Friday Favorites

Crazy Busy is the best way to define the season of life I am currently experiencing. My workdays tend to be overcommitted, and I find myself leaving the office with a bigger "to-do" list than when I arrive. Make it to the end of September.... Make it to the end of September.... has been my mantra of late. Personally, things haven't been much slower- in between trips, personal commitments, my running and all of the in-betweens. (Not to mention a wedding to plan) But you know what- if I am being absolutely honest with myself- I really wouldn't have it any other way. Sure- having a solid hour to veg on the couch or catch up on my reading list might be nice. But amidst all the "busy," there is so much to be thankful for.


So here are five things I am loving this Friday!

1. The ladies in my life

This was a pic taken from Andy's bachelorette party in New Orleans a few weeks ago (I'll have to do a separate post on that). I'm thankful to have friendships that have lasted through the years (I was actually pledge trainer for all of these girls pictured here). For these particular ladies in the photo- some live closer than others - I'm happy to be able to pick up where we might have left off last time. I'm also lucky to be surrounded by smart, goal-oriented women. Which leads me to my next Friday Fave....

2. My bestie

I can do life with Krob! We can sweat 3.5 hours around NOLA on bikes together. There was also that time she got way busted for sneaking alcohol onto a cruise ship, but that is a different story for a different time. We have run several half marathons together, been stuck in a thunder storm on a river together (shoutout to Kim- my other bestie), I even poisoned her once with my first attempt at barbecuing. We.Have.Some.Stories!!!!! And that leads me to number 3...

3. This Guy

He just makes me laugh- and makes sure I'm fed so I don't get hangry. Annnnd he just put a ring on- so extra points for that too.... Bling pic in case you missed it the first time.... And because I really just can't stop staring at it...

4. This Guy

This is the other man in my life- and I just love him. He is an 85 pound, furry, bowtie wearing, slobbering, humping, farting beast. But I love him. He can do no wrong. Except when he eats birthday cakes and cupcakes- and I don't particularly enjoy when he humps children. He's lucky he's so cute.

5. Happy one month until Andy's wedding

In a little less than a month- Andy gets married. SO excited for her and her new chapter! After all of the planning that has been done..... it's time to finally enjoy some of it! Proud of you, Be-all!!!!

Happy Friday- wherever it might take you. When I head out of the office this afternoon, the fiance and I are headed down to dinner in Galveston to meet with one of his lifelong besties!

Happy weekending!

Life Lately: Engagement Edition

Life lately has been equal parts crazy and equal parts fun. And by fun, I mean that Aaron and I got engaged over Memorial Day Weekend!!!!!!

Cue sappy post here....

Many of you have known me for years and know that this happened in God's perfect timing. I believe that everyone has to walk their own journey and go through their own experiences to truly appreciate where the road might lead them in the future. Aaron and I found each other (at the dog park) exactly when we were supposed to.

THE ENGAGEMENT

I honestly had no idea this was coming. Sure we had conversations about the future and we both just knew. I knew in my heart it would happen when it was supposed to, so I wasn't stressed out about the when. I knew Aaron would do it when he was ready. We had long-standing plans to visit my family in California over Memorial Day weekend. We had the Clif Mountains to the Beach Half Marathon to run (more on that to come). This had been on our schedules for awhile, so I honestly didn't think much of it. We flew into LA Thursday evening.

Friday was a free day for us. We got up, chatted with my dad for a few and decided to explore. It was a million degrees cooler in California, so we decided to spend some time near the water. We went to the Ventura Harbor and walked around the shops for a bit. Ate lunch at Andria's Seafood (best clam chowder bowls) and made our way to the beach for a bit. By that time, it was time to go meet my mom to pick our race packets up. We headed that way, picked our packets up and drove the race course and were done for the day.

Saturday, Aaron and I made the drive up to Santa Barbara. He had never been- and everyone needs to experience Santa Barbara at least once in their lifetime. We walked around State Street and did some shopping for a large majority of the day, and grabbed a bite to eat at Paxty's Pizza before we left- so yummy!  Then, we made the drive home to carb load with my family (grandma and uncle and cousin included) to prepare for the race the next day.

THE RACE

I'll go into more detail about this race in a different post. But long story short, it was a point to point half marathon and I got a PR. The weather and the views were gorgeous. You literally start the race (very very verrrrry early in the morning - but more on that later) in the mountains of Ojai and you run down to the beach. Gorgeous view and great run.

