2012 was a wonderful year full of unexpected surprises and great experiences. Looking back, I could write a book on the last twelve months however thankfully this week’s Photo Challenge 2012 Year in Pictures will make it easier.
January
One of the highlights was meeting World Mom’s Blog Founder Jennifer Burden in person. I write and help out as an editor for World Mom’s Blog so it was wonderful to finally meet Jennifer in person.
I began my work as an advocate for the UN Foundation’s Shot@Life campaign where I attended a Champion training in our nation’s capital. In DC, I met three fellow bloggers and many more friends. It was a fabulous experience that opened many unexpected doors to my future as an advocate and blogger.
February
Photo taken on top of “the Ridge” in Taos, New Mexico.
February I took a three-generational ski trip with my daughter Sophia and my father to Taos, New Mexico. It was great to introduce my 5-year-old to the big hill.
March
The highlight of March was my trip to Guatemala where I volunteered in the highlands of Xela, climbed a volcano, and spent a few days in lovely Antigua where I met fellow blogger Lucy of Loca4Motion.
April
April meant Spring flowers such as these ones during our trip to visit family in Virginia.
May
Brought spring time to Minnesota…
June
June brought summer to Minnesota and lots of fun outdoors.
Such as during our trip to northern Minnesota along Lake Superior.
Our visit to our friend’s cabin on Rabbit Lake.
July
Our annual family vacation to the historical Grand View Lodge in Nisswa, MN.
Followed by an Advocacy training boot-camp in Washington DC with RESULTS where I lobbied on Capital Hill for the first time in my life.
And also my first blogging conference in NYC to BlogHer.
August
A memorable hiking trip to the French Alps with my dad in Vanoise National Park.
September
Meant back to school for the kids and beautiful fall weather in Minnesota.
Big brother Max next to his sister Sophia, a new kindergartener.
I also had the pleasure of returning to New York City to attend the Social Good Summit and the Clinton Global Initiative Annual Meeting where I learned all the amazing things people around the world are doing to make the world a better place.
October
We took a trip down memory lane to visit Chicago where we lived while dating in our twenties and got married before heading north to Minneapolis.
I love this view! So beautiful!
I also began my work writing on behalf of the Global Team of 200, a group of women bloggers writing on social good issues around the world and hoping to change the world by using our voice.
November -December
Were busy staying at home enjoying a fantastic fall and celebrating four family birthdays. I don’t have many pictures to share from these months as I’m traveling right now and only have my iPAD.
However, here are a few of my favorites that I was able to download from my site.
I saved the best for last….Happy Holidays and all the best in 2013!
This post is in response to the Weekly Photo Challenge: 2012 Year in Review. Unfortunately I am traveling now and don’t have my main computer so I had to improvise. But hopefully I captured the essence of 2012. I’m truly looking forward to 2013 and what it will bring! 
Your photography is excellent.
Thank you!
of course, this retrospective of your year is beautiful and touching. thank you for taking us with you to so many beautiful places in this world! i especially loved the guatemala section! z
Thanks so much Lisa! Wonderful getting to know you more this year and wishing you a wonderful 2013!
Nicole
You’ve had a busy year Nicole! It was a pleasure meeting you & sharing my beautiful Antigua with you. I hope our paths cross again some day!
Happy New Year Lucy!
I know we’ll cross paths again! Wishing you the best in 2013!
Happy New Year to you too Nicole! I’m sure 2013 will bring you even more challenges and adventures!
Thanks Lucy! You too!
A wonderful montage, Nicole ~ quite the year! (of course, in hindsight, most of them are, each for their own reasons!) ~ Cheers and on to 2013! ~ Kat
Thanks so much Kat! It has been great getting to know you! Happy New Year and wishing you a wonderful 2013!
Happy New Year and good luck with the contest and not only!
Thank you!
A beautiful recap! You seem to have had a meaningful and memorable 2012. Wish you all the best in 2013! Happy New Year!
Thanks Kim! Wishing you all the best in 2013 too!
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you did it beautifully as always Nicole…
Thanks so much Jo! It has been wonderful getting to know you and look forward to 2013! Happy New Year!
What a great year you have had. I look forward to your 2013.
Thanks Debra! You too! Happy New Year and wishing you the best in 2013!
You are the perfect example of a life well lived, Nicole, and your photography has a magical quality. Hoping 2013 brings all you deserve and more.
Thanks so much Jo! Wishing you the best in 2013!
What a fab year you had, Nicole! Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Amy! Wishing you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2013!
You’re an inspiration, year after year! Wishing you and your family a happy and joyous 2013!
Thanks so much Jennifer! Happy New Year to you too and all the best in your new home and a wonderful 2013!
Great post and photos Nicole. Happy New Year to you and your family.
Thanks Angeline! Happy New Year to you too and wishing you the best in 2013!
It’s been a pleasure meeting and getting to know you Nicole. Take care and see you in 2013!
¸.•*¨*•.♪♫♫♪Happy New Year to You & Yours!.♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸ ♥
˜”*°•.˜”*°•.˜”*°•.★★.•°*”˜.•°*”˜.•°*”˜” Have a restful weekend!
Eliz
Thank you so much Eliz! It was such a pleasure meeting you and I wish you the best in 2013!!!!
Happy New Year! 
Absolutely fantastic photos! You are truly a citizen of the world. All the best in 2013!
Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words!
Beautiful photos!
Thanks so much!
What an enriching year you have had Nicole and your photos are sensational! Here’s to a new year filled with great joy to uplift your spirit!
Thanks LuAnn! Looking forward to what 2013 brings !:)
Anna…just falling in love with your pictures…..awesome…..is a not the correct word….may be i need to invent one…….thanks for the pictures.
Thanks so much!
hi Anna – a wonderful soothing look back on a year with sense!
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