What a year.

I can't believe it's nearly the last day of 2011. Please excuse the obnoxiously long post, but here is a summary of my 2011 from behind the lens of my camera:

Spring Break 2011. From our faces, it's obvious that we just love our St. George.

Sorry, I couldn't resist. This picture is definitely a keeper. 

A happy Easter at the Cottle home!

Oh, I love sweet Margo. 

The Spring Recital. I was one proud piano teacher!!

Seminary Graduation.

Graduation day with my handsome brothers.

I took this picture the first day that I spent on my brother and sister-in-law's beautiful farm in Tennessee. 

The tractor lesson!

Well hello there, Nashville!

I sure do love me some Watertown, Tennessee!

Haha, who knew the folks in Watertown were such campaigners? 

I loved spending my 4th of July weekend staying at Dan and Gail's lake house on the shores of Boone Lake in Piney Flats, TN.

My sister-in-law and I just soaking up the sun at Boone Lake.

Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC.

Asheville, NC is one cute place!

My sister Brittany and I spent one summer afternoon browsing shops in Knoxville-- so much fun.

Mhmmm, that's what I'm talkin about.

We visited Duke campus during a stay in Raleigh, NC.

I snapped this photo the morning that I said goodbye to Tennessee. It was a fantastic 2 months. 

I spent a day cliff jumping at Sand Hollow Reservoir with my family right before I made the move up to Provo.

My second home sweet home!

I love new friends! 

I was so happy when my beautiful little sister came to BYU with her tennis team.

And.... I went on a couple of fun, fun trips to Temple Square!!

 It has been one awesome year. I'm so thankful for every experience that I have had, and I'm so looking forward to the ones to come during my 2012!

"The past is to be learned from but not lived in. We look back to claim the embers from glowing experiences but not the ashes. And when we have learned what we need to learn and have brought with us the best that we have experienced, then we look ahead and remember that faith is always pointed toward the future. Faith always has to do with blessings and truths and events that will yet be efficacious in our lives." 
         -Jeffrey R. Holland

Simply Having a Wonderful Christmastime!

Priceless. The adults decided that it was their turn to take over the traditional nativity scene presentation this year. I think they should do it every year. I mean, check out dad in that wise man costume.

Happy Christmas Eve! Never a dull moment in the Cottle house...

Oh, we love Christmas!!

 Merry Christmas from the Cottle house.

It's been wonderful.

Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays.

Well, this morning I finished up a presentation and walked home from campus sighing with relief. Yep, my first semester at BYU is over, and I am homeward bound tomorrow. I can't believe it. These first few months of college have been some of the best-- I have learned so much!

Here are a few things that I have learned:

- There really is life after my Physical Science class. Honestly, there is.
- Sleep is essential; staying up until five in the morning drinking caffeine definitely is not.
- There are some dang smart people in this world. Holy smokes.
- There is magic in doing homework in the library. Seriously.
- Provo is not St. George. Thus, I can't wear sandals in December.
- If you don't do laundry, then you don't have any clean clothes? Go figure.
- It's miraculous what a Reeses peanut butter cup and a little Frank Sinatra can do during studying.
- My family is still my family, and they always will be.

Ultimately, I know that Heavenly Father is always there. He makes the seemingly impossible-- possible.

I loved this semester. I love BYU. I love my new friends. I love Provo. And I love the fact that I am going home in 24 hours.