I've been busy making our 2011 Photo Calendars this afternoon. In the process of looking at the thousands of photographs we've taken, I find myself pleasantly side-tracked, suddenly steeped in our stories, awash in the rich memories evoked by each one. It's like going on a mini-vacation!

As I am paging my way through our photos, I land on what might be three of my very favorite shots from this year. Suddenly, I am transported away from the hustle and bustle of the crazy mess that is Phnom Penh, and I've emerged in the mountains of Italy in the depths of winter. Swoon!

I remember everything about this chilly wintry morning in Potenza. How good it felt to find myself in pressed white sheets after several days of free-camping, and how lucky I felt to wake up so early, beating the alarm clock and its incessant beeping to start my twenty sixth birthday peacefully.

I vividly recall how I emerged from Tyler's sleepy embrace and padded over to the window, and how the magnificent pink, smoky view took my breath away. I can almost feel the rush of cold, invigorating air that poured over my face as I opened the windows and leaned out to take these pictures.

It was such beautiful start to a new year of life.

Now, back to photo sorting!