This year has been incredible. There were many challenges, but the blessings completely outweighed all of them. There are so many people that I have to thank for the year being awesome. Ayva for being the most perfect child ever, my fantastic husband, friends and colleagues that support and encourage me, my family that loves me and made so many sacrifices to be there for me this year. As I look back at all of the ways that life was beautiful for me this year, I vow to transcend these experiences and pass my good fortune along to others. Happy New Year, Y’all!

January

The year started off with a bang! I was offered a fantastic new job, and invited to be a Shot at Life Champion.

February

In February, I stopped settling and got engaged! I also traveled to Washington, DC. for the Shot at Life Champion Summit. Oh, and I was interviewed by the folks over at The Gap.

March

Our family took advantage of the lovely Northern California spring (and one of Terrence’s vacation days!) and headed to the Jelly Belly Factory. Ayva and I also visited Philadelphia where I attended Type-A Advanced conference, and picked out bridesmaid dresses.

April

I traveled to Miami for Hispanicize, and had the time of my life.

May

Ayva turned 4 in May, and we celebrated 3 different times! She had a ball at her Michael’s birthday party! Oh, and it was exactly 100 days until our wedding. I also spoke at SoFabCon in Bentonville, Arkansas.

June

Terrence celebrated his first official Father’s Day, and it was awesome!

July

Is there anything better than summer in California? We flew kites, played in the park, and savored our family time. I also went to BlogHer in Chicago and met up with some of my favorite blogger/friends.

August

We took our first family vacation in August. We headed to the desert of Indio, California (near Palm Springs) and it was AWESOME! My colleagues MADE me unplug, and it was great.

September

I GOT MARRIED!!!!!! Totally awesome. My friends and family all came to California, and I experienced one of the best weeks of my entire life.

October

My birthday is in October, and I celebrated by going to a festival at Ayva’s school, looking at houses, drinking champagne and eating pizza. Good stuff! I also went to Atlanta for Blogalicious and spoke on 2 panels. Also, Ayva was adorable on Halloween.

November

We took a mini family vacation to Disneyland. Most magical place on Earth during the holidays? Pretty amazing.

December

Our first Christmas together. It was just as sweet and fun as I would have hoped.

How was 2013 for you? What was the best thing that happened for you? 

This post is linked up to the 2013 in Pictures Linky Party with my amazing friend, and one of my favorite bloggers Jo-Lynne at Musings of a Housewife.