One of my favorite things to do at the end of each year is write down all the things I did and flip through pictures. I love reliving all the memories. 2016 will be memorable for many things but especially for seizing opportune moments and traveling.

2016 was also a special year for me because I feel like I finally found myself. I have a job I love. I made some neat friends. I started a really fun volunteer placement through Junior League and have been getting more involved in the community. And I’ve been having so much fun blogging! Yes, I’ve definitely found my rhythm in Austin.

I am thankful  for many things this year but especially for the health and recovery of my brother Joe. September 22nd was a very scary day and for those of you who have been asking, Joe is on the mend and doing well :) We are so grateful for all your thoughts and prayers!

Here are some highlights from 2016:

We skied in Keystone with some of my cousins for my birthday :)
Lots of visitors came to Austin and we loved showing them around
I found my new favorite photography location: Laguna Gloria
I began a miniature succulent collection… the plant obsession is real!
We spent Easter weekend in Napa with friends and it was such a wonderful getaway
We surprised my grandmother for her 85th birthday in Chicago with (almost) all of her 27 grandchildren and had a wonderful family reunion
I realized I could walk to Zilker Park with the pups & found a perfect 4 mile exercise routine for me… It’s one of my favorite things about winter and spring in Austin
I read some really really outstanding books. There’s nothing quite like a solid page turner if you ask me…
We visited my grandparents in Hilton Head for the 4th of July and made our regular visit to the Salty Dog Café :)
I spent a week at home over the summer catching up with friends, playing golf, and running along Lake Michigan
The ultimate highlight was traveling to Europe with my sisters! An unforgettable trip for the books.
I celebrated a full year of blogging and made new blogger friends in ATX!
We went to see Taylor Swift. It was amazing. Bucket list check. #bestconcertever
We got away from the Austin heat to experience fall at its Finest in Woodstock, Vermont to celebrate our second anniversary!
And we saw lots of family! :)

2017 will be my last year in my twenties and though I am anxious about entering my thirties and saying goodbye to my favorite decade, I know I’ve got to make 2017 a year to remember.

Happy New Year!

2016 reflections a year in review austin chicago europe hello 2017 hilton head keystone napa new year nyc travel