15. Becoming Internet-famous for firebreathing
After blowing my candles out with 151 during my birthday/housewarming party in August, Anton felt the need to post this opportune photo on Reddit. To our surprise, it became quite an Internet sensation, appearing on the front page of the subcategory and going on to become a finalist for several well-timed photo countdowns, including Buzzfeed and Memecenter.
14. Winning Domo in Vegas
Who would've guessed that beating Jania in a roll-a-ball horserace game would prove to be such a pivotal piece of our Las Vegas trip? While on our way to Mandalay Bay, our whole group had to use the bathroom, so we stopped by the lavatories located in a kids arcade section of Excalibur. While waiting, I bested Jania in this arcade game in a rematch (beacuse the first game was rigged) and won a Domo stuffed animal. His little guy went everywhere with us and appeared in 98% of our photos. He even had a front row seat to the proposal!
13. Winning a silver medal in the Colonies Zone Master Championship
After missing the podium with a few 4th and 5th place finished at the Battle of the Tri Clubs swim meet (hosted by the DC Tri Club), I finally got my first individual swim event medal in the 100 breaststroke at the Colonies Zone Masters Championship at George Mason University.
12. Swimming in bio-luminescence at Luminous Lagoon
The Luminous Lagoon in Falmouth, Jamaica offers a unique experience only a few other places in the world can match. After sunset, bio-luminescent microorganisms light up with every subtle movement in the water. The water literally glows around you as you wade through this shallow lagoon. I didn't get a shot of the glowing critters, so this photo of the sunset over Falmouth will have to do.
11. Getting scrubbed in a Turkish bathhouse
On our last full day in Turkey, Jania and I were able to schedule an impromptu visit to the Suleymaniye Hamam. The equivalent to a Turkish spa, this unique bathhouse offered the only 'couples' bath experience in Istanbul, where we were each tended to by a male tellak (attendant) who exfoliated, scrubbed, and doused us in clouds of bubbles.
10. Conquering Strickler Knob
Fighting through swarms of gnats, wrong turns, hidden stone pyramids, and boulder dashes, we finally reached the highest point of this fantastic hike. The view did not disappoint: a 360-degree vista overlooking the Shenandoah National Park.
9. Competing in the Savageman Olympic and Luray Sprint triathlons
Our triathlon careers continued into 2013, where Jania took on a tougher sprint course at Luray and I challenged myself my competing in the Savageman 30 Olympic distance triathlon in Deep Creek. I'm looking forward to 2014 when a few friends and family have decided to get into multisport events!
8. Racing dragonboats and winning multiple gold medals
I have my godbrother Terrence to thank for getting us involved with FYPDC and their infamous dragonboat team. After earning a silver medal in DC's Dragonboat Festival (Jania's first medal ever in life, she insists), we returned to the team to take two golds at the National Harbor Dragonboat Regatta. Our last win in the 2000m race was won by 9/10ths of a second!
7. Bikepacking 101 miles to Harpers Ferry
With Jon rallying fellow cyclists, a hardcore group of riders consisting of Jania, Johann, John, Joe, and I left Great Falls, MD with everything mounted on our knobbies and kept going until we got to Harpers Ferry, WV. We braved the frigid nights, the bruised assbones, jogging zombies, and iodine-infused drinking water, but we did it. Jania and I even enjoyed some amazing Mexican food on the way!
6. Climbing up Dunn's River Falls, Jamaica
Even though a full third of our group was pregnant during our aptly-named 'baby moon' trip to Jamaica, it didn't stop us from literally climbing up a 600-foot long, 180-foot high waterfall!
5. Finishing the Seagull Century 100-mile bike ride
We've done metric centuries before, and we rode 100 miles earlier in the year spread over 2 days, but this was still an accomplishment. The Seagull is a well-supported ride with the easiest terrain in the world. Still, I think Jania wanted to cry after all the biking was over.
4. Riding a hot air balloon in Goreme, Cappadocia
Anyone wondering why we chose to go to Turkey during our vacation should just look at our photos we took in Cappadocia. The hot air balloons were the driving force behind our trip into the central part of the country, and it did not disappoint. Being pulled into the atmosphere as the sun was rising over such a unique landscape is an unparalleled experience.
3. Raising Khyro
It's been a challenging yet rewarding experience raising this little pup. Jania has grown up with dogs and with Khyro being my first dog, I didn't know what to expect. He has definitely been a handful, but it has been a rewarding experience teaching him new tricks--especially when he listens--and having a perpetual companion.
2. Buying a home
The process of becoming a homeowner was a roller coaster of emotions. We feel pretty lucky to have found this place during the peak of home buying. With so many homes in the same neighborhood selling in just a couple days, we jumped on this opportunity and won the bid against a few others. Somehow this home was meant for us.
1. Getting engaged!
The proposal at the Bellagio Conservatory is our top moment of 2013. We had the most AMAZING year and topped it off with this extra special trip to Vegas. We are so happy and excited for 2014. Happy New Year everyone!
