Friday, December 23, 2011

2011 - The Year of Travel

With the date of our anniversary where it is, I have an opportunity to review the ending year and the great times with Crystal all in one post. Each year for Christmas we purchase a new ornament that has special meaning to us regarding the events of that year. As you can see from the picture above and post title, we have dubbed 2011 "the Year of Travel". 

As has been documented many times on this blog, my work schedule this year had me travelling quite a bit. With the economic climate I am happy to have a job and to go wherever I am needed, but I really would have preferred to spend more time at home. I split my time living in Houston with Atlanta, Tulsa, and Milwaukee. Pictured below is a screenshot from my phone of my itinerary for an average work month. I'd like to also add that each 'Reservation' below is not a single flight but a round trip over the course of the week.


Thought I was constantly gone, we were able to remain somewhat close with Skype chats each evening. With all this business travel and Crystal being left at home alone, we had to find some enjoyment in the travelling.

Rather than flying home one weekend in Milwaukee, Crystal was able to fly up and spend some time touring with me.

The Racing Sausages of the Milwaukee Brewers


Weekend road trips to visit friends are always welcomed. 
Delicious Puffy Tacos...
I ate enough in Tulsa to get my picture on a wall - I'm sure C's so proud...
 
I'm noticing a food theme here...
 

We were even able to visit Oz.
Wishes for the Wizard (R to L): Courage, Home, Heart, Brain, Height
 

Now is where I can take a small moment to be serious.  Crystal, the past 5 years have been the best of my life and I am so excited for all the years to come.  Every day with you is a great adventure that I look forward to.  I love you and can't wait to enjoy endless more anniversaries together.
Celebrating our anniversary today by going to the Houston Temple
 

We hope you all had a spectacular 2011.  Have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year (hopefully with less travel)