2024: My Year in Review

 

2024 was one of the sweetest years that I can remember. It was filled with precious moments and memories created with family and friends, unforgettable places visited, and days I would love to relive over and over again. 

The year began as most Januarys do...slow and restful. It was really special to spend time with my little nieces and nephews, often taking one or more out with Coco and I while we ran errands and visited the library. January also brought about the "blizzard" of the year, where we were snowed in for several days. We took advantage of those quiet, snowy days, and it was really a sweet time as a family. 

Coco lovvvveeeddd the snow! 

In February, my mom, sister, and I got away to Franklin, TN, for a girl's weekend. It's a little tradition that we began a couple of years ago and one I look forward to every year. We eat, shop, get pedicures, and spend time laughing and chatting for hours. 

February and March were filled with get-togethers with family and friends. I spent countless hours painting our main living room and transforming it into a library for our family to enjoy. We love this room full of books and sunshine! 

In April we transformed our little office into a romantic retreat straight out of Rose Cottage from Road to Avonlea. Along with being an office space for Josh, we also created a sweet little guest nook for when friends come to visit. I just love how it turned out! 

We also visited the strawberry patch with the cousins and Coco later stated that it was her "happy place"! It was a simple but lovely little spring outing with some of our favorite people. 

In May, our little family escaped to Chattanooga for a weekend. We had the best couple of days eating yummy food, browsing book shops and antique stores, and visiting some of our old "haunts" back in the day when it was just Josh and I. 

Coco also graduated from Playschool in May and it was precious to be there and witness all that she had learned and how much she has grown. 

At the end of May, my side of the family gathered for our annual family vacation in the mountains of Pigeon Forge. Seeing all the cousins together was super special and we all really enjoyed our time exploring attractions, visiting Dollywood for the first time, and creating new family memories.

 

June kicked off pool season, our favorite time of the year! We spent so many summer days in the water with the cousins! 

In June I was so honored to win a little overnight stay at the cutest Airbnb owned by a dear friend. I invited some of my closest girlfriends to join me for a special evening of dining together and hanging out. It was so much fun!

 

In July, Josh and I traveled to Switzerland for ten glorious days. We spent time in Zurich, Lucerne, Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, and Murren. We were able to hike the Swiss Alps (soooo incredibly dreamy!!), try the famous fondue, and take in Taylor Swift's Eras Tour. I even worked up enough courage to go paragliding and it was the coolest experience ever! The entire trip was absolutely amazing and one I will treasure forever.

Being a huge fan of the tv show, The Summer I Turned Pretty, our little family planned a getaway to Wilmington, NC, in August. It was so fun seeing the sites from the show and even encountering some aspects of filming. I was also able to meet Gavin Casalegno (Jeremiah) and may have geeked out just a bit. :) When we arrived home, I took Josh through the series and he is now a fan as well. We can't wait for season three!

We stayed at the dreamiest spot in Wilmington! 

The beginning of September, I began homeschooling Coco for kindergarten. It has been such a joy and privilege and I am so blessed that I get to spend my days with her. 

Also in September, I visited a dear childhood friend in Pennsylvania. Lauren and I had the sweetest time antiquing, visiting Terrain, art museums, sipping coffee, going through a fun tv show, and browsing book shops. I always so look forward to our time together.

In October and November, we enjoyed all the seasonal things and spending lots of time with family. It was a great time to reset and rest after such a busy summer. In November, Josh and I went back to Franklin for a little anniversary getaway. We tried some new places, (The Cork and Cow and Stable Reserve being our favorites!). We also visited the darlingest coffee shop, Hank's Coffee Station.

 

In December, for my birthday, Josh sent my sister and I to NYC for five wonderful days! Josh also surprised me with a treat to pick up at Tiffany's and that was definitely a highlight I'll never forget! 

Rach and I savored every moment of strolling (and be pedaled around with our crazy fun tour guide haha) in Central Park, taking in the Broadway, Water for Elephants, shopping, stuffing our faces (I will forever be dreaming of those almond croissants), visiting the Friends Experience, browsing the MET, and sipping high tea at the Lowell Hotel. 

It was such an incredible year of sweet moments, traveling, and growth. Of course, every year comes with it's own challenges and hard days as well. These were just some of the highlights that I am so thankful to God for allowing me to experience. All praise to Him. 

Here's to an amazing 2025!