Needless to say, after a 4 a.m. wakeup call and 6:30 a.m. start time- I was exhausted. We got back to the house to nap!

THE PROPOSAL

My parents were grilling out for the last dinner before we flew back to Texas. It was delish, after dinner, I was still exhausted, but Aaron insisted on seeing the beach one last time before we headed back. I really didn't want to go (hello- I was tired), but I pulled it together and we headed out.

We went back to Ventura Beach and walked along the water for about an hour. We saw some dead seals, pelicans, dogs and boats. Gorgeous night. Around that time, the sun started to go down, and Aaron suggested we sit and enjoy the sunset. I was still not expecting anything at that point- the man must have nerves of steel, because he wasn't acting nervous. He asked me to close my eyes...... and I was like ::pause:: {I mean.... he's been known to streak .... so I was a bit concerned} he finally convinced me to close my eyes and started saying some really sweet things.... and when I opened them- he was on both of his knees- with the bling. It was such a sweet moment for both of us- and we could not be more excited!

THE BLING

I mean, let's be honest, this girl loves her some bling. But this isn't just any old bling, this is THE bling, and Aaron did good. He was so sneaky. He took a few rings from my bedroom to take to the jeweler for sizing and had them in his possession for several days before returning them. I did not notice a single one was missing. for SEVERAL days. But that is neither here nor there, and I pay much better attention to my bling.

His friend referred him to his family jeweler several months ago, which is when the process started. Over the course of several months, Aaron showed him pictures of some of my go-to pieces so the jeweler would have an idea of my taste. Aaron also sketched a photo of what he had in mind, and they went from there.

They had several diamonds flown in from Antwerp, so Aaron could hand-pick which stone he wanted in the ring. The end result is perfect. It's special to me because he went through so much effort to make it perfect.

So, in case you haven't seen it already- here is picture of the goods:

THE BACK STORY

My parents had known he was going to propose since March- they just didn't know when. Aaron flew to California on a business trip and mentioned he might see my family if he had a chance. He said he talked to my dad before he flew out and he would try to make it up to see them if his flight got in early enough. That night, I called my mom and she said that Aaron was going over for dinner. I didn't think much of it, but that turned out to be the night he asked. So my parents were holding onto a pretty big secret for awhile.

Apparently there were other secret-keepers. He told Kim's brother David that he had the ring. Risky- since Kim is one of my besties. And he showed the ring to several other people. Turns out- since it was Memorial Day Weekend, Kim and David were both at their parent's house- and David mentioned Aaron had the ring...... quite a shocker for Kim I'm sure :) So when I called Kim at the airport Monday morning to spill the news- she wasn't surprised at all!

He didn't tell anyone he was going to do it- not any of our friends - or our parents- he didn't want to risk the word getting out.  

WHAT'S NEXT?

We are both so excited and have enjoyed these past couple of months. We don't have a date picked out and are narrowing down a location - or two! The most important thing for the two of us is that we enjoy the process and that everyone around us enjoys the process. We don't want to get so caught up in the details - that we lose sight of the marriage (but the details will be fun as well). I'll check back in and more things are decided. Let the planning begin!

Houston Rodeo

Florida Georgia Line

I figured I'd give you a quick update on what's been going on in my world lately. Long story short - I've been working like crazy (I have a citywide event I'm planning for September. And in case you haven't heard, Houston is the 4th largest city - anyways- I'll let you do the math). I've always been a big believer in work-life balance. So in between having fun with friends and work - it's left little time for anything else. The Houston Rodeo comes to town every March. This year- we went a bit Rodeo crazy if you will. We were lucky enough to score tickets to see some of my fave artists this year:

• Miranda Lambert
• Zac Brown Band (a personal favorite of mine)
• Florida Georgia Line
• Blake Shelton (another personal fave of mine - who doesn't like Blake?)
• Brad Paisley
• Luke Bryan (he can sure put on a good show)

Zac Brown Band

Brad Paisley

Luke

 Let's talk about this Luke Bryan pic real fast. We had good seats to Luke- courtesy of Miller Lite. And by good- I mean we got to touch him! He came right up to the fence - and we got to get real personal with Mr. Bryan. It was quite an experience - and by experience - I mean it was cool, but he has quite the diverse audience if you will....

