Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017

Happy New Year! Looking back on 2016, I am reminded that we have a lot to be thankful for! A healthy pregnancy, a relaxing babymoon in Hawaii, the arrival of our beautiful baby boy, a fun and successful cross country season, family and friends who have loved and supported us in our new role as parents, and the opportunity to see family the most this year since moving to Utah (we probably have Samuel to thank for that!). We are looking forward to what 2017 brings.

After our state meet, we extended our season with a few post-season meets. In mid-November, we traveled on a charter bus down to Casa Grande, AZ for the Nike Southwest Regional meet. This meet brings teams from Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona, & Nevada to compete for a chance to qualify for the Nike Nationals. Our boys team ran really well and finished 5th. The top 3 teams ended up going to Nationals. Samuel did great on the LONG bus ride!

Bernard Lagat & Todd

Olympus Cross Country's smallest fan

5th place

We celebrated "Thanksmas" with family in Minnesota--Thanksgiving on Thursday, Christmas on Friday! Grant & Allison were there from Chicago and both of Todd's grandmas joined us from Iowa. Lots of great family time, delicious food, and even a trip to a tree farm to cut down a tree!

We found a keeper!

The weekend after Thanksgiving, we traveled to southern California for the Footlocker West Regional Cross Country meet (the final meet of the season!). We enjoyed nice weather, a beach day, and some great performances on a really tough course.

Huntington Beach

Todd, Samuel, and I spent a night in Park City the week before Christmas. It was a nice, relaxing getaway. Park City in the winter is really beautiful! Thanks, Jeff & Bonnie, for giving us your extra Marriott points :)

Breakfast at a tea house/book shop

We celebrated Christmas as a family of three before traveling to Michigan. We visited a live nativity, saw the lights at Temple Square, opened gifts, and went snowshoeing. Although Samuel won't remember anything from his first Christmas, we sure had fun celebrating with him!

Samuel loved pulling on the ribbons

Lights at Temple Square

 

Snowshoeing in Millcreek Canyon

We spent Christmas in Michigan with my family. I loved being "home" for the holidays. It was fun to see the little cousins together. Samuel loved watching Lily! We spent Christmas day with Uncle Bruce & Grandma, always good to see them! We saw high school & college friends, went for a couple hikes, and played lots of games. 

Christmas morning

Lake Michigan