2011.

Starting the new year has made me realize how amazing 2011 really was. Sam and I really made it a point to take advantage of our last year in Utah. We didn't know for sure, but we felt a move on the horizon and didn't want to miss out. I think that moves can be really hard on a couple, and I have loved looking through these photos and being reminded that once we get packed, find a place to live, and move across the country--our lives will slow down again, and we won't have to move again for a long time. Right? Yes, the light at the end of the tunnel.

I think 2011 was pretty darn amazing. It will be hard to top!

spending the holidays in Texas.

the year of the beard.

Vivint re-brand launched.

Zion National Park for President's Day weekend.

Rox graduated from BYU.

celebrating our one year anniversary in Northern California.

Coyote Gulch and slot canyons with the Lifferths.

Sam wins the AIGA Copper Ingot.

Rox & Sam is open for business.

Capitol Reef with the Pinegers.

our first summer garden.

4th of July in Provo.

getting good use out of our new tent.

a mid-September trip to Texas.

the perfect job at Meridian School.

Gray brother bonding time.

Goldie joins our family.

Marty and Betty for Halloween (and Bellatrix, too).

Fall Break trip to Wyoming.

the first DeBord sister baby announced.

my best friend's wedding.

spending the holidays in Utah.

announcing our big move to NYC!

capitol reef camp.

We are not huge fans of pay camp spots where you have to pitch a tent five feet from a stranger. It's like shacking up in a cheap motel except you can hear every snort and conversation. And, you have to pay! So, after our hike we went on the search for the perfect camp spot. And, nestled in a playground of rock formations we did find THE perfect camp spot. We spent the evening climbing and jumping around the arches and boulders before setting up camp. My favorite part of camping: the food. I love setting up camp at the end of the day, after a long hike, and curling up on a camp chair in front of the fire--tin foil dinners, roasted vegetables and corn, and s'mores. And, for breakfast, oatmeal and roasted peaches.

It was Lauren's very first camp out, and she was loving it. Although, if you ever head out to Capitol Reef we suggest taking bug spray... or you might hear a few choice words. They were out in full force. But, once we smoked out the bugs with the campfire, we were in heaven.

It's so great to get away with friends.

capitol reef.

Last weekend, Sam and I spent a few days down in Capitol Reef with the Pinegars! We were hoping to flash our National Parks Pass, but no one asked to see it. But, we were excited because none of us had much experience exploring the area before, so it was a big adventure. This is a pretty big deal, since Sam has almost every road and trail in southern Utah memorized by heart.

After spending a not-so-campy night at the Hale's ranch (thank you!), we went exploring in the area. We found some Native American ruins, and did some treasure hunting in the dirt. We also hiked Sulfur Creek, and took far too many pictures of Colin in his get-up. Lauren and Colin are so great, we love 'em.

...more pictures to come!

ps. Today is Lauren's birthday!