 Growing up in California, I was never exposed to anything like this. The rodeo is indeed- an actual rodeo with real cowboys and real livestock. Who knew? Each evening, the rodeo takes places a couple of hours before the concert. And honestly, one of my most favorite parts about the rodeo might be the mutton bustin' (if you don't already know what it is... basically they stick small children on large sheep and they ride the sheep until they fall off). Exhibit A:

Naughty Sheep!

 I also love the other events:

Chuckwagon Races

One of my favorite events to watch is the Calf Scramble. They release a bunch of calves and the kids (all members - I believe - of local FFA branches) chase the calves. If they catch a calf, they can raise it for the next year!

They are stubborn little things!

I felt like we were at the rodeo at least once a week this year! I can't wait for it to come back again next year! Anyways, Happy Thursday! I'll be back tomorrow!

Life Lately in Five Words or Less

Why am I so bad at this? The first few months of 2015 have been filled with lots of work and lots of activities! I figured it might be better just to show you. So, here we go:

Checked out the new dog-park. 

First bike-ride of the season.

Went indoor skydiving.

Tried out the new bike path!

Enjoyed the warm weather.

Harry the horse in Belton.

Went to Houston Rodeo (ALOT)!

More fun at the rodeo!

Yep ladies, that is Luke Bryan!

Kate and I at the Rodeo (where else?)!

As far as the running goes, I took some off after the marathon to let my body recover a bit. We've been doing several shorter runs throughout the week, yoga once a week, and have added in some strength training days.

Upcoming race: We will be headed to California at the end of May to run the Clif Bar Mountains 2 Beach Half Marathon!

Race Recap: My First Marathon

Wow- I am officially a marathoner- I can cross this off my bucket list! There really are no words to describe my first marathon experience, and I want to get these documented so I don't forget! **Disclaimer: I'm definitely sitting here icing a sore knee and a sore ankle. Oh yeah....and everything hurts... everything.***

The bling made it worth it :)

Before I get into the details, I wanted to talk about the Aramco Houston Half Marathon and the Chevron Houston Marathon. Houston is my favorite race city of all time. The crowd support here is unmatched anywhere else (I mean- I've done this race in the rain before- and there were STILL people out cheering the crowds on). There were times during this race that the crowds really helped me out. There were people all along the race- yelling out our names and giving us the extra boost we needed at times. It made my heart happy! I will run this race every year for sure.

Race Recap starts now:

My mom and I at the finish! They trekked all over Houston to see us!

My mom flew in for this one (shoutout to JoJo) and Aaron's parents came to watch as well! We participated in our annual carb loading dinner the evening before at Collinas (a new location for this year, but we will for sure be back. I mean- unlimited bread?). Aaron and I also went to the Expo, which is one of my favorite race expo's as well. We had some fun in the photo booth and picked up some official race merch!

Part of the Expo. They build out this wall every year with water bottles!

It was a great day in Houston all around- the weather was gorgeous- so I really lucked out for my first marathon. We started the race in 52 degree weather, and ended at around 70 degrees. My big dilemma was figuring out what to wear. I don't like cold weather (anything below 60 degrees in my book), but I knew it was going to warm up.

What I wore: 

•  I opted for my Nike shorts
•  A short sleeve dri-fit t-shirt
• My trusty running hat (I love this thing) 
• Throw away gloves (picked up at the Expo), which I did not end up wearing

What I carried with me: 

• Hydration belt with two water bottles
• 3 bags of black cherry chomps (I prefer them because they aren't too sweet)
• 2 roctane lemonade Gu gels
• Burt's Bees chapstick(hey- gotta look good for the pics... in all seriousness, it is distracting to me when my lips get dry during a long run, so I just bring it along)
• 2 extra Strawberry/lemonade Nuun tablets (aka my lifesavers)

Aaron and I spent quite a bit of time the evening before trying to give our family proper directions to several of the viewing points (none of them are from Houston). I went to bed around 11, with a 4 a.m. wake up time. 

What I ate before the race (trained with all of these): 

• Cup of coffee
• Eggo waffle with an egg on top

Aaron and I made our way over to the convention center around 6 a.m. I needed to check some gear (mainly my ibuprofen in case I needed it ASAP after the race, flip flops... and body spray... again- priorities :) ) 

Us inside the Convention Center before heading out to our corrals!

