March & April Highlights

 March & April Highlights: Concerts, Family Time, and Fresh Starts

Spring came in full swing this year, and March and April turned into a stretch of memory-making moments, meaningful projects, and time well spent with the people we love most.

We kicked things off with a fun getaway to Atlanta, where Marissa and I saw Lady Gaga live in concert. It was the perfect mix of energy, music, and a little escape from the everyday—definitely one for the books.

Back at home, we wrapped up a big accomplishment: finishing the master bathroom remodel. There’s something incredibly satisfying about seeing a project through from start to finish, and even better getting to enjoy the results daily. Not long after, we carried that momentum outside, giving both the front and backyard a landscaping refresh. It feels like our home got a whole new breath of life just in time for spring.

Spring Break brought us down to 30A for a family trip filled with all the good things—delicious food, bike rides, games, and plenty of pool time. It was one of those trips where the schedule doesn’t matter much and the simple moments end up being the most memorable.

The boys had their own adventures too. Tony and Brody caught an Icemen game, while Brody also got to experience Disney with Cam, Tara, and Myles—something he’ll be talking about for a while, no doubt. Meanwhile, Tony and I carved out time for a 35-mile bike ride along the Jacksonville-Baldwin Rail Trail. The ride itself was great, but the stop in Baldwin for a meal at Cousin Willie’s Smokehouse made it even better—nothing like good barbecue after a long ride.

We also had the chance to host Easter lunch at our house this year, bringing the whole family together. It’s always a little chaotic, but in the best way—full of laughter, good food, and the kind of moments that remind you what matters most.

Travel popped up again with Tony and Marissa heading down to Fort Myers to visit John, Beth, and the girls. Time with extended family is always special, and it’s nice to sneak in those visits when we can.

We wrapped up this busy season celebrating Tony’s 47th birthday with a family weekend at Disney. It felt like the perfect ending—fun, a little magical, and shared together.

Looking back, these two months were full in every sense of the word. From concerts and travel to home projects and family gatherings, it’s been a season of connection, activity, and gratitude. Here’s hoping the rest of the year keeps the momentum going.

XO,

Keia

January & February

 

January & February Recap: Fresh Starts & Sweet Moments

The first two months of the year have already felt full in the best way. Between big home projects, meaningful family moments, and a few really fun nights out, January and February brought a mix of fresh beginnings and sweet memories.

A Remodel Kickoff

January marked the official start of our entryway and master bath remodel — and if you know me, you know how excited I am about this. There’s something about the beginning of a home project that feels like a clean slate. Demo days, design decisions, materials arriving… it’s messy but full of potential. I can’t wait to see it all come together and share the transformation.

A New Car & A Special Milestone

We kicked off the year with a big purchase — a new car for us — and an even more special moment: passing one down to Marissa. Watching her drive off in “her” car felt like such a milestone.

We celebrated with dinner at Benihana with Marissa and Ben before she headed back to Tampa in her new ride. It was one of those full-circle parenting moments — exciting, a little emotional, and so rewarding.

Valentine’s Dinner at Orsay

For Valentine’s Day, we had dinner at Restaurant Orsay — and it was perfection. Cozy atmosphere, amazing food, and just a really nice excuse to slow down and enjoy a night out together. February can feel busy, so carving out intentional time always feels worth it.

A Cooking Class Night

One of the most fun nights of the season was taking a cooking class with Cam and Tara. There’s something about cooking together that’s equal parts chaotic and hilarious. Lots of laughs, great food, and a reminder that experiences > things.

Family Time

We also had Uncle Darin and Aunt Sherry visit from Iowa, which made the month even more special. Time with family always goes by too quickly, but it’s such a gift to have those days together — catching up, sharing meals, and just being present.

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Overall, January and February were about fresh starts, growth, and meaningful connection. A new remodel, new milestones, and time spent with the people we love most — I’d call that a beautiful way to begin the year.

Here’s to what the rest of it holds.

December 2025

 

A Birthday, Christmas Traditions & A Minnesota Winter

This season felt especially full — the kind that blends celebrations, traditions, and meaningful time together in the best way.

Marissa’s 19th Birthday in Tampa

We celebrated Marissa turning 19 in Tampa, and it’s hard to believe how quickly the years are flying by. Nineteen feels like such a milestone — full of independence, growth, and new adventures ahead.

Spending the day celebrating her in the city made it even more special. Whether it was dinner, laughter, or just being together, it was one of those birthdays that felt joyful and meaningful all at once. Watching her step confidently into this next year of life is such a gift.

Dickens on Centre in Amelia Island

We also made our way to Amelia Island for the annual Dickens on Centre Christmas festival — and it truly felt like stepping back in time.

The streets were filled with Victorian costumes, carolers, twinkling lights, and festive cheer everywhere you looked. There’s something magical about small-town Christmas events — slower paced, nostalgic, and full of charm. It was the perfect way to kick off the holiday spirit as a family.

Our Annual Family Cookie Baking Day

One of my favorite traditions every year is our annual cookie baking day. Flour on the counters, Christmas music playing in the background, and everyone pitching in — it’s a little messy but a lot of fun.

There’s something so special about traditions that stay the same year after year. The recipes may be familiar, but the memories are always new. It’s not just about the cookies — it’s about being together, laughing, and creating moments that we’ll talk about for years.

Christmas Break in Minnesota

We wrapped up the season with Christmas break in Minnesota. A true winter Christmas — chilly air, cozy nights, and that peaceful feeling that only snow seems to bring.

Time away together, unplugging from the usual routine, and simply enjoying family made it such a refreshing and meaningful way to end the year. Minnesota at Christmastime has a way of slowing everything down and reminding you what really matters.

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From a 19th birthday milestone to festive traditions and snowy Christmas memories, this season has been full of gratitude. It’s amazing how the simplest moments — a festival stroll, a cookie baking day, a winter getaway — become the ones that mean the most.

Here’s to holding tight to traditions, celebrating big milestones, and making space for the memories that matter most. ❤️