adventures of an american housewife in the south of france

2012: Year in Review

So, I know I'm a bit late in this Year in Review post and that these types are posts are pretty superfluous, but I really wanted to do one anyway.  2012 was a really exciting year for us, for obvious reasons, and I wanted to have a recap of it that I could look back on whenever I want.  We continued travelling, spent a lot of time with friends and family, and most importantly, welcomed our daughter to the world.  Below is a collection of my favorite photos and highlights from the year.  I spent almost 41 out of the 52 weeks of the year being pregnant and it's been so fun to look back on those pictures.  I included some of the pictures from our Bump Project (yet to be completed!) in order to make this post even more self indulgent than it already is. So here it is, a tribute to 2012...

We started the year off right with a trip to Amsterdam. A visit from the Fulytars took us to Barcelona and Cadaqués.  

Newly pregnant, I took a solo trip back to the States to meet my newest nephew and help my sister plan her wedding.  

 My in-laws came to visit, including my awesome 2 year old nephew, and we experienced France in a whole new way!

We celebrated One Year in France with an exciting announcement!  Michael and I took a trip back to the homeland of Prague.  

We spent 6 days in Sardinian Paradise:  Villasimius.  I wanted to stay forever.  

 I took a final trip back to the States for Grandma's 90th Birthday and my sister's wedding.

Shawn and Kate came to visit, which gave us the opportunity to visit Carcassonne and Toulouse.  

 July was an exciting month!  We celebrated 3 years of marriage and had more visits from best friends.  First we picked up Marq & Dawn in Barcelona and spent the night in Roses.  One the way back to France, we visited the Dalí Theatre-Museum in Figueres.

The four of us, plus 2 babies, went to see Radiohead at an ancient arena from 70 AD. We went back to my favorite place in France... and checked out Switzerland, where I had a very strange experience. Devon came to visit at the end of the month and we took her to Les Baux and Arles to experience ancient Provence, and St. Guilhem to eat gelato and visit some caves.  

Hello Third Trimester!  I spent this month being extremely hot and uncomfortable.  It was the hottest summer in 10 years, but we worked tirelessly to prepare for Bonbon's arrival.  

We welcomed a few more visitors - my Aunt and Uncle from Maryland, and our friends from Austin.  We finished preparing  la chambre de Bonbon, I turned 31, and we became giddy at the thought of our Bonbon's birthday.  

After a lot of anxiety, Ramona Rose made her grand entrance. We fell in love.  

We continued adjusting to life as new parents.  Michael's parents came to meet Ramona and celebrate Thanksgiving and Michael's 35th birthday with us.  

We welcomed my parents back to town and celebrated Ramona's First Christmas.  New Year's Eve was a quiet night at home with sparkling rosé and a Speculoos Crumble.  A mellow way to finish off a whirlwind year!   Looking back on 2012 leaves me feeling extremely grateful.  I don't know how it's possible, but every year seems to be better than the last.  Once again, 2013 is already full of big things for us and I can't wait to get it started. Here's to a happy, healthy 2013!   A look at years past:  2010, 2011

7 Responses to “2012: Year in Review”

  1. Sabbio says:

    What an awesome rich year for you and your family!
    I can tell she’s your sister, you’re much alike.
    Oh and you’re the one I got to ask questions about cities in Europe ;) I’ll tell you more about it next time we see.

  2. Michel says:

    Found your blog via Sara Louise’s post on facebook. I enjoyed your year in review. Sounds like you had a fun year and it will get only better with a little one in your home. Best wishes for a very Happy New Year!

  3. Michel says:

    I should also say we live in Sonoma County but also have a home in Sablet near Vaison-la-Romaine. We come frequently to Montpellier to visit my cousin and wife who live in Clapiers. He is a Professor of Cardiology at the University of Montpellier and his wife is a pediatrician and chief medical officer for the Montpellier schools.

    • Natalie says:

      Hi Michel! Wow – living in Sonoma with a home in Vaison-la-Romaine sounds just about perfect to me!! Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to say hi :)

  4. Sara Louise says:

    Such an amazing year for you! I love your bump update photos :)

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