly is a welcoming city (at least to us!).

SEVENTEEN: European bread and pastry

France, obviously, has amazing pastries and crepes.. But we found so many good spots in Copenhagen, too! We are constantly trying to fatten up baby A, and watching her eat her weight in French croissants was glorious.

EIGHTEEN: Tea in Honfleur, France

While exploring the absolutely adorable little city of Honfleur, we stumbled upon this absolutely charming little tea room. Simple, but a precious moment from our trip!

NINETEEN: Mother’s Day in Yellowstone National Park

Last winter and spring, we had a quiet few months, working hard, saving money, trying to pay off some bills. Which meant we hadn’t done much traveling when we decided to do a quick day trip to Yellowstone for Mother’s Day. It was so refreshing to get away, outside, and remind ourselves that the place we live is pretty beautiful, too.

Other highlights (’cause I just can’t choose): Watching one of my oldest friends get married, living near family, meeting a lot of new baby friends for baby A, a few days at our friend’s cabin in Montana, my cousin’s wedding in California (which included beers & beaches, and spending time with my grandfather before his passing in October), pumpkin patching, Monet’s Water Lilies in Paris, introducing my mom and sister to France…and the list goes on. I am very thankful for that.

Share one of your favorite moments from 2019 below! I’d love to hear them! 

The post 19 for 2019 appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

This sentence completely changed the way I travel. I felt myself relax, and my desperation to see.it.all fade a little bit. It’s hard to completely let go of the fomo-mentality, but it’s really made me enjoy my travels so much more.

This point was driven home when, recently, planning a trip to Europe in November, E and I began to reminisce about our trip to Europe last November.

(November, by and by, is a totally underrated month to hit the road!)

As we talked about the highlights of that trip, where we visited Finland, Estonia & Denmark, I realized most of my favorite moments from this trip were the simple ones, the ones where it was just the three of us–me, E and baby A–hanging out and exploring.

Our first lunch in Copenhagen at a random “activity church” we stumbled upon–it was one of our best meals, and I still don’t know even know what we ate. Just that it was crazy delicious.

There was dinner with our Danish friends, watching our little girls run around together.

Taking long naps with baby A, thanks to jet lag.

The ferry ride between Tallinn and Helsinki.

Running out in the dark, cold evening, to watch them light up the Christmas tree in Tallinn.

The three of us getting coffee in an atmospheric, cellar coffee shop.

Baby A passing out and sleeping on the window sill of a restaurant while we got in a lunch date.

Strapping baby A to my chest and finding our way to a local coffee shop in Copenhagen.

Baby A saying “Mmmm!”, to the delight of the entire café, at her first taste of a Finnish butter-eye bun, voisilmäpulla.

Stumbling upon a beautiful trail to Helsinki’s train station from our rental flat.

The sauna at our flat in Helsinki.

Baby taking her first steps in Helsinki.

Getting cute hand-me-downs from baby A’s little friend in Copenhagen.

E riding the moving sidewalks in the Munich airport with our tired baby, trying to keep both of them awake and entertained.

The list goes on and on.

It made me realize that sometimes the most special moments of a trip are the little ones, the ones that didn’t seem very significant at the time.

And, really, isn’t that what life is all about, too?

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Bruges, Belgium has the distinction of being one of those rare places I’ve visited more than once while living in Europe. I’ve been there in summer and over Christmas and it is such a delightful little town. I love it so much I’m hoping to experience it, someday, in the autumn and the spring!

Try the waffles

Let’s be real: one of the main reasons you are probably going to Belgium is the famous Belgian waffles, and you must try them immediately! Try the Liege waffle, named after a city/region, and take it for a stroll while you get oriented to the adorable Bruges. You can get it loaded with ice cream, whipped cream, the works–like I did below–but I think they’re just as delicious plain and warm from the waffle-maker.

Climb the Belfry of Bruges

You won’t miss the Belfry, smack dab in the middle of the main square, or Markt. There’s been a belfry on this spot since around 1240, when Bruges was in its heyday. The climb isn’t bad and the views are gorgeous! Go on a clear morning to beat the crowds, and ideally your first day, to help you get oriented to the little city.

Take a canal tour–from a boat!

This is quite a touristy pastime in Bruges (it’s not an undiscovered city by far!) but it’s so wonderful to see the beautiful city from the water. The tours last about thirty minutes and give you a good, quick overview of the city’s history. I loved learning the specific history of more of the distinctive buildings we passed.

