I realize it's been far too long since I last blogged, and I feel a bit guilty about it. It's not that I haven't thought of it (I have, often) but rather that these last few weeks have been so back to back packed with busy fun, I haven't had a free moment to rest, let alone write.
So I have a moment right now - an almost quiet, nothing needing me moment- where I can look back on the last three weeks in wonder and happiness and remember it. I knew it would be a busy time of the year, but I wasn't quite prepared at how busy!
It all started with my trip to America, my first stop being Chicago. I try to visit my family there at least once a year, and this year was no exception. This trip, I got to fly over Greenland, and it was exceptional. My face was glued to the window instead of the movie screen!
Landing in Chicago, I came out of passport control to find my aunt Lisa.... with my mom hiding behind her! She was there to surprise me! The rest of my time in Chicago sped by. I spent my time seeing family, training for my race, and seeing my friends. I loved the Taste of Chicago and lots of lovely hugs with my family.
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| The Bean! I've seen it tons of times and still love it! |
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| Self portrait in the bean! |
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| So much food, so little time! |
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| Mom and daughter time at the Face Fountain in downtown Chicago |
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| Sisters at dinner |
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| Me and my wonderful grandma :) |
Chicago and time with Dana!
Then before I knew it, mom and I had arrived in LA. I had one night at home before I flew to NorCal to see more lovely family! My cousin Jami welcomed me into her home and I got some special one on one time with my gorgeous God-daughter, Lindsay. We had a blast jumping on the trampoline, playing Monopoly, exploring their area and just getting to know each other more. On my last night, my cousins Erin and Anne came over so we could chat and catch up.
Then back to SoCal I flew, to spend some much needed time with each my family there. Again, I balanced training with family time, and we had a wonderful time. I got to sit on the beach, swim in the ocean, eat sushi, hug my adorable new nieces and nephews, and join that wonderful little community for a bit. My family even took the day to go to Disneyland together where we met up with even more cousins. Did I mention I love my family? It was busy and full and incredible. All too soon it was over and I was on my way home.
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| Jungle cruise with my dad-d-o, and the jokes are just his style! |
Pam and Matt came to join us! How fun!
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| Family Disneyland picture! |
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| Mmmm, churros! |
Can we talk about how brothers are the best? Because I love my brother!
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| My friends have the cutest kids! |
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| Friend time at the beach! Thanks Alessa! |
With a few days to readjust to the time zone, my cousin Pam and her daughter Sarah came to visit me in Scotland. This meant I got to play the tourist and try all the fun sights in Edinburgh - the castle, the Royal Mile, the bus tours, etc. We took a day and drove to Aviemore up north into the highlands and tasted some whisky at the Dalwhine distillary (Sarah really loved that part!). The fun never ended, and it was such a wonderful feeling to have family in my home. Then in a second they were gone.
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| Visiting Edinburgh! |
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| In Aviemore |
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| Highlands+kilt=Scotland! |
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| Mom + Daughter = Love |
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| Sarah loved chasing the animals, as they ran terrified away |
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| Whisky! |
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| Sarah is not a fan! |
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| In front of the distillery |
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| View from Arthur's Seat |
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| Sarah at the top! |
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| Edinburgh is just too gorgeous! |
A breath of time later I was on another flight, this time to Prague! My sweet cousin Mackenzie was on a Eurotrip, and I was meeting her there for the weekend. The last time I was in Prague, I was running a marathon which made it rather unenjoyable. This time, I soaked in the stunning architecture, tasty beer, and unique cuisine. And even now, as the time slips through my fingers, I can't manage to slow it down.
And then just a few days later, friends from Canada visited us with their adorable kiddos. I got more tourist fun time, and I was not ready to let them go! Ferris wheels, snuggles and more!
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No matter what I do, I can't slow it down. And so this summer, as incredible as it is, passes as blur. One can only hope every moment is this unique and appreciated.
