Kathleen’s Birthday Bash in Vegas – July 30 to August 8, 2023

What’s better than celebrating a birthday in Las Vegas? Celebrating Kathleen’s birthday, of course! From July 30 to August 8, 2023, we took Sin City by storm, indulging in everything Vegas has to offer—tats, magic, and a whole lot of fun!

Magic, Shows, and More

We caught a spectacular magic show at the Las Vegas Magic Theatre. There’s something about Vegas magic that just feels extra mesmerizing—probably because you’re half expecting the magician to actually make you disappear from your responsibilities. From mind-boggling illusions to jaw-dropping tricks, it was a highlight of the trip.

MGM Grand: Lazy Rivers and Glamorous Nights

Of course, we stayed at the iconic MGM Grand. Between the shows and exploring the nightlife, we made sure to spend some time relaxing by the lazy river. There’s nothing better than floating aimlessly in a lazy river with a drink in hand. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and indulgence, Vegas style!

The Tattoo Adventure

Now, when I say we “did Vegas,” I mean we really did Vegas. We each spent about 8 hours getting a “TapOut Tattoo.” Yes, 8 hours! But hey, when in Vegas, right? It was a pretty epic experience, one that we’ll be showing off (for better or worse) for years to come. I’m not sure if it was the excitement of the city or just the sheer commitment to the art, but by the end, we were all wearing our new ink like true Vegas veterans.

Vegas: Where the Fun Never Stops

From tattoos to magic to lazy rivers, our Vegas adventure was the perfect blend of thrill and relaxation. It was a birthday celebration to remember—and let’s be real, who wouldn’t want to mark another trip around the sun in true Vegas fashion?

Ryan’s Graduation and Mariners Game – June 9-16, 2023

June 2023 was a month of celebration and pride as Ryan graduated from Central Washington University! It was an unforgettable week filled with family, excitement, and plenty of adventures.

Ryan’s Big Day

Ryan’s graduation was nothing short of a milestone, and we couldn’t be prouder of all his hard work and dedication. As he crossed that stage, we were there cheering him on, ready to celebrate his next big chapter. The ceremony was emotional, and it felt like all the late-night study sessions and long hours had finally paid off. It was a proud moment and we couldn’t have been happier to see Ryan start the next phase of his journey.

Brea’s Visit and Celebrating Together

Brea also came out to join in the fun for Ryan’s big day. Having her there made everything even more special. We celebrated his achievement as a family, creating memories that would last a lifetime. It was the perfect time to come together and share in the joy of this huge accomplishment.

A Mariners Game with Ry

To celebrate his achievement, Ryan and I headed out to a Mariners game, just the two of us. We soaked in the atmosphere, munched on snacks, and enjoyed a fun-filled evening at the ballpark. There was something special about spending that time together—sharing laughs, catching up, and, of course, rooting for the Mariners. It was a great way to cap off an incredible week, and one that I’ll remember for a long time.

A Week to Remember

Between the graduation ceremony, Brea’s visit, and the Mariners game, June 2023 was a week filled with love, laughter, and family bonding. Watching Ryan take his next steps into the world was inspiring, and the memories made during this time will be cherished forever. Here’s to the big milestones and the adventures that come with them!

Celebrating Brea's Graduation – May 2023

May 2023 was a month of celebration and family fun, as we had the honor of celebrating Brea’s graduation from Capital Law School! After years of hard work and dedication, Brea officially earned her law degree, and we couldn’t be more proud of her. To make this milestone even more special, Kathleen and Ryan came out to visit, and we kicked off the celebration in true Clashy Adventure style!

TopGolf Shenanigans

What better way to kick off the festivities than with a trip to TopGolf? We spent the day swinging clubs, taking shots (not all of them made it to the target), and laughing more than we probably should have. The atmosphere was electric, and even though we weren’t exactly professionals, everyone got in on the fun. The food? Delicious. The company? Even better. It was the perfect way to celebrate a huge achievement—and let’s just say, there might have been a little competition about who could get the best score.

Golfing with the kids

Of course, the golfing fun didn’t stop there. The next day, Brea, Ry and I went for a round of golf (because what’s better than hitting the links with good company?). While I’m not sure who had the better swing, one thing’s for sure: we had an amazing time. It’s always a blast when family comes together to share a hobby.

A Weekend to Remember

From celebrating Brea’s big achievement to spending quality time with Kathleen and Ryan, May was one for the books. We laughed, we golfed, and we made memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s to more moments like this—family, fun, and a little bit of friendly competition. Congratulations again to Brea, and thank you, Kathleen and Ryan, for making this celebration even more special!

Ocean City Escape – March 17-24, 2023

After a busy start to the year, Cameron and I took a break from the hustle and set our sights on a little getaway to Ocean City, Maryland. No itineraries, no schedules—just sand, sea, and the thrill of pure relaxation. For a whole week, we soaked up the slower pace, indulged in amazing seafood, and recharged with some much-needed downtime.

Relaxing, Ocean City Style

This was the ultimate “do-nothing” vacation. No activities, no sightseeing, no plans—just pure, unadulterated relaxation. Our days consisted of lounging, taking the occasional stroll when we felt like moving, and indulging in some seriously good food. We let the sound of the waves set the pace and fully embraced the art of doing absolutely nothing. For a whole week, our biggest decisions were what to eat next and whether to nap before or after dessert. It was perfection.