Choose the best fries in the Markt.

Apparently there is a debate over which fries are better–the ones from the cart on the left-side of the Belfry or the ones on the right-side. Really, you’ll just have to try both to decide for yourself! It’s a tough job but someone’s got to do it.

Visit the Groeninge Museum

If you are an art lover, this is a must-see! It’s a fairly compact museum with quite a few painting by important Flemish artists. Most of the paintings in this museum are from before the Renaissance, to give you an idea of how long Bruges history is.

View Madonna and Child

That’s right, there’s a Michelangelo…in Bruges! This tells you what a powerhouse Bruges was in the thirteenth century. This was actually the only piece of his to leave Italy during his lifetime. The Church of Our Lady, where you can find the statue, is also a beautiful cathedral to visit.

Visit the Chocolate Line

I know you’ve heard of Belgian chocolate–and it most definitely lives up to the hype. You can pop into almost any chocolate shop and be happy, I think, but you must visit the Chocolate Line–reputed as some of the best in the world. My now-husband tried the Cuban cigar flavor, mostly to say that he had, and I tried the lavender. This is a pricey spot that probably won’t be where you buy your souvenir chocolates, but it’s worth a visit just to try the most interesting flavors around.

Bicycle to the nearby town of Damme

Damme is a mini-Bruges a leisurely bike ride away from the actual Bruges. This was one of my favorite activities we did while in Bruges because you bike along a canal and past windmills. It is incredibly picturesque! It’s also nice to get away from the city and into the countryside of Belgium. The town itself is cute and has its own little church and is known for its bookstores and book fairs.

Find your favorite Belgian beer

Yet another gastronomic delight Belgian is famous for? The beer, of course! I quickly found my favorite (Kasteel Donker, if you’re wondering) but doing a tasting at a place like Cambrinus is another way to go. It’s not a hardship to taste a few before choosing the best, after all. Just remember, Belgian beer tends to be strong compared to most beer, so take your time unless you really want to party!

Get lost in the streets

Bruges is a magical little city that often does feel lost in time. However, there are a lot of tourists. Luckily, just a few blocks away from the main tourist center and the Markt, you’ll be able to find quieter, small streets to explore. Follow your feet and see where the charming little streets take you!

BONUS: Visit the Christmas festive-ness around town–from various Christmas trees, to a market, and more!

This one obviously depends on when you go, but I can attest that Bruges at Christmas is just as magical as you might suppose. There’s even a holiday-themed version of my favorite beer!

Have you been to Bruges? What would you recommend for a first-time visitor?

Originally published for Big World, Small Me. If you’re not already following Sara, you should! 

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But there are also a few unexpected things to be aware of before your first visit. If you’re getting ready for your first adventure there, here are five ways to make the most of your trip:

1. Get ready to negotiate

If you plan to do some shopping while you’re there—or even take part in excursions—be prepared to negotiate.

Haggling is common—and even expected—in most parts of Thailand. This is especially true in the markets, so don’t take the first price you’re offered if you want to come home with some souvenirs.

The same applies to transport too. It’s a good idea to agree a fixed price with a taxi driver or a tuk-tuk before you get in—unless you’re certain they’re using a meter.

2. Spend a few days in Bangkok

Whilst it’s likely the lure of the islands—and the golden sands of their beaches—that have lured you in, plan to spend a few days in the capital.

This is a place like no other.

And there’s something for everyone, so it’s perfect if you’re heading to Thailand in a group too. You can check out the Buddhist temples, eat some delicious food—and check out the famous Khao San Road.

We recommend scheduling this for the start of your trip, so you can spend the rest of your time recovering from the craziness on the beach.

3. Beware of scams

Thailand is a relatively safe country. But it’s built on tourism—and that always carries a risk.

Keep your wits about you, and be aware of people trying to scam you. Trust your gut. If something seems a bit dodgy, it probably is.

One scam involves two people. The first will find out information about you—such as your name and when you arrived. They will then pass this information onto a colleague, who will try to trick you into thinking you’ve already met, before trying to get money from you in one way or another.

Make sure you have adequate travel insurance—which is essential in Thailand—and can help you out if you get into a tricky situation.

4. Take appropriate clothing with you

If you want to visit cultural sites—such as the many temples and Buddhist monuments around the company—make sure you take appropriate clothing with you.

