2015 Year In Review

Hey now friends! Welcome to the Blogging Besties’ 2015: A Year in Review Link-Up Party!

We are ready to show 2o16 who's the boss, but before we do, we want to give 2015 a proper send-off. The highs, the lows, the smiles, the tears, the trips, the holidays, the birthdays, the anniversaries, the babies…whatever it is that made 2015 special, we want to know about it! Grab a button, visit the hosts, and link up your post about what 2015 meant to you!

Hosts: Kristine: The Foley Fam // Megan: Absolute Mommy // Kate: The Colbert Clan // Lena: Lena B, Actually // Renee: coffee-n-ink // Kara: Chasing Zoie // Laura: Bits of Sweetness // Kassi and Kayli: Kassarie & Kayliray

2015 was a very interesting year for my family. It was a year where we still had many firsts without my mom and adjusting to this new world without her.

But it was also a year full of love, laughter, lots of recipes and DIY/craft projects and spending time with my family. I feel like I let 2014 slip away and I wasn't going to do the same with 2015.

January was a long cold month. We spent a lot of time inside, which meant playing, movies and cuddling. It is also when I got some projects done. I shared these DIY Coffee Sleeves, which I made a ton of them and gave to my sisters, girlfriends, and all of Travis' female coworkers. I also made the most delicious Vegetable Beef Soup that my family is probably getting sick of because I make it so often. But it is delicious!

February I shared my bedroom makeover, almost a year late. I also shared some of my favorite fonts I use when I create things for my blog, and these delicious Valentine's Day Whoopie Pies. As the weather warmed slightly, we started spending a little time outside when we could! I also turned 32 and had dinner with my little family and my dad then came home where more family and friends joined us for cake.

Summer and I had a few girls days where we got pedicures, shopped and dressed like princesses.

March we were sick. Like, all.month.long. We actually were sick more times that I'd like to say during the entire year of 2015... but March really kicked our bums! We tried making our first gummy worms, we played outside in the backyard, getting fresh air whenever we could, and we played at the park.

I also shared these awesome DIY Canvas' that I whipped up pretty quick! And I made these amazing Pizza Rolls, that are seriously delicious! And I finally shared this DIY Quilt I made for Summer the year before! And Travis turned 31.

April we had park playdates with friends, the kids finally got to meet their new baby cousin, Oliver. Celebrated my MOM by having ice cream and sent some balloon messages to her in Heaven. And Zachary became a TEENAGER!

I also shared these DIY Coffee Mugs I made, DIY Makeup Remover Pads, and this delicious Sliced Baked Potato. Travis and I took our first "real" vacation for our 5th anniversary and headed to MAUI! Check out Day 1, Day 2, Day 3 and Day 4!!



May was a lot warmer outside and we spent a lot of time outside at the park, with friends and at Papa's house. We also took on a big project by ripping out the shrubs in the back yard and putting down sod.



I shared my Mom's Night In, this delicious Pesto Chicken Ciabatta, Chicken Spinach Lasagna, and How you can make your own butter!

I also got my first business cards made for my first Blog Conference, and I had my first In-N-Out burger.

June really started off our water play! We spent time at several different lakes and rivers. Some with friends, some with family, but all fun!





I made a pennant banner and curtains for Summer's big girl room, Super Moist Stuffed Peppers

July brought much more water days to our future. I became a BeachBody Coach, I made my own vinyl signs, and this delicious S'mores Frappuccino.





August started with a Seattle trip with friends to the Aquarium and Zoo. Lots of water dates and lounging in the house because it was a scorcher! I also saw Rascal Flatts for my THIRTEENTH time! And it was Zach's 3rd time seeing them! And I had a sister date, which that like, never happens!





I also shared these mouth watering Pulled BBQ Chicken Sandwiches, and this healthy alternative to a Chicken Salad Sandwich.

September is always a busy month. Getting kids back to school and in a normal routine, open houses, Summer's birthday... We started off with going to Pig Out in the Park where we did just that! We also fed the garbage goat, slid down the slide at the Big Red Wagon, rode the carousel and enjoyed the sights of our own town.



I had to take Summer to the ER a couple of days after her birthday and the poor girl had croup! Tyler and Zach went back to school and my sister, niece and I went to Gavin DeGraw and Shania Twain! Plus we traded in my swagger wagon for my awesome new Tahoe, which I love! Can I just say that butt warmers are one of the coolest inventions?



Delicious Monkey bread, Zucchini Lasagna and Summer's big girl bedroom were shared on the blog.

October finally slowed down a little. We had a joint birthday party for Tyler and Summer. It was carnival themed, and you might have read about it HERE. We celebrated Tyler's Birthday, Halloween, and a clean up day at my dad's house to get all the leaves cleaned up. But first we played in them! Plus, Tyler is learning that it is no fun to lose! Love my little Minnie Mouse and Power ranger!



One the blog I shared BBQ Chicken Nachos, my Tips for doing 21 Day Fix and Pumpkin Waffles.

November was reasonably quiet. Except on days the Seahawks play! We enjoyed the days where we could get some things done, and spending time with family for Thanksgiving. Travis got a new truck and also got his first bull elk on his annual hunting trip. We also heard that the city was tearing down my Grandma's old house, so we went over to check it out.



On the blog I shared Pull apart Pizza Bites, this delicious Chicken and Spinach Bake, and an amazing Pecan Pie Milkshake.... You don't want to miss that one!

December was busy again with Christmas parties and programs, friend get-togethers and snow play. Lots and lots of snow play. We got well over a foot the week of Christmas and we headed to Papa's on several occasions to go sledding. Plus you'll find snowmen in our own back yard as well. The kids got too spoiled at Christmas and I did too. I even got Justin Bieber's new cd and there is #noshameinmygame !



On the blog I shared some Oohey-Gooey Peanut Butter Cookies, and some One Pan Mexican Quinoa!

Whew! If you made it through all of that.... Thank you! It has been a pretty great year and I'm looking forward to next year! Now go check out everyone else who linked up and be sure to link up your own year in review!

An InLinkz Link-up