A Meal to Remember at Crabcake Factory

One of the highlights? Dinner at Crabcake Factory. If you’ve never had a meal there, let us just say—it’s legendary. Cameron and I went all in, ordering crabcakes that were out-of-this-world good, paired with local seafood dishes that tasted like the ocean itself. There’s a reason “crabcake” is in the name; they’ve perfected it. It was one of those meals that you talk about long after you leave, and we might still be dreaming about it!

Unwinding and Recharging

This trip reminded us of the importance of stepping away, even for just a little while. Between laughs, incredible food, and a whole lot of quiet time, we returned home with our energy renewed and spirits lifted. We’re grateful to Ocean City for the memories, the crab (of course), and the chance to just be.

Until our next Clashy Adventure, here’s to finding a little bit of Ocean City’s laid-back magic in the everyday!

Tribute: Remembering Momma Judee – March 10, 2023

Today, we take a pause from our usual Clashy Adventures to honor someone who was the heart of our family and a legend in her own right—Momma Judee. Known to many as Judee (with two e’s), Nanny, or simply Momma Judee, she was a light that brightened every room and a force of love, laughter, and joy in our lives.

The Life of the Party

If you ever met Judee, you’d know exactly who she was within seconds—she’d proudly tell you her name, “with two e’s,” and you’d likely be swept into a conversation you’d never want to leave. She had a knack for finding fun wherever she went and a laugh that could make anyone smile. From family gatherings to random adventures, Momma Judee was always up for it, embracing every moment with an open heart and an unbreakable spirit.

A Special Love for Pandas and St. Patrick’s Day

Pandas were her absolute favorite—those big, lovable, black-and-white bears brought out her softer side. Every holiday or special occasion, if you could get a panda on it, she’d adore it. And as for St. Patrick’s Day? That wasn’t just any day; it was her day. Born on March 17, Momma Judee was the original St. Paddy’s Day queen, and she wore her birthday badge with pride, bringing that extra bit of green-tinted joy to every celebration.

Her Legacy: Family, Fun, and Pure Love

Family was everything to her. She loved with her whole heart, showing up for each of us in ways big and small, leaving a lasting mark that shaped who we are today. She taught us to laugh, to cherish our time together, and to always find the joy in life—even in the simplest of moments. She was our Nanny, our mom, our friend, and our teacher in all things love and life.

In Loving Memory of Judee with 2 E’s

Though we miss her every day, her memory lives on in every laugh, every adventure, and every St. Paddy’s Day celebration. We’ll raise a toast to her on her birthday, wearing our green and thinking of her with that big smile on her face, reminding us to embrace life fully and love deeply.

Here’s to you, Momma Judee. May you rest in peace, knowing you are forever in our hearts. We’ll carry your love with us in all of our Clashy Adventures to come. 🐼💚

The Time We Hung with the Beach Boys, John Stamos, & Mark McGrath – March 3-8, 2023

Hey, Clashy Adventurers! Cameron and I set sail on the ultimate retro getaway—Norwegian Cruise Line’s 5-Night Beach Boys Cruise! This time, we brought along my cousin Angie and her husband Marty to join in on the good vibes, epic sunsets, and ’90s throwbacks. This cruise wasn’t just about the Beach Boys; we also got to rock out with Mark McGrath from Sugar Ray and—wait for it—John Stamos! (Yes, that’s right. Uncle Jesse in the flesh!)

Meeting Legends: The Beach Boys, John Stamos, & Mark McGrath

Meeting the Beach Boys was the ultimate fangirl/fanboy moment. They brought their classics to life, serenading us with those legendary tunes that instantly take you to a beach somewhere. Then, out came Mark McGrath, proving that Sugar Ray is still a full-on vibe in 2023! He lit up the stage with "Every Morning" and "Fly," and we all felt transported straight back to the ‘90s. And, of course, John Stamos joined in, showing us that coolness never ages. Turns out, he’s as down-to-earth as he is iconic (and yes, the hair is still perfect).

Costa Maya: Angie and I, Unleashed

While the guys had their own agenda, Angie and I were left unsupervised in Costa Maya, and you can imagine how that went! We found ourselves exploring colorful local markets, sipping tropical cocktails, and making fast friends with the locals. A market here, a margarita there... Let’s just say getting back to the ship was probably a good laugh for some people watchers.

Back on the Ship: Sunsets, Dance Parties, and Endless Laughter

The evenings were pure magic. Picture this: a sky lit with fiery sunsets, live music echoing across the deck, and dance parties that could rival any club. Between living it up with Angie and Marty, jamming out to Beach Boys and Sugar Ray, and just letting loose, this was a trip filled with laughter, music, and memories to last a lifetime.

Lessons Learned:

1. Never Leave Us Unsupervised – Cameron and Marty learned this one the hard way.
2. Stay Hydrated… With Margaritas? – When in Costa Maya…
3. Always Answer the Call to Adventure – Especially when John Stamos and Mark McGrath are involved.

Until next time, keep those good vibrations going, and stay tuned for our next adventure!

Catch us on Clashy Adventures, where the sea is always calling, and the laughs are always loud. 🌊