Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving has come and gone. Although it is one of my favorite holidays... (who doesn't love eating as much delicious food as they possibly can, sitting around with family, and watching football/napping all day!) ...I didn't get to spend Thanksgiving at home with my family this year. As some of you probably know (because you saw me there!), I was down in West Palm Beach, FL at Festival. (I know tough place to spend my holiday weekend). For those of you that don't know, Festival is a big tournament for high schoolers and middle schoolers in which most college coaches attend to watch and recruit. I attended Festival all four years of high school and this was the first time I have been back since!

The beautiful Florida weather drew me in from the moment I stepped off the airplane Wednesday afternoon. The main reason I was participating in this years Festival was to help with Dita, my amazing sponsor! They do so much for me throughout the whole year to make sure I have everything I need in order to be successful on the field. Not to mention the stick they made me just for the Olympics!! While I helped run the Dita tent for the weekend, I also signed autographs, had some great conversations with players and parents, saw lots of hockey people (coaches and players alike), and even got to play a little bit!

Overall, it was a great weekend! I had a blast playing with some old and new hockey friends! I enjoyed seeing all my hockey friends in one place! And I enjoyed hanging out with the Dita people, learning a bit more about what goes on behind the scenes with my sponsor!

In the Thanksgiving spirit, I must give a quick thanks to all those that have made so many things in my life possible.
I must first thank Dita for all they do! Helping out was the least I could do to give back for all they do for me. I had a great time with all those on staff and can't wait to help out again!
A big thank you to all those who bought my stick this weekend! You guys are awesome! I hope you enjoy it!! Because it is a pretty great stick! ;) [PS- It's still for sale online!!!]
Also, a big thanks to all those who came and chatted with me at the tent. I had a wonderful time meeting so many fantastic people. It's funny how field hockey is such a small community... we all know someone in common. Definitely some amazing hockey families out there who do so much for our sport and it's future! Can't wait to see some of your faces on the National Team one day! :)

I am grateful for my health and the opportunity to play the sport I love. Field hockey has given me so much over the years. This year's Festival really reminded me of that. I have made so many great friendships that will last a lifetime. I saw a lot of those great people in FL- including my college teammate/roommate: shout out to Liz! I saw many of the coaches who have guided me over the years and have led me to where I am today. And I played with and against some hockey friends, National Team teammates, and people who just love the game. To me, that is one of the best ways to enjoy the game! Plus, I got to play for Jack and Jill (a mixed team), with and against some of the guys... which if you know me at all, you know I loved! :) I always love a good challenge with players faster and (possibly) more skilled than I am. ;) haha....
I can't forget to give my gratitude to Momma Sandra and Maren for one of the most scrumptious Thanksgiving dinners I've ever had!! Along with all the great people I had the pleasure of spending the evening with! Quote of the night: #hashtag ! haha....!

The biggest thanks of all must go to my FAMILY. They support me no matter what. They make all things possible. Fortunately, I still got to see their beautiful faces (through Skype!) on Thanksgiving day and my Aunt even stayed until Tuesday so that I could see her when I got home! We Skyped with my cousins when I got home, as well. So I was still able to see lots of family this past week!


I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend and had a little time to reflect on what they are truly thankful for. Just because Thanksgiving is over, we shouldn't forget it's importance throughout the year. If you are reading this right now, then you have a lot to be grateful for! Don't forget that! In the coming weeks, do everything you can to show the ones you love how much they mean to you, how thankful you are for them, and give back to those in need as much as you possible can!

What was your favorite part of the Thanksgiving holiday?? What are you most thankful for? Anyone have a funny family story from the weekend? Let me know! Best responses will win a prize!