We had enough time to use the porta potties, check our gear bag, stretch and head to the start line. We were lined up in corral D, and after our Dallas half marathon fail (at starting at the very end of the race because we were running a tad late), we knew how important it was to line up with our pace group. We were aiming to finish at about 4 hours and 45 minutes - 5 hours.

Right before the starting gun went off!

Before we knew it we were off. Our main strategy was to run a smart race. Stick to our pace and to actually finish. I also wanted to enjoy my first marathon experience, so I made sure to take lots of pics before, during and after the race.

Starting line!

Mile 1:

Passed by so quickly. We did NOT want to zig zag through groups of people, so we just stuck to our pace and stayed a straight line.

Mile 2: Saw our fam, but missed Kim.

Miles 3-7: Ran through some familiar places (West Gray, Kirby). Took one of my GU chomps at Mile 5. Noticed Aaron was drinking lots of water as it started warming up.

Mile 7.5: We were supposed to see our fam at this checkpoint, but managed to miss them.

Mile 8: Split for the marathon. This was when it got real for me. The Houston half has a large group of runners, and that group thinned out significantly when we split for the marathon. No turning back. Ran through Rice University, which was familiar territory because I ran here during training runs.

Mile 10: Saw some spectating friends, but missed seeing my boss- there were so many people out supporting the runners, it was hard to find people! Ate another bag of my GU chomps. Noticed Aaron was drinking more water at the stations than usual.

Mile 13: It was hot, but we were at a our exact pace we wanted to be. I think at this point, we were at around 2 hours and 10 minutes, and I still felt good. I wasn't overly tired, and I knew I would for sure be able to make it. I think at this point, I had refilled my water bottles and put another Nuun tablet in them. No headache, which is a huge deal for me. I didn't feel like I was dying. Aaron started to slow down on me, so we walked a bit. I could tell something was off with him, but the walking seemed to help.

Mile 13-16: These miles were hot. We were in the Galleria area, and there are alot of glass buildings- and a lot of sun. I remember a group of belly dancers- and found that amusing- a bit disturbed for the man who got a free shimmy. I took a GU Roctane gel at Mile 15.

Mile 16: The mile where we had to change our game plan. At this point we had 10 more miles. That normally takes us about 1.5 hours. Aaron was starting to cramp up- not good. Not good at all. I still felt okay (not fantastic by any means, but okay). We weren't going to be able to run the rest of the way, so we decided to do a run-walk from this point out. We also did some stretching.

Mile 16-18: Took us through some beautiful parts of Houston. I started noticing alot of cramping runners.

Mile 18: Saw a child on a bike. Desperately wanted to steal his bike and ride it the rest of the way in.

Mile 18-20: Took us through Memorial. Really very pretty, and the scenery kept me distracted from my burning glutes :)

Mile 20: Made it to The Wall - a checkpoint where they have a ton of extra gels, snacks, water, tissues, anything you might need set up. Still run/walking at this point.

Mile 20- just trucking along!

Mile 20-22: Memorial Park. I ate another bag of chomps at 20. Aaron and I were both very tired at this point, and I was worried because Aaron was limping a bit. We were still doing our run/walk.

Mile 22: Some man told me I "only" had 4 more miles to go. I got very frustrated (maybe hanger had set in?) because it seemed like an eternity. Note to self: I won't ever tell anyone near the end of a race how many more miles they have left to run.

Mile 23-24: These were probably my hardest miles. For me personally, I felt so close, but still so far away. I started to visualize what these miles might look like during a training run (i.e. it's only from my house to the park and back) and it helped me a bit. I was definitely in some discomfort (my hip flexors and glutes were killing me). I was also worried about Aaron. He kept slowing down on me, which is not like him and I could tell he was in some pretty significant pain by trying to keep his calf from cramping.

Mile 24: The bike medics almost took Aaron away from me. They gave him some biofreeze to rub on the calf and decided he could finish out the race. Two point two miles was soooo close at this point. We were on Allen Parkway, making our way into Downtown to the finish. We couldn't run though, because everytime we would, Aaron's cramp would get worse. We walked as fast as we could until Mile 25.5.

Home stretch.....

Mile 25.5-mile 26.2: I was praying Aaron's leg would hold out until we crossed the finish line. We trained together, and we were going to finish together! Right before the finish line, we saw our fam again- and crossed on over!

Finishers with our race bling!

