12 memories of 2012

Last year. What a great year, so many things learned and experienced, memories were created and here are just a few of my favorites.

 I had the opportunity to march in the 2012 New Year's Day Rose Parade. We were watched by literally millions of people as we marched and played and sweat along that very long parade route. It certainly wasn't the easiest thing I've ever done but I loved it and I got to do it with these ^ 10 crazy guys.

I turned 16. The party, the car, the first date; everything was perfect. Being sixteen brought a whole new freedom into my life. Seriously, being able to drive where ever whenever...amazing. And the dating was nice too ;)

I didn't make dance co. I cried. But because of that I decided to try something new, I tried out for drill. Drill team has changed my life. Dancing at 6 o'clock every morning wasn't exactly how I envisioned my high school life, but now I wouldn't change it for the world. These girls are amazing and the work and effort we put in as a team is just incredible. They are seriously my sisters and I would do anything for them. Best friends for life right here. 

 I danced my last concert with my Just Dance Company. After 6 years it was hard to say goodbye but it was something I had to do. It really was my second home, and these girls were family. They taught me so much and together we grew. I will never forget all the good times and the people I met. 

 

 EFY. What a joy. And the fact that I get to go with my best friend in the whole entire world makes it that much better. Aly has been there for me ever since I can remember and even though she lives in California we're closer then ever. I'm blessed to have her in my life and this week was one of the best. Plus, with these cute boys how could it not be amazing.

 There is no better way to spend your summer than to be in Lake Powell. We were there with my cousins and it was a blast. We went tubing, wave runner riding, cliff jumping, paddle boarding, dirt biking, it was great. I loved every second of that trip.

 Y.O.L.O. This summer I did some crazy stuff. I made a bucket list and thanks to my lovely little brother, Steinar, I completed nearly 100 of those things. We swam in waterfalls, climbed trees, walked through drive-throughs, danced in the rain, camped in the back yard and so many other things. Of course my friends also joined in on many of these adventures, but for some reason doing it with my brother really helped us grow a lot closer. 

 

 Look Up, Step Up, Cheer Up. Girls' Camp was amazing. I was able to be a YCL (youth camp leader) and got to help organize a lot of the things we did. It was so spiritual and I learned a ton. I really came to love these girls. And it was nice to not have to worry about make up or hair for a week.

 I started my Junior Year at good ol' AF High. That included going to homecoming with Mr. Benjamin. That was a fantastic night. If you'd like, read more about it here: http://kjirstensstory.blogspot.com/2012/09/dancing-in-moonlight.html

Mr. Caveman was another awesome experience. I just loved the entire thing. Eli was great, I loved looking like a princess, practices were fun, it was just a night I'll always remember. http://kjirstensstory.blogspot.com/2012/10/my-fairytale-fantasy.html

 Temple Square is always beautiful. This year it seemed especially special when I went with my mom and younger brother Kolbein. I also went again with my Uncle and cousins when they visited from Georgia. It's just a remarkable site and with City Creek across the street it was stunning. Some beautiful memories.

I took him to Sadie's. He just let me come over and talk when my life was falling apart. He took me to get ice cream when I was ready to kill everyone else in the world. He knew how much I love hot chocolate so we went and got hot chocolate. He took me with his friends to the Peppermint Factory just for fun. He came and laid next to me and we just looked at the stars. We spent a lot of time together and for some reason he seems to be one of the few people that has actually consistently been a part of my life throughout the entire year. I started out 2012 falling asleep on his shoulder in California and I ended 2012 lighting fireworks next to him while the snow seemed to glitter as it fell to the ground. A lot of good memories here and I hope to continue creating more. 

 Friends and Family made this last year one that I won't forget and now its time to continue living in the year 2013.