What a year in review. We cruised into 2025 aboard a Caribbean cruise with our mothers and family in January and while the experience was a little rocky for some of us, we appreciated the sun and opportunity to sink our toes in warm sand. We even danced the night away at our first silent DJ party, which is a must do.

In February, we celebrated my birthday in Austin, TX with my Army sister, her husband and energetic and delightful son. We didn’t waste a minute of our time, touring the city, eating fantastic barbeque and seeing the Gipsy Kings at the Paramount Theatre (another bucket list item for me). Did I mention we also moved into our 1930s cottage in February? With some minor renovations, such as refinishing floors and paint, we managed to move in, get somewhat organized and get packed for our next adventure in Iceland.

In March, we flew to the Land of Fire and Ice and the views were spectacular. From hot springs to rugged ice capped mountains, we soaked in hot springs and braved the rain, wind, ice and on occasion sun to capture the stark beauty of Iceland. Cold weather destinations are not high on my list, but I am thrilled I ventured outside my comfort zone and decided to visit.

I traveled from the northern hemisphere to the southern one in April with a work trip to Botswana. My first visit to Africa introduced me to warm and friendly people and a diverse ecosystem with some of the Big Five. Imagine going to the city park and running into an ostrich or a warthog while munching on your sandwich. I look forward to visiting again and soaking up more of the culture.

As spring warmed up West Virginia, we kicked off preparations for my son’s high school graduation and hosting family and friends both near and far. Unfortunately, we ran into some 1930s plumbing issues which resulted in an emergency plumbing visit and 3-day renovation of bathroom. Within days of welcoming the other kids and there significant others, 10 in all, the plumber and contractor delivered a fantastic new bathroom. When life throws a wrench into plans, sometimes, we focus on the wrench—how fortunate we were to have someone else turn the wrench and allow us to focus on family and friends. And of course, we showcased America’s newest national park, with a day in the New River Gorge National Park and Preserve.

Ah summer, my favorite season…we hopped to Destin, Florida for my son’s 18th birthday and while fishing was his highlight, I was perfectly content on those white sand beaches and turquoise waters. We attended a white water wedding, yes, we rafted on the New River to Jump Rock where friends exchanged their vows. We spent much time paddling the Elk, Greenbrier and New Rivers. Of course, we ushered in the 4th of July with the Sternwheel Regatta in Charleston and fire works over the Kanawha River. I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the retirement ceremony of one of my Soldiers in Augusta, Georgia. This weekend of reminiscing with “family” born out of shared hardships, laughter and loyalty was so good for my soul. We ushered in Labor Day and the proverbial end of summer with a family float weekend on the New and Greenbrier Rivers.

I fell into Fall with another work trip to Europe, hitting three countries and five cities in five days. Without much time for typical travel activities, I revisited some of my favorite sights in Brussels, focused on meetings in Stuttgart and Wiesbaden and made a special stop in Strasbourg on the return to Belgium. I had not previously visited Strasbourg but it was on my list and I lucked into a gorgeous day with blue skies and sun. We rounded out October with a friends and family weekend in Buckhannon, West Virginia and a spooky fun visit to the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston. Other honorable mentions of the weekend were our stop and hike in Audra State Park and seeing the bison and elk at the West Virginia State Wildlife Center in French Creek.

We started to wind down 2025 in November but celebrated Bo’s birthday in southern West Virginia. We kicked it off with him enjoying a round of golf and me a spa treatment at Pipestem State Park and a ride down the new aerial tramway for a short hike, we stayed in an adorable cabin at the Four Fillies Lodge in Peterstown, West Virginia and Bo even dropped his line in a few streams while we hiked or walked. My friends and family understand that November is a hard month as my best friend, my Dad, became ill near Thanksgiving and missed his last one with us as he was in the hospital and passed away in early December. Thanksgiving was his day. He was the master chef. He was the quiet center of our extended family gathering. While I have tried since his passing to assume his role, it will never be the same but with each year and every turkey, the sadness allows space for smiles and even laughter at memories of him and with him.

I moved into the “most wonderful time of the year” with gratitude and determination to enjoy the lights, decorations, and spirit of the season. From my first visit with Santa to a family trip to Beech Mountain, North Carolina which included my son proposing to his girlfriend, I often paused to reflect on my blessings and accepted that not all moments are as planned but they can be perfect. So in my wrap of 2025, I chose not to fill this post with the political division, stresses of work, moments of impatience, or things that I could not change, but rather mark the love, laughter and positivity that existed.

“Happiness is not something that comes to you when every problem is solved and all things are perfectly in place , but in the shining silver linings that remind us the light of day is always there, if you slow down enough to notice” —The Pivot Year, Brianna West.