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!

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!