Before I ring in 2016, I wanted to take a moment to pause and look back at a few of the moments that stand out as my highlights for 2015. And I’ll be honest this year was filled with challenges and victories, but I am sincerely grateful for it all.

With that, here are a few moments I am holding close in the memory banks when it comes to 2015.

Our New House

You can’t beat moving into a new House, right? We started house searching at the end of 2014, with us putting in the offer in February. Then we had to wait. And wait. I had to be patient and not worry about the steps that could have failed and stay positive. We finally got the keys at the end of May, and from there it has been a whirlwind making this house our home. Since moving in 7 months ago our day to day routines have improved and have become so much more relaxed. The wait and stress were easily and without question worth moving.

Becky and Claire’s Trip to the UK

In March my sister and sister-in-law Becky and Claire came to Visit for a few weeks . We spent time in London with tourists visits of Buckingham Palace, a concert at Westminster, a spotting of the Queen and simply taking it all in. Claire and Becky headed off for a European trip, but ended with a long stay here with us in Wales. We had a blast showing off some of our favorite places in the perfect spring sunshine.

Harry Potter Geek Moment

During Becky and Claire’s trip, we made a detour to Harry Potter studios outside of London. And as a Harry Potter fan, this was an amazing visit. Seeing the props, costumes and wigs up close, plus having a bit of Butterbeer was perfect for this Harry Potter geek!

Big Work Challenges

This year saw me transition and grow in my role as a key account manager at the agency I work at. This role had me oversee launches of big websites, working with unhappy clients and a team of developers and designers. I started this year unsure of how to start, or what the hell I was doing, but now I feel like I am coming into my own. I am ending this year helping to lead and direct the team, plus growing my skills even more {YASSS!}

Visit to the Lake District

In October, we headed for a weekend away to the Lakes District in Cumbria. The weekend was a lovely chance to get away and unplug a bit while enjoying the bright and beautiful autumn colors all around. (I am hoping that we can have a few more weekend breaks in 2016.)

Pembrokeshire Coast

This year for our anniversary we headed to the Pembrokeshire Coast in south Wales. This is a little corner of Wales that I have been wanting to visit since I’ve moved to the UK, and it did not disappoint. The cliffs were dramatic, the coast line was stunning and it was wonderfully remote. I lived visiting St. David’s, named after the patron saint of Wales, which had ruins of an abbey. We also made a stop at Tenby which had bright seaside colors everywhere.

Thanksgiving in America

Another big and wonderful highlight of 2015 was heading back to Seattle for Thanksgiving. We were able to connect and laugh with friends I’ve know for over a decade, make new memories with my family and just be. Another surreal highlight was meeting my best friends 6-week old baby. Seeing my sweet friend and her husband converted into new parents was a wonderful moment to share. One of my favorite days during our trip was when I spent the entire day with her, having coffee and lunch with a new baby as our new member of our entourage. So. Much. Love.

Celebrating: The Big and Small of Everyday Life

This year, there was plenty of celebrating, which I loved. This year had celebrations at weddings, birthdays, website launches, American and British holidays. We celebrated the small victories to the memorable, and it filled my heart up and gave me lovely energy.

Mini-Adventures

Neal and I are still having our mini-adventures in and around North Wales, from the coast to the mountains we love exploring them all. I love when we pack a lunch and head out for the day, many times without any agenda. Getting out of the house, allows me to clear my head, removes a bit of the cobwebs and helps me to gain a bit of clarity. I am constantly thankful we live so close to beautiful spots as we do.

Coming into My Own

I will remember 2015 as a year when I really came into my own and developed roots. From buying a home to really growing in my career, this was a year where I built foundations for the coming years. For the first time since moving here, I don’t feel out of place or even an outsider. Which, as an expat, is a big moment.

2015 was a big year for me personally, and for Neal and I together in our marriage. Our first home together. Growing together. Facing challenges together, and celebrating milestones together.

2015 has been good, and has left me with a full heart but energized for all that 2016 may bring us.

Tell me sweet friends, what is one highlight from 2015?