These landmarks will expect you to dress modestly, with your legs, arms and chest covered. Although this is a matter of respect, you may be also be denied entry if your clothing is deemed inappropriate. Don’t risk it!

5. Stay wary of animal tourism

There are still a number of excursions available that involve elephant rides or tiger temples.

The sad truth is, the majority of these ‘attractions’ do not have the animals’ best interests at heart. Respect the wildlife, and don’t contribute to this unfair industry.

There are plenty more attractions to keep you busy!

So, what do you think? Are you read to go to Thailand??

***All images are taken from Unsplash.com.

***Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post. 

The post Five Ways to Make the Most of a Holiday in Thailand appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

My in-laws live in Washington, and we have friends scattered around both Washington and Oregon, so I have been lucky enough to visit this region often, at least once a year.

There is something about this region of the world that is just…kind of special. It feels like home to me–or one of my homes, because as I’ve discussed before, home can become a rather fluid concept.

But really, I feel at home in the Pacific Northwest. I love being so close to the mighty Pacific itself–and I love all the green everywhere (I suppose my obsession with places like Scotland and Ireland gives you a hint about my love affair with green landscapes). I love the trees, and I even love the perpetually cloudy skies. I like the weather because most of the year, you just want to get cozy. The air almost always feels SO FRESH AND SO CLEAN. I like the ability to get privacy in your yard just because there are trees everywhere. I like that you can live on Puget Sound and sometimes even forget it’s saltwater.

It’s true that it is often cloudy–but when the sun is shining, it’s the most beautiful place in the world.

We are now back in Montana–but I can see myself, one day, maybe even moving to the Pacific Northwest. It’s just that wonderful.

The post The Pacific Northwest appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Image source

Whether you choose to fly or drive across Europe, Germany offers excellent and diverse opportunities for a great family holiday. Booking a holiday is relatively straightforward nowadays and there’s a range of options available. Taking your kids on holiday does require some preparation and planning.

Packing, for instance, is a whole new ball game with a child. Check out lots of kid friendly tips such as bringing along a spare pair of shoes ready for the inevitable broken shoe drama. Luckily, Germany is very much a child-friendly country and any forgotten items can easily be located and purchased.

From mountains to beaches, theme parks to incredible history, Germany has something for everyone. Plus it’s one of the safest places in the world to enjoy a holiday.

Here are 5 great reasons to make Germany your choice for a family holiday.

1. The great outdoors

There can be no doubt that Germany boasts amazing outdoor recreational opportunities. There are vast swathes of land just ready to explore as a hiker, walker or climber. Kids will love the chance to camp in some of the best located campsites.

Germany is an all season country. In winter, there’s a wealth of skiing opportunities, not just in the Alps. If you fly to Düsseldorf, you’re just a couple of hours away from the Sauerland and family-friendly snow sports in Winterberg.

2. Water parks and theme parks

One of the best water parks is Aqualand near Cologne. This is a colossal site dedicated to all types of water pursuits. However, nearly every town in Germany has a municipal pool, both indoor and outdoor, where kids can be easily entertained.

The stand-out theme park is Movie Park, Bottrop. Easy to access from the motorway and with lots of parking, it makes for a great day trip or overnight stay.

3. Cities can be interesting

Often it is hard to keep kids entertained on a city break. Whilst you might want to explore the history, your kids might not be so enthralled. German cities do try to keep kids occupied. If you plan a trip to Munich, focus on a day trip to the zoo or the interactive science museum. Berlin offers an exhilarating trip to the top of the TV tower. All German cities offer great open spaces and parks for picnics and a run around.

Take your trip in November and be as enthralled as your kids by the Christmas Markets. If you’re worried about crowds, avoid the big names like Nuremberg and opt for Dortmund, a short journey away from the airport.

4. Germany has beaches!

Yes, that’s right! Germany has miles and miles of sandy beaches. It might not boast the heat of Spain, but as a result the beaches are far quieter even in the height of the summer. Explore Germany’s underrated beaches such as Rügen or Sylt. Your kids will love it!

5. Kid-friendly food

You don’t need to worry about fussy eaters in Germany. Most restaurants offer child-friendly menus with pacifying kid options. After all, the hotdog and burger originated here. However, it’s not all frankfurters and pommes. Germany is very conscious of health and the environment. Fresh food abounds and supermarkets are filled with great snack and picnic ideas.
So, what do you think? Would you take your kids to Germany? 