Crossing that finish line is a feeling I won't ever forget. I've thought about that moment so many times in my head over the past several months. During the early mornings and the long runs. When I was tired and hungry. When we were both trying to keep up with busy work schedules. It made it all SO worth it. Our time ended up being 5 hours and 35 minutes, and you know what? It wasn't what I had initially expected, but I'm proud of it. We ran a smart race, and had to adapt as necessary to make it. At no point did I ever feel like I couldn't do it. While my muscles were definitely hurting, I felt fine. I didn't get a headache (which is a huuuuge deal for me) and was really able to enjoy the finish. Houston has a great post-race breakfast sponsored by HEB, and of course, I grabbed some chocolate milk! It was a day I will remember forever. I have tucked away memories of my very first half marathon back in 2012, and I will store these special memories in the same place.

You know- running is so much more than a physical thing. It's about pushing yourself past boundaries and through obstacles that you might not have thought you would be able to. It's about constantly expanding your comfort level and forcing yourself to new distances and new places. I love the race, and it makes me appreciate the journey to get there even more! "I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength~" Philippians 4:13

So, here's to the next one (and focusing on recovery for this one)!

Tomorrow I'll be back with the things I think made this first race a success for me!

My Last Training Run: 22-Miles

I did my last training run before the marathon on Friday. 22 miles, and it wasn't pretty. There are definitely a few things I would do differently should I do another full marathon, which I will get to in a different post and running 22 miles by myself is one of those I would change. I'm on day three of recovery and some things still don't feel right. Miraculously, I still have my toenails (gotta think positive thoughts)!

I have had several friends (marathon veterans) tell me they wished they would have done a 22 mile training run. So I have had it in my head that 22-miles is the magic number, and I've been working up to that all along. The problem- was mixing training runs in with holiday and travel and my formerly predictable-training schedule - became much less predictable. I also managed to tweak my foot (somehow) during a short run when I was back in California for Christmas. Which that little tweak? Yeah- it's for sure coming back to haunt me.

Aaron and I typically do our long runs together, but I wanted to get it over with so I'd have enough recovery time and I had Friday off work. So a solo run for me it was. Also, the weather predicted rain for Saturday. I set off Friday morning, armed with my Nuun tablets, hydration belt and music (who knew how much stuff I'd have to pack). It was cold- and my poor California heart has never adjusted to anything colder than 50 degrees. It was 46 when I started out, but was supposed to warm up to 55. Totally doable.

Around mile 5 is when things started going downhill. If you're doing the math- that means I had 17 miles left to go (not that I was counting). My foot that I hurt in California- was killing me. The main pain is on the front part of my ankle. I tried to ignore it. Didn't work. I tried to stretch it. Didn't work. I was going to throw in the towel for the day, but I know myself- and I knew I had to get through these 22-miles to make me feel prepared for race day. Stubborn much?

So, I had no choice but to just get through it. I was actually able to run on it until mile 17 or 18 and had worked up a fairly decent 9:30 pace. By that time, my left leg had started compensating for the problems I had with my right ankle. I knew I had to stop and walk the rest. I made a few phone calls, made an appointment to drop Sawyer off at the groomers- ya know- just went about my normal business for those last few miles. I ended up finishing in 4:08, which would put me riiiight around the 5 hour mark for the full. My goal is to run a 4:30 race.

By the time I finished- I knew I had done some damage to my foot. It was a little numb and appeared to be a bit swollen. I'm icing it every night and not wearing heels to work (oh the sacrifices we make). I also took the last couple of days off from running/working out and treated myself to a massage yesterday. It's feeling better, but definitely not 100% , so I need to focus extra hard on treating my ankle nicely leading up to the race.

Soooo.... here is my PSA for the day. Just because I did something stupid- doesn't mean you should do the same. If it hurts. Just stop. Funny- because I'm pretty sure I said the same thing when Aaron got his stress fracture.

I'm back to the gym tonight and some yoga tomorrow. And lots of ice :) Happy Monday and back to work days for all of you!

2014 in Review

As I sit down to do my year in review of 2014, I realized a couple of things:

1. This year was full in so many great ways; and
2. 2015 is going to be even bigger.

Here we go- 2014 in a nutshell:

January

We started the year off with this sweet face! I adopted him in January 2011 and it's been mayhem love ever since. He is SO lucky he is cute!

Next up was Kim's birthday! We celebrated by going out to din din and the Blow Dry bar. Love these ladies and love that Kim was born at the beginning of the year, so there is always a celebration to look forward to after Christmas/New Years!

