When 2014 began, we decided we would be big travelers this year. We’d see more of this beautiful country and have some great stories to go with it.  At the start of the new year, we immediately took a trip up to northern Arizona.  We couldn’t believe how diverse this state was.  We’d only been living in Phoenix for 6 months, and had no idea what “going up north” was all about.  Quickly, we found out.  Driving through Sedona, seeing the red rocks, doing some hiking, and then continuing our drive up to Flagstaff.  We couldn’t wipe the grins off our faces when we saw the snow.  Being born and raised New Yorkers, we realized we knew very little about this new home of ours.  It was around this time, that we decided we would spend as much time as we could getting to know our current state before being the travelers we thought we’d be this year.  It took some time, but after a year and half, we definitely feel at home here in Phoenix.  We’ve decorated and re-decorated our home; making little adjustments to make it feel right.  We’ve made lifelong friends, shared some truly special moments, and have started little traditions that we know will be carried over into the years ahead.

Looking back on the year, there are some pretty memorable times. In 2014 we…