Today is the first day of school for the kids. And, the first day of a life back in some semblence of routine that I am looking forward to after all of the “big” things from this past year. Yes, I am thankful- this year was way out of the ordinary.
This was not a normal pace. We hit some big milestones: Taylor and I turned 40, Rosie turned 10, and a 15 year anniversary. We travelled 6804 miles by plane, and 580 miles by car, but we did it in much better shape than any of us expected. Even the 10 hour drive to New York was (pretty) smooth! And all of those milestones had to be celebrated.
Now, we have absolutely nothing on the calendar (well, thats not true, a few weekend trips), and it is a great moment to reflect and be grateful for our family and friends that we got to spend time with this past year.
Disney World in August. The kids had never done a big trip, so we took em. It was cheaper the longer you stayed. It was a wonderful trip- the kids had a blast, and I am in NO RUSH to get there any time soon. Why? Not because it was bad, but because I feel like we did it all. There is nothing that we did not get to do. 528 miles flown.
New York City in December for Rosies 10th birthday surprise. This is a big milestone birthday, and we wanted to honor her. It was a great, 3 day weekend and jam-packed. Now how do we top it for Mercy’s big birthday in several years? 453 miles flown.
Miami in January (for Taylor). This was her girls trip when she turned 40. No, I didnt post about it- but I still think it’s funny that these girls chose Miami- they are a very Asheville NC type of crowd, but it looked like a fun weekend. 711 miles flown.
Nashville in January (for Luke). This was my guy’s trip when I turned 40. I love music, and this was a blast. It was really special to spend time with these guys I have known since before college. 390 miles flown
Italy in May for our combined birthdays AND 15 year anniversary. This was a big trip- I wanna say the best trip of my life. The Church History stuff was really amazing for me, and I am so grateful for the chance to have gone. 5197 miles flown.
North Carolina Beach (Ocean Isle Beach) for 4th of July. This is our normal tradition, and we were glad to see the Core family as well. Pictured is the 4th of July parade. 207 miles driven.
Merriewold in August. This was new, and didnt want to pass up the opportunity to visit before Rosie got too old. The week was fantastic, and the kids are already asking to go back. 580 miles driven.
Taylor’s Big Birthday in August. And man, it was a big birthday party. The big gift was a crowd-funded skee-ball machine, and it is so much fun! 0 miles driven.
Lots of memories this year. Maybe our 50th birthdays/25 year anniversary will top it in the year 2035? As for this coming year, maybe we will just go to Myrtle Beach or Dollywood and keep it a bit more simple.
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