*Disclaimer: This is a collaborative post.

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It was our last morning in Paris. We were due to fly out in just a few hours—but, like the rest of our week-long sojourn in in the City of Lights, we were making the most of every second. We were standing in line to climb up the Tours-de-Notre-Dame, the famous Notre Dame towers. As it was Sunday, admission to the towers was free, and I was determined to see the famous gargoyles and the view over the entire city.

It was early January, just a few days after the New Year, and it was absolutely freezing. Although we’d tried to get there early, there was already a line—that’s Paris for you. Since we pretty much needed to get to the airport as soon as we finished, we grabbed one last crepe each while we waited, shivering. Here’s a picture of me, my (faux) fur-lined coat obscuring most of my face, just my grin visible as I hold the crepe close to my face.

Paris was a dream, but on the tail end of a two week jaunt around Europe over Christmas, right before going back to my grueling teaching schedule in Prague, it probably wasn’t the best idea. We were exhausted. Add that to the fact that we were totally broke, and well…it wasn’t our most genius travel plan. In addition, Paris at the start of the New Year might be the busiest place…ever. We spent a lot of time waiting in lines.

Still, we’d managed to get as much out of Paris as possible. We were staying in a very tiny flat with unreliable hot water and heat, a pull-out couch the only bed, and a view over a decidedly unpicteresque courtyard. Still, just over the tops of the buildings behind us, we could see the Eiffel Tower. We watched it every hour, as we ate baguettes and cheese in our flat to save money, sparkling through the long and cold nights.

On our last day, we were finially going to do the activity I’d been dying to do the whole week. We’d seen the Notre-Dame, of course—hard to miss—but I was determined to get a view of the gargoyles (fun fact: the gargoyles are actually the drain pipes in the shapes of monsters; the statues everyone thinks are gargoyles are actually called chimeras).

Finally it was our turn, and we climbed the dizzying, slightly claustrophobic stairs, stopping periodically for the crowds and to snap photos from different points of view.

We made it to the top, finally, and there were the chimeras—staring over the City of Light, some thoughtful, some looking monstrous, some looking almost sad. And there, as I picked out a few landmarks I knew, I felt my eyes filling with tears.

Here I was, in Paris. The place of my imagination, the place of so many stories and dreams and so many other imaginations. Paris is chaotic, confusing, gigantic, overwhelming, and in spots dirty, dangerous, overcrowded and overpriced. But from this vantage point, it was mostly beautiful, iconic, and the Paris of my dreams.

I was heartbroken this week, to hear the news about the Notre-Dame. Such an iconic building, of course, but also one of my favorite memories from my few years living in Europe. Technically, it’s just a building, and even one saturated in so much history and age and beauty and culture, it could be so much worse.

Yet, while I’m sad, I’m also so grateful. I got to see it. The loss of such an important piece of human history serves as a stark reminder that nothing lasts forever. Not even you. You only get one chance to see the world, to see everything you want, to get the things you want. I’m here to tell you that the world is changing, your life is changing, and if you have dreams of travel, go for it, to the best of your ability. Waiting has its purpose, but nothing is ever guaranteed a tomorrow. Not even the places we think might be around forever.

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Fast forward a decade (give or take), and just like I always wished and dreamed and planned, travel is an essential part of my life.  I get so much joy in the planning and the doing of travel, and it is truly one of my passions.

When I first started to dream of travel, and indeed when I first started traveling, the accepted way of planning was to grab a guidebook, visit the library, or visit the Internet (although that came later). Nowadays, travel is a huge industry, partly dominated by bloggers, full of start-ups by digital nomads all over the world.

In some ways, I think this is great. I think our generation is using travel to help us define the world we want to make, for ourselves–like every generation does. And like every generation, this looks a little different from to previous generations, and therefore it can seem…rebellious.

I am always one to embrace travel and trying new things, but these days, I’m starting to wonder–can we travel too much? Are there drawbacks to being a nomad?

I first noticed that I was experiencing travel burn out several autumns, when we moved to Budapest and suddenly–I didn’t want to go anywhere. I didn’t want to leave our new, lovely flat, and I reveled in my teaching. I suddenly was so happy to wake up at the same time every day, and have a routine. I loved our new home and felt a sudden need to…not go. For once.

