2012.

I'm honestly sad to see 2012 go. Like last year, today I'm doing a post looking back on 2012, and tomorrow I'll do a post with my predictions for 2013.

I looked through a lot of my posts and pictures from the last year, and I can't help but feel blessed with all the good things that have happened over the past 366 days. Here's some of the highlights......

I went to the March for Life in January with some of my friends.

I saw Brad Paisley in concert in March.

I went on Kairos at the end of March through school.

I danced with my friends in April at my Junior Prom.

I became a godmother to my cousin Savannah when she was baptized at the end of April.

I finally got to try some Georgetown Cupcakes when I ordered them in May.

I finished my Junior year of high school in May.

I went to Gatlinburg with my family in June.

I saw Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw in concert at the beginning of July.

I relaxed on the beach in Destin in July.

I got my Senior Pictures taken in Destin in July.

In August, I started my senior year of high school.

I celebrated with my family at my cousin's wedding in October.

I enjoyed a great Thanksgiving with my family in November.

I had a fun time with friends at my Senior Christmas Dance.

I was blessed with an incredible Christmas spent laughing with family.

I traveled to Chicago after Christmas.

And I made lots and lots of cake pops!

At the beginning of this year I made some predictions as to what I though 2012 would hold, and it's funny how they were actually pretty accurate! I feel like this year was a really good one. I think it's funny how last year I wrote that 2012 would be filled with a lot of changes, and although some things have changed, I don't think I've suffered any drastic life changes in the past year. Now 2013? That's going to be the year of change, but more on that tomorrow!

Have a great New Year's Eve and an even better 2013!

Chicago {Part 1}

I have had the best time over the last few days. My family went to Chicago on the 27th, and we got home yesterday (the 29th). It was SO much fun, and I can't wait to tell you all about it!

Like all of our family vacations, we had to stop at Cracker Barrel for breakfast on the way. I tried one of their new dishes - Cinnamon Streusel French Toast. It was really good!

The drive went by pretty quick. There was lots of snow, and these windmills always freak me out. There are TONS of them on the way to Chicago, and I personally think they look like something out of a horror movie - ha!

When we got there we checked into our hotel, the Palmer House. We had stayed there before (years ago), and I just think it's the cutest and neatest hotel.

Then had to get deep dish pizza asap. Giordano's is our personal Chicago pizza favorite!

Deep dish is my favorite kind of pizza.....

Then since our hotel was so close to Millennium Park, we walked around there next.

The bean!

Reflections in the bean.....

Then it was time for Michigan Avenue shopping......my favorite!

I love the city all decorated for Christmas!

This Burberry was huge!

I just think it's so fun walking up and down the Magnificent Mile. We obviously had to pop into Macy's at Water Tower Place!

And after more shopping, it was time to refuel at Ghirardelli's!

Chocolate ice cream with caramel on top - yum!

We then started making our way back to our hotel by walking and shopping on the other side of Michigan. I loved all the lights!

When we made it back to the hotel, my mom and I dropped off our bags and then set out to explore the hotel and take lots of pictures.

The "lobby" area by the elevators on our floor

In the elevator

Lobby floor elevator area

The main lobby Christmas tree

I love this lobby!

Practicing piano........ ;)

One of the ballrooms.......How neat would this be for a wedding reception?

There was even a Starbucks in the bottom of our hotel - perfection!

Front entry way

This fireplace was actually made out of gingerbread, icing, and chocolate - so neat!

I loved the ceilings too!

And that was our first day in Chicago! I'll post more on it later, although that might not be until Friday. I have lots of posts planned over the next week, so look for lots of updating!

Hope you all have had a great post-Christmas weekend.