My Top 15 from 2015 (Year in Review)

Sure, it's cliche, but it's just so much fun to look back on all the awesomeness of the past year as it comes to an end! This year, I decided to do this and join in Chelsea's 15 photos from 2015 challenge, too. Because 15 photos is better than the traditional 12 photos, duh. Three extra pictures!!!

 This photo was taken in Hong Kong, but it reminds me of our life together in China in general. Just the two of us in a foreign place, figuring out the world together. It was awesome. China will always have a special place in my heart. Maybe we'll be back before long.

 Tung Ping Chau!

I discovered the fact that the tiny and obscure island Tung Ping Chau (belonging to Hong Kong) existed in early January 2015. From that point on, I was a woman on a mission. I had to visit that deserted island that I inexplicably fell in love with before I even met it. I had to wait till May before I made it there, but I did, in fact, get a chance to visit, and it was everything I'd imagined.

Working together at the same school was something I never would have imagined would be a part of our lives. When a Mandarin Chinese B.A. marries a nurse, you don't make any plans to work together, but it was awesome. Sharing an office--coolest thing ever.

We bought our first car! Funny milestone for a 30-something and a 20-something, but hey, milestone it is!

 My sisters surprised me with a dress I'd already fallen in love with for my 24th birthday.

We had a family Olympics competition in honor of Angel's birthday. I definitely did not win the long jump (that was Angel), but I did win one event, which was the jumproping competition. If there would have been a hula hooping competition, I would have won that too. I have hula hoop skills.

On a more serious note, this photo reminds me what a healthy year this was for me, and how grateful I am for that. I had the good health needed to travel to places I've never been before, and was able to go on long hikes and even partake in competitive events like a Olympics competition against my own family. I don't take health for granted, and this was a very good year. I'm so thankful!

From that time we visited the sea turtle conservation center and even got to watch baby sea turtles be released into the ocean, something I never thought I would see in my lifetime. I guess this has been a year full of the kind of things that I never quite dreamed big enough to dream of.

This picture reminds me about how homeschooling has become once more an essential part of my day to day life this year, and I love it. Hey, who wouldn't love drawing the solar system on their bathroom floor?

Our life has included plenty of small people over the past year, and I love getting to watch them grow! They bring such joy. And watching them respond to Uncle Angel's pranks is fun, too. And then they try to prank him back. Did you see this photo on instagram?

Speaking of pranks, there was that time Angel hid Anna's mattress inside the bathroom and no one found it for hours. Still makes me laugh.

From the epic Valentine's Day cookie party that I put together. I just love the attitude in this picture. I spent an unprecedented amount of time with my sisters this year, and with cousin Shannon, too. Shannon even shared our apartment for about a month and half. It's cool getting to know your family again after a long separation.

He wore a shirt with us on it on our date. I want to remember that forever.

I made an awesome Captain Hook at Sarah's epic "Once Upon a Time" birthday party. I love costumes, but hardly get the chance to dress up, so the few times I do, it's memorable to me.

And let's just close with a glimpse at what last summer's family reunion/25th wedding anniversary celebration in Cambodia really felt like.

How was your 2015?