First, the obvious – as a whole, 2017 was a rough year. However, on a personal level, it was one of the best yet, which mostly can be attributed to watching Josie transition from infancy into toddler-dom. Initially, the goal of this post was 17 of my favorite photos from 2017 which was quickly deemed near impossible, so instead it became 17 of my favorite moments and memories from 2017 (in order of date taken).
1. Feb 5th – Fat Biking With Dogs
Whether the path is dirt, sand, or snow, there is little in life that beats exploring in the wild with your favorite dog or two in tow.
2. Feb 22nd – Presidents Week Camping Fail
What these photos don’t show: The death flu I had prior to departure, running out of gas on I-15, busted water pipe in camper, gale force winds while camping, and probably some other stuff I have blocked from memory. What these photos do show: our first attempt at family camping in the trailer which ultimately ended in us resigning ourselves to a cheap motel and taking advantage of the indoor pool.
Read more on our President’s Week Camping Attempt report >
3. March 11th – The Moments in-Between
While most of these photos are from trips or special occasions, some of my favorite memories come from the moments in-between, when we take a minute from the day-to-day & simply appreciate life, whether it’s hanging in the grass at the park, lounging around the house, or during bath-time.
4. April 12th – Moab Spring Break
We’re either crazy, or gluttons for punishment, but whatever the reason, shortly after our President’s Week camping fail we set out on another family camp excursion. However, this time we came out the other end tired, but ultimately, happy campers.
More photos from our Moab Spring Break >.
5. April 30th – Empire Ski Tour
It’s hard not to love where you live when you’re riding bikes in 65 degree weather one weekend, and skiing spring pow the next.
More photos from our April 30th Deer Valley tour >
6. May 3rd – Josie’s First Birthday
At week 5 or so, keeping a kid alive for another 50 weeks seems like an eternity. However, as evidenced in these photos, we did it!
7. May 7th – Terror Ridge SLC
This is one of my all-time favorite bike photos I’ve taken, and showcases how unique Salt Lake is as a city adjacent to the mountains.
8. May 22nd – Father Daughter Swell Adventure
Our first solo father-daughter camp trip. So grateful for the opportunity to share these amazing places with Josie. Here’s to many more daddy-daughter camp trips to come!
More photos from our Swell Adventure >
9. June 3rd – Boat Babes
One day we’ll do a real river trip. Until then, we’re practicing floating around on Deer Creek.
10. June 7th – Spiro MTB
Another of my favorite bike photos taken this year. After a big snow year, the trails were extra green and dense throughout the late spring and early summer.
11. July 5th – Colorado Summer Road Trip
Our big summer trip took us on the road for ten days through Colorado, where we rode bikes, hiked, & soaked in Steamboat, visited Kassie’s family in Pine, and of course, sampled all Colorado’s native delicacies.
12. July 23rd – Alta Wildflowers
There’s nothing like the mid-summer wildflower bloom in Alta’s Albion Basin – especially when you follow-up with Alta Lodge’s fantastic brunch. A must-do summer activity.
13. July 28 – Camping in the Uinta’s
It’s hard to believe we only made it up to the Uinta’s for a night this summer. However, I distinctly remember how good it felt to be cuddled up next to a fire at 9,000′ in the midst of a summer heat wave.
14. Sept 23 – Whole Enchilada
The Whole Enchilada is one of those rides that is on every mountain biker’s bucket list. As such, it seemed high time for me to finally cross it off. However, there’s a narrow window where it’s rideable due to snow, extreme heat, rain/mud, and so on. We managed to ride it while experiencing all of the above, which made for an experience I’m not soon to forget.
Read more about the Whole Enchilada Fall Epic >
15. Oct 10 – Back Home in Indiana
Some of my favorite childhood memories include pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn cribs, and grandma’s house. It’s hard to beat fall in the midwest.
16. Oct 23 – Gooseberry Fall Camping
We finally had our camping game dialed by the end-of-summer and we put our skills to good use with one last fall trip to Gooseberry Mesa.
More from our Gooseberry Mesa family camp trip >
17. Nov 18 – First Snow
The first snow of the season always gets everybody excited for winter. While I love these photos, the truth of the matter is that Josie went into full melt-down mode shortly after resulting in us rethinking and canceling an upcoming yurt trip. Having a kid definitely teaches one to roll with the circumstance.
Here’s to all the best in 2018!