Summer 2024 at the Cabin – A Season of Fun, Family, and Cards

Summer 2024 at our cabin in Luck, Wisconsin, was full of family, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Of course, we couldn’t let the summer pass without a family BBQ for Cameron’s birthday. It was a BBQ spectacular, complete with homemade sauces, and I proudly mastered the art of gluten-free cornbread. It was a day full of grilling, games, and lots of love. 

My cousin Angie, Aunt Sandy, and the whole crew—Haylee, Jonas, Janaya, Rainna, Marty, Jerry, Will, and his kids—came to visit, and we made the most of every moment.

We kicked things off with a bang by watching fireworks and indulging in copious amounts of ice cream. We spent days cruising around on the tritoon, even if we did end up stranded on a chilly sandbar during one of the cooler days. But hey, it made for a great story! Cards were a constant source of entertainment—whether we were on the boat or gathered around the cabin, spades became the official game of the season. And nothing beats a cozy night by the fire with family and friends, enjoying good company and a few laughs.

As always, Cameron and I found ourselves at the cabin or at Kahla and Derek’s, where we played spades and more spades (seriously, how many rounds can one couple play?). When we weren’t playing cards, we were hard at work helping Kahla and Derek finish their basement—a bit of work with plenty of fun mixed in.

All in all, it was a summer of family, cards, good food, and plenty of memories at the cabin—can’t wait to do it all again next year!

Ft. Myers, Ft. Lauderdale, and Dublin – April 2024

April 2024 was another whirlwind of travel, training, and heartwarming moments. Including New York, Washington, Florida, Pennsylvanie,Pennsylvania, Ohio, Cameron and I were all over the place—but each stop had something special. Here’s the breakdown of our busy, but incredibly memorable month.

Ft. Myers – A Heartfelt Surprise from Aunt Chriss

Ft. Myers, Cameron and I flew in early for Dream Vacations Regional Training. But the real surprise came when we visited Aunt Chriss. She absolutely stunned me by gifting me a quilt she made using Momma Judee’s St. Patrick’s Day shirts. It was such a beautiful, sentimental gesture that left me speechless. Spending quality time with Aunt Chriss, reminiscing and making new memories, made the trip extra special. It was the perfect way to honor Momma Judee’s memory while enjoying the sunshine and the company of family.

Ft. Lauderdale – Dream Vacations Regional Training with Gina and Colleagues

Next, we were off to Ft. Lauderdale for more Dream Vacations Regional Training. It was a blast connecting with colleagues and learning new strategies to elevate our business. The cherry on top was getting to hang out with our favorite Business Development Manager (BDM), Gina! There’s something about spending time with people who make the work feel like play, and Gina never disappoints. We laughed, shared ideas, and, of course, enjoyed some downtime together.

Dublin, OH – LPGA Leadership Regional Meeting

We wrapped up our travels with a quick flight back to Ohio so I could attend the LPGA Leadership Regional meeting in Dublin. I was excited to dive into the discussions, network with other leaders, and bring back fresh ideas to implement in our own ventures. It was a great way to finish off a jam-packed few days, and I left feeling motivated and inspired by the incredible women in the room.

A Month to Remember

April 2024 was filled with a perfect mix of professional growth and personal moments. Whether it was the heartfelt surprise in Ft. Myers, the team-building in Ft. Lauderdale, or the leadership discussions in Dublin, every stop had something unforgettable. We’re already looking forward to the next adventure—let’s see where May takes us!

Eclipse Views, Clippers Games & Niagara Falls – April 2024

April 2024 was one for the books! Kathleen and Brett came to visit us in Cleveland, and let me tell you—this trip was packed with action, adventure, and some serious sightseeing. From a Clippers game to the most amazing eclipse views and a road trip to Niagara Falls, it was a whirlwind of fun and unforgettable memories.

Clippers Game & Road Trip to See Brea

The adventure kicked off with a fun Clippers game with Brea. There’s something special about being at a live sporting event, especially when you’re surrounded by family. We cheered, laughed, and enjoyed the excitement of the game before continuing our travels.

Eclipse Views from Our Condo – We Hit the Jackpot!

