This isn’t really a recap of the year, more of the weekend, but we did it up right and had a blast! The new year was originally planned here in Denver but a few things came up so that all had to change quickly!

Wednesday came with a call the Courtney’s sister was in the ER so obviously C said she wanted to go down and be with her, so our weekend and new years plans changed pretty fast. We were able to get Court on a plane to Austin that night with no clue on a return flight. It quickly became apparent that it wasn’t worth it for her to go down for just a day or two so we decided that I’d come down and spend New Years there as well. Glad we did because apparently a few days of separation really makes us cranky! I rented a car (Dodge Avenger which was awesome btw) and drove down to Austin, a 14 hour drive, and made it in time for a late dinner on the 30th. I had my trusty sidekick as well though he slept the entire time. Jerk.

On the road at 5AM allows for some sweet sights!

Oliver making sure I’m pumping the gas right

It was a nice relaxing trip for the most part. I also officially met Courtney’s mom! She liked me I think. Let’s hope anyway! We had a packed house but it was worth it. Saturday morning, the two of us decided to try and get our 20 miler in at Town Lake. We apparently started on the wrong side of town but had a great run. Was fun seeing all the ATXers in their long sleeves and hats while I was shirtless. It was gorgeous and a great run but we definitely didn’t get the full 20 in. Oh well. Fun way to start the last day of the year!

Colorado meets Texas

That night we decided to keep it low key since Britt was still a little out of it because of the pain so we went to Jack Allen’s. Super good food and a fun atmosphere! After that, we went back and watched a movie before the new year started. I had bought some beer, champagne and whiskey for the night; I was able to find Stranahan’s for Josh as a thanks for letting us stay with them! At midnight we watched the fireworks from the house since it’s on a hill and then lit some of our own in the street.

Paddling up to Barton Springs!

On the kayak!

Next morning we decided to go kayaking in Town Lake since Britt was feeling much better. We were glad we were able to do this! Saw a lot of fun stuff we missed out on during the run, so much wildlife you’d never see from the path! After our water fun, we went to Hula Hut! Love this place. I didn’t realize it but I had eaten here in high school when we’d go down for the Texas Relays for track. Awesome food for sure though. We headed home for a nap and then hit a local bar for some pool and drinks. It was a ton of fun! Court wasn’t too eager to play but after the first game, I think she was hooked. What a night!

All 4 of us after we played some pool!

By the time Monday rolled around, we weren’t ready to leave.  Unfortunately we had to get back for work by Tuesday and driving 900+ miles in a day with a dog isn’t the easiest thing to do. We said our goodbyes and headed for a quick stop at Enchanted Rock near Llanos. I wasn’t sure what to expect but this little state park was awesome! We hiked to the top of the big rock and played around a bit before heading out again. It’s a long ways to get from Austin back to Denver but it was awesome taking the back roads for the first few hours. Tons to see and taking the scenic route was worth it for sure.

Courtney on the hike to the top of Enchanted Rock

We had to stop at one point in Texas so I could take a nap for about 20 minutes to get refreshed and then by the time we got to Pueblo at 9:30 pm, I was tired again so we stopped for another nap! I try not to make Courtney drive too much but she definitely does her part. We made it to Monument and I was beat again so Court drove us in for her final shift. Home and in bed by 1 AM and we were definitely feeling it!

I’m glad we get to go back down at the end of January and that we’re flying this time. Was a great way to start the new year and we have a lot to look forward to and accomplish over the next few months! Hope you all had a great new year as well!

Happy New Year!