 

 

I tried out my domestic skills for Kim's bday. And that animal that I mentioned I love so much? Yeah- he ate Kim's cake. Tragic. 

 We carb loaded during out annual pre-Houston Marathon carb loading dinner. It's fun even if you aren't running. This year was at Bucca di Beppo and they didn't disappoint. I'm already excited for carb loading 2015.

 This was my third time running the Houston Half. And once again- it didn't disappoint. A great, flat course and a great crowd.

Tatum was running the full, and I was able to run into him and wish him good luck right before we started!

February

Krob's birthday in February, so we had another reason to celebrate! We exchange those birthday glasses every year with the date and a birthday wish!

 We got tickets to SING and made the annual trip to Waco to watch. It's always a great time and it makes me nostalgic for those good ol' days back at Baylor.

 I got domestic again for Valentine's Day and made chocolate dipped pretzels. I impressed myself with my sprinkling skills.

Ran the Austin Half Marathon, where I clearly needed a tan (these Houston winters are tough :) ), developed a blister on a very important part of my foot and decided I should probably train more for hills.

My support system came to cheer me on! He wasn't running this one because he was way injured with a stress fracture. My PSA for the day: when it hurts- it's probably best to stop and let your body heal.

March

When the first warm-ish day arrives in Houston, it's best spent celebrated on an outdoor patio with friends, frozen mojitos and Sangria. 

 The pet palooza. I think this picture needs no description.

 The Houston rodeo- we got Krob tickets to see Reba for her bday. It was fabulous and I had the best time watching Reba with the ladies.

 There was also that time I kept making fun of Bob Costas during the Olympic broadcasts. Like- really making fun of him and then Aaron and I also developed some eye issues of our own.

Aaron and I went closing night of the Houston Rodeo to watch one of my faves- Zac Brown Band!

April

 Aaron and I on our annual post-Easter service bike ride.

 An evening at the Menil. April is typically the time when things start warming up around here, and we can get out and enjoy some outdoorsy things. That night, Aaron and I watched some short films at the Menil Collection here in Houston.

 Another day, another bike ride. We don't get on our bikes much during the winter. One, because we are typically training for a race and two- it's pretty chilly.

 Annual Ho-Family adult Easter Egg Hunt and Party. This is a great tradition!

We even include egg-dyeing at the party!

May

My special roomslice (roomie for two years in college and sorority sister) graduated from Law School and I am so proud of her!

 Memorial Day bike ride in Belton. Aaron and I took a weekend trip to Belton to spend some time with his fam and we brought the dogs and bikes along with us. Such a fun time.

Corner Table Anniversary. If you haven't been- its great and they went all out for their anniversary party.

 Sprint for Life 5k. This is a race benefiting ovarian cancer and my work had a booth. So I figured I'd run to support!

And Cinco de Mayo. Side note: Krob and I bought these dresses on a spring break cruise many moons ago. We bust them out every year for Cinco de Mayo!

June (i.e. lots of outdoor time and lots of pool time)

June is the month of bike riding and snow cones. I can really appreciate a snow cone after a long, hot bike ride. And Friohana (formerly Texas Blizzard) is superior to the rest!

 So, I'm not quite sure what exactly was going on here, but we spent alot of time at the pool, and alot of time people watching at the pool this summer. We would literally send out the pool text, grab some snacks and park ourselves poolside. The best kind of summer!

 And hot dogs at baseball games. Jokes on me.

 Friday night fireworks and a baseball game at Minute Maid Park scream summer to me.

 Aaron's birthday is in June. And we always try to surprise each other for birthdays. This year, I wanted the group to do an activity. And the Pedal Party did not disappoint. It was so much fun, and I'm already trying to think of a theme and date for the next time we can all go.

 Group pic. The theme was "Murica," which coincidentally also fell on the same day the US was playing in the World Cup!

 Roomie pic! Love her!

 Yellow Party. I always run into men with my same yellow pants- and they always feel the need to point it out....

Girl's trip to float the river and wine taste in Fredericksburg. Already thinking of when we can go back! Love these ladies and love all the strange things that happen to us.

 We made it to Luckenback, which was incredibly cool! I am officially a true Texan.

The proof. 