Next up, we returned to Cleveland, where we got lucky with the most amazing spot to watch the eclipse—right from the rooftop of our condo! The timing was perfect, and we had the best views in the city. We all gathered to watch as the sky darkened, snapping pictures and sharing in the wonder of nature’s spectacle. It was a moment we’ll all remember for years to come!

Niagara Falls – Nature’s Masterpiece

But the fun didn’t stop there! After the eclipse, we hit the road for Niagara Falls, and wow—what a sight. The power and beauty of the Falls are even more impressive in person. We spent the day exploring, snapping photos, and taking in one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. The mist, the sound, and the sheer awe of it all made for an unforgettable experience.

An Action-Packed Visit to Remember

Kathleen and Brett’s visit was truly one for the books. From the Clippers game to the eclipse views and the awe-inspiring Niagara Falls, every moment was filled with laughter, adventure, and memories that will last a lifetime. It was an action-packed trip that we’ll never forget!

Anniversary Cruise on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas – March 2, 2024

Cameron and I kicked off our 10-year anniversary and my birthday celebration in style with a cruise aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas March 2, 2024! We were joined by some amazing friends—Nick, Jen, Julie, Lindsay, Julann, Brandon, and their kids—for what promised to be an unforgettable adventure.

The Best Laid Plans... and Some Surprises!

The trip started off fantastic. The excitement was high as we boarded the Icon of the Seas, ready for a week of fun and relaxation. But as is often the case when traveling, things didn’t go exactly as planned. Cameron got sick early on (poor guy!), and then, just when he was starting to feel better, I got sick too! Despite our bouts with illness, we made the best of it and managed to have plenty of fun in between our colds and coughs.

Dinner Drama & Hilarity

Let’s talk about the nightly dinner experiences, shall we? Our table was a bit of a magnet for chaos! On the very first night, Nick had water spilled on him at dinner, setting the tone for what was about to be a series of comical mishaps. The waiter knocked over Julann’s bottle of wine (you can imagine how that went over!), and it seemed like every night something else went awry—yet somehow, it only added to the laughter and good vibes at the table. We couldn’t help but laugh at our “bad luck,” but honestly, it made for some of the most memorable moments of the trip.

Gluten-Free Pizza = Life

On a more delicious note, the gluten-free pizza was absolutely amazing! It’s not often that gluten-free options live up to the hype, but this pizza was a total game-changer. We’re still talking about it! Between the laughs, the occasional mishaps, and our foodie adventures, the trip was still a major success.

Hollywood Beach and Homeward Bound

After disembarking the Icon of the Seas, we spent a day at Hollywood Beach soaking up the sun before heading home. It was the perfect way to cap off our vacation—relaxing by the ocean, reflecting on the fun moments (and the not-so-fun ones), and soaking in the beautiful views before getting back to reality.

A Memorable Anniversary Cruise

Despite a few bumps along the way, our anniversary cruise was an unforgettable adventure filled with laughs, friendship, and memories we’ll cherish forever. Here’s to more adventures and, of course, better luck with our health next time!

Girls Trip to Ft. Myers – January 25, 2024

The year is off to a fantastic start with a much-needed girls' trip to Ft. Myers, Florida! On January 25, 2024, I, along with my cousins Angie and Rhonda, and Aunt Sandy, packed our bags and set off to visit Aunt Chriss for an unforgettable getaway.

Family, Sunshine, and Fun

There’s nothing quite like spending quality time with family, and this trip was the perfect opportunity to do just that. From catching up with Aunt Chriss, to sharing laughs with Angie and Aunt Sandy, it was a whirlwind of fun, sunshine, and memories. Ft. Myers was the perfect spot to unwind and reconnect.

Exploring Ft. Myers

While in Ft. Myers, we made sure to explore the area’s best spots and of course, indulging in some delicious local eats. Whether we were soaking up the sun in the pool or chatting on the lanai, we took full advantage of everything this beautiful city had to offer.

Laughter, Stories, and a Whole Lot of Fun

With Aunt Chriss as our hostess, we were spoiled with the best hospitality, and the fun never stopped. From sharing family stories to making new memories, it was a girls' trip filled with laughter, love, and bonding. Whether we were lounging around or heading out for adventures, this trip was exactly what we needed to kick off the year with a bang!

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!