A part of me feels like I was betraying my dreams. Don’t get me wrong–there’s nothing wrong with having a home and stability. I just thought it was never what I wanted.

Fast forward to now, living in my hometown with my husband and baby, I can’t help but wonder why I didn’t want a true home and stability. And, I was finally able to admit to myself that sometimes, yes, I use travel to escape. I use it to avoid monotony and boredom; I use it so spice up my life; I use it to avoid falling into a rut where I wake up and twenty years of my life have suddenly passed.

Travel is great for all of these things, travel is great for expanding your world view, and travel can be a great form of therapy, self-expression, adventure and reflection. I could go on and on about what travel means to me, what it has done for me, and more.

And now, the travel world is saturated with travel advice and bucket lists and advice on how to wring every bit out of your life. All things I love to read about, things I’ve written, philosophies I believe in.

But I’m also realizing that routine and monotony don’t have to be bad things. Having a comfort zone isn’t bad–it’s part of being human. That doesn’t mean you should never get out of it–but how can you get out of your comfort zone if you never even have one? In addition, it can get tiring to always want to get out of your comfort zone–and if I truly practiced that philosophy, I would never stay in a job longer than a year. I wouldn’t be married. I wouldn’t have stuck with a blog for so long.

Sometimes, this perpetual traveler doesn’t want to travel anywhere at all.

And is that such a bad thing?

Maybe it’s time for all of us to take a deep breath and slow down. There’s so much to see–I completely get it. I struggle with travel-fear-of-missing-out-syndrome on a daily basis. But, rushing to see it all kind of defeats the purpose, I’m finally realizing.

Maybe instead of rushing to that next bucket list item and crossing it off, thinking we are living our life fullest that way, we also need to pay attention to the things in life that aren’t bucket-list worthy. Things like a student who does something so ridiculous you can’t help but laugh. Like the fellow teacher at school who finally smiled at me. Like my husband always making me breakfast. Like my mom sending me texts full of purple-heart emojis. Like a messy email from a friend full of inside jokes and grammar mistakes. Like seeing an old man feeding the neighborhood cats every day. Like lighting a candle with a match. Like the buds on the trees finally appearing. Like an unexpected break in a long day. Like the fact that I am raising a small human who, every day, changes just a little bit. A little girl who every day, brings me joy in the small moments.

Life is full of the non-bucket list things, too–and I’m starting to learn that they are just as important.

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Instead, I’m going to pick 18 highlights–small ones–of 2018 to share with you all. I decided to do this in favor of time, and also because, with a new baby, it’s too hard to pick just a few pictures to highlight. I would end up with a million pictures, most of them of my daughter. Since my main goal for 2019 is to be in the moment and appreciate the little things, it also seems fitting to focus on my favorite little memories from 2018. Of course, this could easily be 18 (or 100…) highlights just from parenthood, but I did my best to include some other parts of my life.

(Okay, most of these little moments are of my baby…but in my defense, she really is just that amazing, says her completely un-biased mother :)).

Also, it just doesn’t feel like a new year without documenting it on my blog. Even if it’s the end of January already!

Here we go, in no particular order:

ONE: Singing happy birthday to my one-year-old

TWO: Listening to the church bells during a night walk in Tallinn

THREE: My baby “mmming” while eating a pastry in at the amazing Regatta Café in Helsinki, to the amusement of the entire place

FOUR: Watching a dear friend dance with her new husband during their New Year’s Eve fiesta

FIVE: Flying over Mount Rainier (also my daughter’s first flight at five months old!)

SIX: Randomly spotting whales while visiting Depoe Bay, Oregon (on my birthday, no less!)

SEVEN: Coffee on this porch

EIGHT: Exploring Copenhagen with my new little travel buddy in tow!

NINE: Christmas tree hunting

TEN: Napping baby during a lunch in Tallinn

ELEVEN: My brother and my baby on the beach

TWELVE: Visiting my siblings in Idaho

THIRTEEN: Walking in my new neighborhood in the fall!

FOURTEEN: A picnic in the park for my mother-in-law’s birthday

FIFTEEN: Seeing family all over California

SIXTEEN: Family coffee dates

SEVENTEEN: Family time in the snowy Montana countryside at Christmastime

EIGHTEEN: My postpartum hair (at least for the first few months, until it all started to fall out)

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