Through my lens, 2014 [The Best of the Best Adventures]

Chris came bouncing into the kitchen yesterday, like Tigger from Winnie The Pooh. He’d just spent a morning skiing thigh deep powder in the Wasatch backcountry and was busy riding a powder high… one I’ve learned that lasts much longer than a runner’s high…

I was replacing our 2014 Runner’s World Calendar with a new 2015 Wanderlust calendar on our kitchen wall, when suddenly he grasped the calendar to his chest and said, “I am not ready to let this go yet. Quite simply, 2014 was the best year of my life.”

I’d agree. 2014 brought very little for this family to complain about. And there is something empowering about looking back on 2014 for me. It was full of family and smiles and new explorations, new milestones, close friends, many summits, and goals fought for and achieved…

Here is 2014, Through My Lens:

(Click photo for more detailed info)

Toddler skiing at Snowbasin Resort

Our youngest, age 4, ended last ski season by skiing completely independent from us top to bottom! Huge milestone!

Big Sur and the California Coast

We road tripped to California to cheer Chris and his friend Chuck on in the Big Sur Marathon.

Yosemite climbing good for kids

We spent a week in Yosemite and learned that even ā€œlaid-back and moderateā€ climbers like ourselves can enjoy this epic playground!

Summit of Grandeur Peak

In early summer we launched our family into hiking season and took the kids to their first summet: Grandeur Peak. Roughly 7 miles and 2,300 vertical feet.

My son further explored his love of mountain biking with dad right behind him.

My son further explored his love of mountain biking at Snowbasin Resort, with dad right behind him.

Jumping, backpacking in the High UIntas, sunset

Chris and I took a solo trip and summited Kingā€™s Peak, the highest peak in UT. Chris is jumping for joy because we packed in a cherry pie.

Biking at Echo Tri, triutah

I complete two Olympic Triathlons with summerā€¦surviving the heat and all sorts of head games.

Summit pitch of Redcloud.

Not every adventure included our kids. This backpacking trip to summit two 14ers, Redcloud and Sunshine, was a trip for my mom and I. One I will treasure forever!

Three siblings backpacking in the high Uintas,

We came home and I hit the trail with my family in the High Uintas. My kids proving we can go further next summer!

Gazing at the beauty, Cirque of the Towers

In August I headed into the most rugged and beautiful backcountry Iā€™ve ever seen: Cirque of the Towers, Wind River Range, UT

Ascending the ladder at the first water fall, Kanarra Creek Canyon, UT

We ascended the ladder at the first water fall, after a hot but fun triathlon at Sand Hollow State Park / Kanarra Creek Canyon, UT

We ran Chris through the finish of his first 50 mile trail race.

We ran Chris through the finish of his first 50 mile trail race.

Campfires on BLM land, southern Utah

Campfire reflections at our campsite on BLM land near Goblin Valley, UT

We hiked up Little Wild Horse Canyon and descended down Bell Canyon, playing some more "pass the kids".

We hiked up Little Wild Horse Canyon and descended down Bell Canyon, playing some more ā€œpass the kidsā€.

We took advantage of a crazy warm and long fall in Utah by hiking and hiking and hiking!

We took advantage of a crazy warm and long fall in Utah by hiking and hiking and hiking! Lake Blanche, UT

Hiking to Desolation Lake, Wasatch range, UT

Hiking to Desolation Lake, Wasatch Range, UT

We headed to Moab, UT for some climbing and hiked to Black Angel and Delicate Arch with the kids, Arches National Park

We headed to Moab, UT for some climbing and hiked to Black Angel and Delicate Arch with the kids, Arches National Park

PLaying in the snow on Guardsman Pass, UT

We ended 2014 doing what we love best in the winter, skiing and playing in the snow. Here is to another amazing year!

 

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