I loved sitting down and taking the time to prepare this blog post.
2019. What a year it was!
With two littles in school and a small business to run, our time is often busy. It’s important to me that I schedule time to spend away from my computer editing and marketing, instead, fully enjoying adventures with my little family. With that, I decided to leave my real camera at home. I capture so many moments behind the lens, watching others experience so many wonderful moments. It really felt heavy on my heart to capture moments and memories while also being present in those moments. Instead of watching it through a camera or phone. To add to that, unfortunately, we lost a few family members through 2018 and into 2019. And, while preparing slideshows and reminiscing looking through photos, we were reminded how important it is to be in photos. Through the years, I hadn’t been in nearly as many photos with my girls as Craig has. So, I vowed to change that. To just be there and be in the photo. I’m so glad I did!
March
We are so lucky that our spring break has aligned with my dad’s spring break (he’s an instructor at a local vo-tech school) so we can spend a week with my parents. My dad had an itch to ride fan boats in the Everglades. I can’t say it was on my bucket list, but again, I’m so glad I did. It was so fun. The girls loved the ride. Lilah, who loves animals and dinosaurs, absolutely loved the gators. This girl had no fear! This can’t be said for all the adults in our group. Ha!
This trip was the first time the girls ever flew. For the most part, they did so well. One of our first stops was North Miami Beach.
Cannot recommend Tigertail Airboat Tours enough.? We had our own personal tour guide and their entire island to ourselves.? So much knowledge and they were great about giving us a thrilling airboat ride.? Also, OMG I held a gator!
We actually stayed in a little house in Coral Springs.? One night, on the way home from the beach, Craig found the coolest little ice cream shop.? If you’re ever in the area, you must get a sundae at Cherry Smash.
We found a cool wildlife sanctuary called Flamingo Gardens. The girls found some neat posing spots with Auntie Ashley.
Our last day in Florida with a late departing flight, we decided to venture down to Key Largo.
May
This year, Craig and I had celebrated 15 years together (nine married) and found an amazing deal on a flight to Charleston. One of my favorite cities, it was also the city of departure for our honeymoon cruise. We enjoyed every minute of our weekend trip. Special thanks to my parents for allowing us to go kid-free!
June
The girls enjoyed their first Girl Scout Camp. I even got to be a camp leader. What a week!
Immediately after Girl Scout Camp wrapped up, we spent the weekend in Pennsylvania with family. Our third annual trip to Idlewild and Soakzone. Our girls love this park!
Growing up, we had lots of family on the west coast. We actually drove to and from California multiple times. To break up the time, and to experience the country, we always looked for cool stops along the way. So, as a parent, I’m always looking for a cool place to check out on the way. This led us to the Duquesne Incline overlooking Pittsburgh and it’s three rivers. I can’t say all of our party was thrilled to be going up the hill in such a rickety-looking contraption, but it was so cool.
July
The Asian Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Zoo!? This was our second year and I think we’ll continue going forever.? Just so cool!
August
Our second year spending a long weekend in Northern Michigan! This is hands down the top place the girls ask to visit. We rent a tiny house in Charlevoix (we love you Tim’s House!) and spend the weekend in the water.
Biked around Mackinac Island and stopped to stack stones. Seriously, look how beautiful!
I’m proud to say, I pulled off that bike selfie with no wreckage or injuries. Thank you very much, Craig. 😉
Back in Charlevoix, we stopped by Castle Farms. So beautiful! Maybe one day we can shoot a wedding at this beautiful place.
The one thing I really wanted to do this year was to go see the pictured rocks in the Upper Peninsula. However, that was a nearly four-hour drive (with limited to no cell or internet service) from our house in Charlevoix. Thankfully, Craig found this awesome place called Riptide Ride in Munising. We took a 90-minute ride around Grand Isle, rode under a waterfall, watched an eagle hunt its dinner, and screamed through some awesome dips, spins, and splashes. Made the day-long trip worth it!
Back home to enjoy the fair with friends!
September
The girls’ first-ever trip to Cedar Point!
Browns game with the family!
Zoo trips and escape rooms.
Mini cheer night.
October
Pumpkin farm fun with friends.
Closing down Cedar Point for the year at Halloweekends.
December
Snow and Christmas concerts!
Our annual trip to Wildlights at the Columbus Zoo!
Deck the Halls at Stan Hywet!
Attempted our own family photos at Kingwood. So, of course, we had to celebrate by checking out the lights and mansion all decorated for Christmas.
We baked cupcakes for Christmas Eve!
And enjoyed an awesome Christmas!
