It’s that time of year again. The world didn’t end with the Mayan calendar so it looks like we’ll have a 2013 after all. Thinking about the past year, there just weren’t many lows for us, and we consider ourselves fortunate. Our daughter started her second year of college and we’re mighty proud of her accomplishments as she continues to work and further her education. Our son has started his sophomore year of High School and still has eats and sleeps football. Wrigley, well, he still lays around mostly. All in all 2012 was a pretty great year.

We certainly won’t forget the weather this past year. No snow and in the 70’s most of March followed by a hot and very dry summer and a gorgeous fall. Winter took it’s time getting here with just a trace of snow just before Christmas. To use the word strange would be an understatement.

Heidi and I traveled this year beginning with my cross country trip with my cousin to Park City Utah, and then hooking up with another cousin (who sucks) traveling to Arches National Park.  It was a great week with highlights including skiing, hiking, and zip-lining, to relaxing in a cozy bar enjoying some great conversations.

End of June we made our way up to the UP of Michigan with some friends. Jan and Kip were fantastic hosts and Kip would make a heck of a tour guide if he ever wanted another career. Great trip and was just overwhelmed by the scenery.

In July it was off to Glacier National Park in Montana. What an awesome place this is and one we both would like to revisit. The mountains, trails and lakes are a moving experience. You can’t help but to feel small here and get lost in your thoughts.

September brought yet another trip, this time to Utah and all of the National Parks in the state. Heidi found her favorite trail at Zion and had already talked about hitting this again. Hooking up with family once again just made the trip even more enjoyable.  Dennis and Dixie know how to do Utah!

Here around the house, the subdivision continues to grow, although at a slower pace. There were many changes to the pond behind the house this past year with many different kinds of animals and birds seeming to settle in. It’s nice to have a beer on the deck and watch a little “Nature Channel”. I continued my walks around the area bringing the camera all the while. I’ve also learned that there just aren’t any polar bears around Northern Illinois. While I didn’t mean to end up taking bird photos, they get the nod as that is what is on the trails. That and deer! I even managed to have a couple of photos published, which is something that I would have never thought possible a few years ago.

Started to take sports photos this year and was flattered by the requests and purchases that folks have made. While I won’t be able to quit my day job any time soon, it was extremely rewarding and I look to continue this passion going forward.  And no matter what Heidi may think – photography is still cheaper than boating!

Thanks to my wife, family and friends who encourage, support, and go along this journey. I hope that 2013 brings your friends and family a great year of happiness, and safe travels.

Ken

My favorites of 2012:

Northern Hawk Owl

Zion

Making a Move

Glacier at Night

Sandy