Gonzaga. Alumni. Rowing. Racing. Costumes. Jack and Dan’s. Fall Family. Bulldogs. Greenbluff. Zagapalooza. All things associated with this fabulous October weekend that keeps bringing me back to Spokane every year.

{Women’s rowing alums}

This last weekend I made the trip, just as I have every fall since I moved away from Spokane, and it certainly did not disappoint. I was especially excited this year to have my mom, brother, and sister join me, and what started as an alumni reunion trip turned into a much needed getaway/girl’s weekend/celebration. In a strange turn of events, we exchanged our room at the Quality Inn (that is not exactly quality) for a room at the luxurious Davenport, fully equipped with heavenly beds and complimentary made-in-house peanut brittle. The beautiful view and packed house was welcoming as we arrived to the familiar city, walking the streets of downtown as we breathed in the crisp wintry air.

{GU Boathouse}

{Head of the Spokane}
While I maintained the tradition of late nights at the famous campus tavern catching up with my fellow Gonzaga teammates, and mornings spent by the river watching rowing, I was also grateful to have some time away from home to hang out with my family…something I often take for granted.

{Brotherly love- How sweet he is!}
We shopped, we laughed, we vented, we talked, we ate, we enjoyed cocktails at happy hour, and wine with dinner. We met with up with my mother’s dear friend and celebrated birthdays and accomplishments. We treasured time away from work, the grind, and the drama that sometimes overcomes our daily lives. We breathed.

{Happy Birthday Mom & Ing!}
We remembered how important it is to take some time for yourself, no matter how busy and hectic your life is. I remembered how much I love seeing this familiar place, with my favorite people around me, in the midst of a beautiful season. I remembered how important it is to take every opportunity to enjoy time with my mom, because one day I will look back on times like this past weekend and wish I could do it all over again.

“WOW MOM”