Moments 02 26 :: Week 04

The characters of this book had secrets and made mistakes -- and I was sucked in from the very beginning. I loved it. 

Met up with Leif and Mel at Cafe India Sunday night. I don't crave Indian food, but Brian sure does, and it was delicious. Unfortunately, this was before I tested positive for COVID. Seriously. I had't been 100% in Florida, but it just felt like a cold. It lingered over the weekend, and more than anything, I wasn't getting enough sleep so I was exhausted. I had an already scheduled doctors appointment on Tuesday, which was probably also the worst I felt, so they did a flu and COVID test. I couldn't believe it. No wonder I was so winded at the gym last Friday and Monday. Whoops. Needless to say, all plans for the rest of the week were cancelled and I laid low. 

First, I never read two books at once. Second, the only reason that was possible was because this was also my first audiobook. I started it awhile ago, and 150 pages in realized I hadn't a clue as to was going on. I was going to listen only to catch up, but ended up enjoy the audio version so much better. It's a beautiful, elaborately detailed read. It is also extremely long. Even the audio version was over 30 hours. But I'm glad I did't give up. 

Another Van on my chair photo. I just think it's so funny for some reason. 

Hudson and Natalie had a layover in Denver on their way to visit Nina & Papa in Florida -- and who did they run into, but Cole, who taking full advantage of his friend and family stand-by access. Hudson knew about this, but it was a surprise to us. One of his college soccer teammates is recording some songs in Nashville and he's meeting him there.

This was sent to our family group chat, and I love it. Hudson and Natalie only have a couple of days in Florida, but I'm so excited for them all to get to spend some time together and have some fun in the sun. 

Florida 2026

I'm back from a quick but wonderful trip to visit my parents in Florida. It was fairly last minute, so Brian unfortunately couldn't get away, but one-on-one time with Mom and Dad is pretty special too. It was perfect Florida weather while I was there, which meant a couple trips to the beach, kayaking, lots of walks and a bike ride. We saw alligators, a dolphin (or shark, not sure), manatee and bald eagle, We also went out for dinner a few times, which was a treat for all us since we usually cook at home. We went to Petra's where I had a great fish dish, stopped by Acqua Bistecca at the new Ritz-Carlton Residences for appetizers and a cocktail before having a great pasta dinner at home, and Enzo's where we had a delicious bottle of wine and I enjoyed linguine and clams. So good. My friend Kim was also at her place (in the same community, just up the road from my parents) with her dad at the same time, so we had them over for cocktails one night which was a treat. Unfortunately, I had a cold for most of the trip so wasn't 100%, but we got to relax and make the most of the visit. It went by way too fast, that's for sure. 

Moments 02 26 :: Week 03

Brian and I usually don't do much for Valentine's Day, but since it was a gorgeous day and fell on a Saturday, we decided to the most of it. We had so much fun! We started with a long walk to the lakefront with Van.

Next up was lunch at Cafe Corazon. Both of us had been craving tacos. It hit the spot. 

From there, we went bowling at Landmark Lanes -- back where it started for us. Except we traded darts for bowling balls. Brian won a game. I won the next. We had a blast. Next we went to Von Trier for a cocktail. It's been years since I've been there. Last, we ordered a little sushi for dinner and watched the Olympics. It was a really great day. 

Attention hog.

Moments 02 26 :: Week 02

These two! Sometimes you just need to put down what you are doing and give them some love. Could they be any cuter?

Took this little chunky monkey, Bella, out on a field trip on Monday. She's so affectionate, and loved our day out. 

We took a long walk along the lakefront, which was so pretty. Just look at this.

Hit a big PR this week -- a 320# deadlift. I have bad math to thank for it since I was going for something a little less. My last 1 rep max deadlift PR was 305#, 3 years ago. After almost 12 years of CrossFitting, PRs don't happen much anymore, but sure feel good when they do. 

Moments 02 26 :: Week 01

It's been awhile since we walked all the way down to the lakefront to walk along the beach. It was still brutal cold, but the sun was shining and lured us down.

The nice thing about winter, is the edge of the lake is frozen, so we can walk along an area that is normally not accessible because its covered by water. It was a beautiful walk.

I took this guy, Max, out on a field trip on Monday. He's so stinking cute, and only 1.5 years old. Unfortunately, he ended up getting a cold in the shelter -- super common this time of year -- so he's been moved to a different location that has more open kennels, and he hasn't been put back up for adoption yet. He was so good and quite calm, but has one quirk -- my guy is a bit mouthy. He wasn't aggressive, but I had to tether him far in the back since he was relentless about wanting to chew my hat and coat, while I was driving. He just needs to be taught that is not ok. He really is a sweet guy. 

Look at this guy! It's happening, and we couldn't be more excited for him. 

Speaking of Hudson, look who took the jump seat to come visit us for a few hours. I could get used to this. 

We had lunch -- and pie to go -- at Honey Pie.

Then we stopped home so he could say hi to the dogs. They were so confused but very happy. 

What a treat!

Moments 01 26 :: Week 05

We had our gym anniversary party last Friday night. Such a fun group of people. A few had already left by this point, but it was a fun time. Even if it was -8 degrees outside. 

Gretel in her favorite spot. 

We weren't able to go out for a few days, but braved it after awhile. It's been so cold this week, but this guy wanted to get out. Even if he isn't a fan of his cold weather gear. 

Hudson has been in Phoenix training the past couple of weeks. Last weekend, Natalie flew in to see him. He still had to study a lot, but they were able to get out a bit, including some fun hikes. 

Brian and I finally got to meet our great nieces, Maeve and Evie. This is what they did the entire time. They are beautiful, and such sweet babies, and Mackenzie and Patryck are naturals, and really great parents. 

It's like riding a bike. 

This guy and his chickens. 

I had bought a couple extras last time I found them, and had them hidden in a closet. When Cole was home and we were gone, he found them and gave them all to Van. Now they are are everywhere.

We had our staff dinner for CrossFit last night and went to Cloud Red. It's always so good, and was so much fun getting to sit down and spend some time with the team. 

Moments 01 26 :: Week 04

Mackenzie + Patryck had their babies! Here's Grandma Pam with Evie (L) and Maeve (R), born 16. January.

Quick photo when we dropped Hudson off at the airport after his surprise visit. He's in Phoenix training the next couple of weeks. Lucky guy. I know the training is grueling, but he's escaping the extreme cold front we are experiencing right now. 

I got to see Hamilton and it was fantastic. I had seen the movie version, and it was good -- but seeing this production live is next level. 

A number of people were sick after the wedding -- including poor Leif, who's ticket I got last minute. Sorry for Leif, but I was thrilled. Just look at these seats too. It was so good. 

Emma + Toby got to see some of their wedding photos. There are so many good ones, but here's one of my favorites. Stunning.