2016 was quite a year.

As I reflect, we have so much to be thankful for and I’m ever so grateful for my family and friends who are the kindest, most funny, outgoing, loving, adventurous, supportive people. For my job where I get to share my passion for science and work with kids that inspire me. I could go on and on, but that would be boring and so unlike me. Okay, nevermind…it’s SO like me. Oh well.

Below are some photo highlights from the last 12 months of our life adventures:

January

Beau was able to travel to North Carolina for work and attend the Seahawks playoff game against the Panthers.

February

We enjoyed a delish dinner at the Bistro in honor of our 18th Valentine’s Day celebrated together.

March

Our Jaxon turned 13 and we celebrated by skipping school and adventuring at iFly Seattle. So much fun. We were just prepping for real skydiving (stay tuned). We are so proud of this young man. He’s hilarious, intelligent, hard-working, thoughtful, talented and so full of energy and spunk.

April

We ventured down to Oregon for an epic road trip to tour U of O and to spend some time at the beach. If only out of state tuition wasn’t so costly, I’m sure it would be our girl’s first choice for college next year. While we were gone Beau tore apart the backyard and had 40 yards of concrete poured to create our backyard sanctuary. I’d show you a photo, but I promised myself one photo per month…

And I love this photo of Jaxon “dunking the sun” at the beach in Lincoln City.

 

May

We did our first Color Vibe run/walk. What a beautiful way to start off Mother’s Day weekend with some of my faves.

June

While I was stuck in traffic on my way home from a conference in Spokane, I received a phone call that started with, “Mom, I don’t want you to freak out…” Jaxon ended up with 3 staples in the back of his head because he thought using the railing at the swimming pool as a slide was a good idea. Shout out to Emilee and Drew for staying calm during an emergency and getting him to the hospital.

 

July

Our annual trip to Grand Coulee is a favorite. We always have a blast and our kids have inherited the adventurous spirit and love to jump off these rocks. I usually get extreme anxiety as they climb up there, BUT since this is my year of adventures perhaps in 2017 I will make the treacherous climb and throw myself from that large rock for the first time???

If you ever visit this lovely area, you should stay here.

August

I turned 39. This was the event that launched 365 days of new adventures and crazy ideas. This month alone I:

• pierced my nose
• hiked Mt. Pilchuck
• swam in the Atlantic Ocean
• watched the sunrise over the ocean (you know because it sets over the ocean on the west coast)
• visited two new states (Georgia and South Carolina)

September

My husband turned 40 and it really was his dread for this day that inspired me to prove that it’s never too late to try something new and that life was meant to be LIVED.

In September, I also golfed for the first time.

October

I complete the Spartan Sprint. This was a true test of my abilities, but I conquered that race and damn did I feel strong.

In October I also:

• toured EWU with Emilee
• tried out eyelash extensions

 

November

This girl turned 18 and my husband and I officially raised this baby girl into a brilliant, beautiful, talented, caring, hard-working, funny, wise, and kind adult. High five to us. Parenting win. We are so very proud of her and can’t wait to see what this next year has in store. Oh and congrats on your first letter of acceptance to a University!

November adventures also included:

• running a 10k
• celebrating my mom’s 60th

December

This family of mine is what brings me my greatest joy. Being a mom and wife is not always easy. But I’m sure being my child or my husband is not easy either. I don’t know what I did to deserve them, but these 3 are my world.

December adventures included:

• ice skating
• dressing up each day for spirit week
• skiing with the family
• canvas painting

Wow.

What a year.

16 of 40 adventures completed and 24 to go.

I look forward to 2017 and all the moments that the next 12 chapters of my life will bring. May we continue to live healthy and happy, not take anyone or anything for granted, and spread love and kindness along the way.

To all you who have joined me on this journey, thank you. I appreciate your support, love and tolerance of my ramblings. I’ve enjoyed writing again, but I hope I’ve also brought some smiles and laughter your way.

And if you continue to follow this journey, I hope to inspire some of you in your quest to live the life you love.

Cheers.

Adventure awaits…