East Coast Christmas 2014 & New Year 2015

After my 16 mile run on December 20th, I got last minute packing in to head home to Virginia.  My flight was to be at 11:59pm, but due to a whole bunch of flight schedule changes and a whole lot of drama (which I won't go into here), we ended up leaving around 12:30am on December 21st.  Needless to say, I had a horrible flight to Charlotte.  I couldn't wait to get back home!  It had been almost 3 years since I've been back. 

As soon as I landed at Norfolk, I felt the warmth of home engulf me.  This is my home.  This is where my heart is.

I was greeted by my Mom, Dad, and my big brother.  We went to visit a couple different places before we headed back to the house, where I got to take a nice, long nap!  My body needed it after the night I had!

Later that night, my sister and her kids got home from Northern Virginia.  I was so excited to see my niece and nephew!  I'm so glad they didn't get all shy like they had when they were a little younger.  I think FaceTime really helped with that!  Ezra wasn't getting here until the next Sunday, so I had a week to myself to play with my niece and nephew!

We definitely got in some seafood grub!  It's tradition!  :)

  (being goofy at Captain George's)

I also got to catch up with some of my friends from high school while I was home too!  It's awesome how we can all just pick up where we left off, like we haven't even been gone (those of us that have been out of state for awhile).

And even though I was on vacation, I got in some workouts, so I wasn't slacking!

Christmas Eve we spent together as a family.  Very low key.

  Christmas Day we spent with my sister's in-law, whom I consider my family too!

 I also got to see my best friend, Lori!

My Dad photobombed us

Then he joined us for some yoga.

My mom taught us how to make Pancit!

Ezra got in the next Sunday, December 28th.  While he napped, I got to make it to church and catch up with some of my great girl friends from the Salem Ward!  I love these ladies (not pictured: Amy Johansen - I missed her that day).

We spent another day an a half with my parents, then headed up to Frederick, MD to visit his family.  Frederick is just as much home as Virginia Beach is to me too.

That night, Mom Tross and I headed down to the DC Temple to witness the sealing of the Polander family to their daughters, Brittney and Madison.  Then mom and I went to the temple visitor's center to see the lights and Christmas tree displays.

We got to visit Washington DC the next day.

We spent the rest of New Year's eve with family friends.

On New Year's Day, I made sure to stop and see the people I love most out there:  Brother & Sister Virgin, the Landros, and then some of my girl friends from SRI (Mel & Paula.  Liz couldn't make it).

And my vacation ended with getting the flu and having to fly back to Utah all sick.  But I enjoyed every second of my time at home!  This trip was way too short, and I can't wait to visit again and/or move home!  Miss you, east coast!

Last Training Run Before Vacay: City Creek Canyon 12.20.14

I challenged myself, and some friends, to run 75 miles in the month of December.  I've been doing good, and was hoping to knock this mileage out before I left for vacation today.  So what do I do?  Schedule a 16 mile run before I leave for Virginia.

So the morning of 12.20.14, Alberto, Heather, and I went up City Creek Canyon.  The weather was overcast to start off.  We started at the canyon gate so we could explore more of the trails.  More snow had fallen since we ran last week.

The thick snow made it a little difficult to run.  It was hard to see the trails in some parts.

But one thing for sure... the scenery was gorgeous with all the fresh powder.  Alberto was our trail blazer, while Heather and I laughed trying not to fall as we followed in Alberto's footsteps.  We ran alongside the creek, and some places we thought we might fall in!

We finally got to a part in the trail where the snow had been untouched.  We weren't exactly sure where the trail went on from there, so we turned around and headed back.  Our feet were drenched with melting snow!  Once again, the companionship of fellow running family made the adventure bearable!  We even stopped to make some snow angels!

16 miles done!  Now it's time to head home, get last minute packing done, and celebrate Christmas with my hubby before heading home to Virginia and Maryland for the next couple of weeks! 


And today's run put me right at 75 miles! :D