Updated in 2025 for easier navigation- relive the adventures from 2024 below
And here we are again, at the close of another year. This season always feels tender to me — a time to sit in the twilight of one year and look ahead to the dawn of the next. As I think about how to capture what this year has been, I can’t help but hear the song “Seasons of Love” from Rent:
“525,600 minutes; 525,600 moments so dear.
525,600 minutes — how do you measure, measure a year?
In daylights, in sunsets, in midnights, in cups of coffee?
In inches, in miles, in laughter, in strife?
In 525,600 minutes, how do you measure a year in the life?”
Looking back, it would be easy to measure this year in all of those things. We’ve had laughter and strife, joy and worry — but overall, it’s been a good year. We’ve refocused on family and on how we spend our time, energy, and money, creating the kind of life we want together.
Life is still busy, but we found a better balance between work and home, which has made such a difference. Brad earned his master’s in Engineering from the University of Tennessee Space Institute. Tessa started Irish step dancing, filling our lives with her energy and joy. Alongside my regular job, I taught a class on U.S. culture and education to international students — an experience I loved and am so grateful for.
Of course, the year wasn’t without challenges. It began with a lump on my side that led to weeks of doctor visits and a biopsy, which thankfully came back negative. Tessa battled six rounds of strep, sometimes back-to-back. The year closed with Brad’s jaw realignment surgery, which left him on a liquid diet for a while. Even our dog had his share of misadventures, with two emergency vet visits — once after catching his side on a nail, and again after protecting me from a neighbor’s dog.
Still, the year gave us so much good — especially in the form of travel. We explored 11 states and 3 countries, and while people sometimes wonder why we’re always on the go, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’d much rather fill life with adventures, big and small, than let the days slip quietly by.
So in true year-end fashion, here’s a look back at the places this year has taken us…
By the Numbers:
- US States : 11
- Tennessee, Nevada, Utah, Louisiana, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Indiana, Missouri, Oklahoma
- Countries : 3
- France, Germany, Switzerland
- National Parks : 2
- Zion, Bryce Canyon
- Milestones Celebrated: 2
- our old car reaching 400,000 miles, meeting up with blog friend The Hungry Travellers
- Trips to the doctor/vet : 64
Highlights & Favorites:
The year has been full of beautiful places, interesting sights, and connections to family and friends. Every adventures is special, but there are some that become family favorites. From destinations near and far, here are the years favorites…
St. George Utah
There is nothing better than visiting family and seeing some lesser known places of wonder. On a visit home to Utah we started our trip with a couple days in St. George where we hiked around red rocks and took a meditative desert maze. This part of the state is so unique and is full of natural wonders.
{read the post: From Lights of Las Vegas to Red Rocks of St. George}
Independence Day in Williamsburg Virginia
There is no better place to be to celebrate the birth of our country, than where the country began. We visited where the first settlement of the colonies was established and the battlefield where the Revolutionary War ended. But the best was celebrating the 4th with festivities in Colonial Williamsburg.
{read the post: Celebrate Independence Day in Colonial Williamsburg}
The Great Stone Door
Fall is my absolute favorite time of year. I spend any time I can outside enjoying the crisp air and the colorful leaves. A visit to Savage Gulf State Park to hike proved to be one of the best hikes this year. The views were incredible and the walk down through the Great Stone Door felt like stepping into a storybook.
{read the post: The Colors of Fall at the Great Stone Door- Savage Gulf State Park}
Christmas in Colmar
We spent a few days delighting in the twinkling lights and festive spirit in the Alsace region of France. We loved visiting the small medieval towns and filling up with holiday treats. Nothing could be more magical than Christmas in the Alsace. Of all the towns we visited, Colmar was our favorite.
read the post: Christmas in Colmar}
Route 66 in Tulsa
One of my dreams is to drive the entire length of the American icon- Route 66. On a visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma I drove my first piece of the Mother Road. It was a delight to be part of this stretch full of quirky roadside stops and fun attractions. This is where the idea of the famous highway first came to light.
{read the post: Tulsa Icons of Route 66}
Misadventures & Lessons Learned
- The best time to see the French Quarter is first thing in the morning with no crowds and hot beignets
- Irish step dancing at the Ryman is meant to be enjoyed as close to the stage as possible
- When illness, injury, and incidents happen just remember that doctor visits are a great excuse to indulge in ice cream more often
- Any chance to see a real panda should be taken
- If you walk along the outside of a medieval church- don’t panic at the incredibly tight walking space at a high height
Reader Favorites:
There are some places that seem to strike a cord with more people than others. I don’t know exactly why these places are favorites. I’m just happy to see them loved so much. Each place means so much to me and I love to share them with others…
Cave Tour at Ruby Falls
Ruby Falls is a somewhat hidden gem of the city of Chattanooga. One would never guess that buried in the mountain are tight trails and pools of water- all leading to a beautiful underground waterfall. When the lights shine on the waterfall, it feels like magic is about to happen.
{read the post: Cave Tour at Ruby Falls}
The Home of Mark Twain
Mark Twain is one of America’s greatest authors. Visiting his home in Connecticut is an amazing experience as you soak up the charm of the house. Mark Twain’s stories have in so many ways defined parts of our culture. He was also neighbors to another famous author- Harriet Beecher Stowe.
{read the post: Visiting the Homes of Mark Twain & Harriet Beecher Stowe}
Domes & Dripstone at Mammoth Cave
Mammoth Cave is one of the greatest cave systems in the world. With thousands of miles of underground passageways and caverns, you could explore these caves forever. One of the most popular tours to do at the park is the Domes and Dripstones Tour. This tour takes you deep down into the heart to see the formations.
{read the post: Domes & Dripstones- Mammoth Cave National Park}
Belle Meade Plantation in Nashville
When people think of plantations, they don’t always think of race horses. The Belle Meade Plantation became a famous estate because they brought out the finest racing horses. Touring the plantation takes visitors back to old fashioned finery and a great love of the horses they bred.
{read the post: Visiting Belle Meade Plantation}
Rock Circles & Prayer Trees in Colorado
I learned that my aunt was part of a project to protect ancient sites of a Native American tribe. Unknown to her when she bought her house, she was sitting on what use to be a community center. Now she works tirelessly to not only protect these gifts that are in her care, but to help educate others about them.
{read the post: Rock Circles & Prayer Trees- Lessons From the Native Americans}
Looking Ahead to 2025:
Already the next year is filling up with adventures. So far our plans include a family ski trip to Utah in the spring. Also the summer will see us back in Europe enjoying warmer days in Austria, Germany, and the Netherlands.
Of course we’re hoping to add more state and national parks to our list. We would love to explore parts of Tennessee that we haven’t seen yet. Maybe this year I finally make it to Graceland.
Wherever this next year takes us, we will greet it with open arms and grateful heart.
No matter how we measure a year in the life, I feel grateful for these days and the ups and downs that come with them. We have filled our 525,600 minutes with life and wanderings. I am grateful for you and this community of travelers and the time, comments, and places we have shared together. Wishing you all a wonderful new year full of love, laughter, and many more adventures.
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