Wander the World - A determined, rain-or-shine birthday adventure through Costa Rica — from night walks in the Monteverde cloud forest to ocean views in Manuel Antonio, ziplining, snorkeling, gourmet farm meals, and tropical relaxation, all shared with Catherine and Karen. The trip ended in Dallas with visits to Grapevine and the Fort Worth Stockyards — and miraculously, my badly sprained ankle healed by the time I got home.

Winter in St Petersburgh Florid - a chilly but beautiful month in St. Petersburg — biking through coastal towns, visiting museums and performances, escaping to sunny Hollywood for a long weekend, welcoming Ben and Bailey for beach days, and sharing a condo full of quirks, laughter, and unexpected memories with my siblings and Serge.