July

 July 4th was the annual Ho-Family 4th of July Party. I got domestic again for the third time this year and made a star-shaped galette. #Imfancy

I mowed the lawn (alot this summer), which is oddly satisfying. I never want to do it, but when I do, I always feel very accomplished.

Aaron and I got out on the water lots this summer, which made my heart super happy. We still have a boat that hasn't been used, but we took advantage of kayaking and jet skiing.

August

(Remind me that this is probably the time next year that I need to start my Christmas shopping, because time moves so quickly from here until the end of the year)

 More time on the water. Hydroflying at it finest......

 Some of us were better hydro-flyers than others.

 It seemed alot higher at the time :)

 Ramping up some good base mileage for the marathon. And these were some hot miles.

 Andy got engaged!!!! Any excuse to put together a pretty package.

 Jenny came to visit. Jenny is an old college roommate and also sorority sister of mine and she has a very hectic work schedule. So anytime she has time to visit- we make it work!

 Andy's engagement party. So excited for August 2015!

Annnd, more baseball!

September

 

Aaron surprised me with a bday party at Hotel Galvez, swim-up bar and all. 28 has been good to me so far!

 Krob and I spent Labor Day kayaking and jetskiing away. We finished off the afternoon with some ceviche and an adult beverage on the Boondoggles patio.

 More bike riding.

Puckers the pug came to live in Houston and we are fans!

October

 Annual Ho-Family pumpkin carving party. Always a true expression of creativity....

 I think it's really cute that Aaron and Cody both decided to be twins and wear orange in honor of Halloween. I also love the man time they are enjoying with Puckers on the couch.

 Annual trip to Baylor for Homecoming! I love spending time with friends we haven't seen in awhile! And their baby bumps :)

Every year we talk about going to a real pumpkin patch to pick out a pumpkin. My family and I would go every year in California. It was a real live pumpkin patch and you could still see them on the vine. This patch did the trick this year, but it still wasn't anything like McGrath Farms. New patches, new traditions. They had some very cool activities at this patch and I would love to go back in 2015.

 Krob and I went to Trader Joes and purchased everything pumpkin. Yes. It's a true story. We are all about embracing the seasons, and I hope to make this a repeat tradition in 2015. My favorite thing out of this was by far the pumpkin butter. I mean- smother some of that, on top of some pumpkin cream cheese on a pumpkin bagel- and it's heaven!

This is a photo of the ladies at the pumpkin patch!

 My very first NFL game. Cowboys vs. the Texans. What a great game! Take me back now!

Aaron, Krob and I at the game. 

November

We kicked November off with our annual trip to the Nutcracker Market. This year, we both took Friday off and started out bright and early. We were there all. day. And those ladies are cray. It is always my kickoff to Christmas shopping.

 Fundraising gala with Kate and Kelli. Fun night and excited to meet Baby McKinley in 2015!

 Aaron and I headed to California for Thanksgiving to visit my family. The weather was gorgeous the entire time (in the 70's). We were able to get some good training runs in on the beach and spend some quality time with the fam.

 You can't beat this view on a run!

 We started Thanksgiving morning off with an 8-mile hike up in La Jolla Canyon. The view from the top.

 Blurry family pic.

We ended our trip with a bit of jet skiing out of the harbor. I didn't want to go at first because it was a bit windy out, but Aaron convinced me and I'm so glad I went. 

December

 December was a BIG month. Lots of travel and lots of excitement. On this weekend, Aaron and I met up with his family in Dallas to run the Sprint PCS Dallas Half Marathon. My first time to run this one and a great training run. Not my best race, but I took notes on things I can improve upon leading up to the marathon.

 Aaron got in on the sign action also!

 The hotel we stayed at was decorated SO nicely for Christmas!

 My race essentials. I live and die by the Nuun water!

 Post-race beverages!

 Pre-race pic!

 Annual Ho-Family Christmas party. It was tacky, so I busted out a Waco Goodwill find from back in the day.

 Back to California for Christmas. I was able to enjoy some more fantastic weather and some more training runs on the beach. Life is good.

 My cousin and I share the same birthday- so here is our twin selfie!

Pic with the fam! It's always such a hard time to get my sister to even look at the camera. Go figure, the time she looks- and my dad and I aren't..... Next time!

It's been a fantastic year with so many great memories. As we are never promised tomorrow, it makes me appreciate the small moments, which make the bigger moments even more special. I'm excited for the potential in store for 2015 and look forward to all there is to come!