December 2023 to March 2024

St Lucia

Chris and I broke free from our routine home life to go on a diving trip to St. Lucia. This island did not disappoint. We completed our advanced diving certification which allows us more access to some of life’s treasures underwater.

   

My life with Chris is always full of adventures and I am so glad we share in so many passions.

 

We were excited to have something to look forward to when returning home from paradise. Winter break with my Citadel crew coming home! Gram and Coach treated them to lunch out on the way home from the airport. It was so nice to have a full house again!

   

The first year at The Citadel is not like your typical first year of college. From the moment they set foot on campus until “Rec Day” they are challenged mentally and physically. Garrett started off as a “knob” slang for the doorknob look of the shaved heads that all of the Male cadets get at the start of the year. Throughout the year he faced physical and mental challenges all targeted to strengthen the mind and body while building teamwork skills. It no wonder he came home and mastered the art of sound sleep any chance her could get. 

Kicking off the holiday celebrations is one of my favorite party at one of my besties house. Love seeing this crew and we have so much fun participating in an ornament exchange.

 This year I was able to get all of my favorite men in my life under one roof. (Not pictured but included is my FIL Coach) 

I am blessed to have such strong male role models in my life.

   

My Abby girl!

We spent the holiday enjoying family time.

A lot of boating/fishing

We had a great long weekend visiting my Dad on the west coast of Florida. The Tiley girls came out with the win.

Spent the weekend doing a lot of laughing and sharing the memories we have of my mom. She was such a huge part of our world. She is very missed.

Once a year Chris and I do an Everglade bike ride on the trail. 70 miles, 5 locks and a lot of water! No shade so we can only do it in the winter months. This year we had great weather and only had to throw our bikes over one fence.

 

From biking to skiing

Skied Snowbird this year in Utah

Rec Day at The Citadel

Rec day at The Citadel is a momentous occasion in the life of a knob. It means the end for the rigid formations, walking in single file at breakneck speed and the highly regimented way of life that is The Citadel’s Fourth-Class System.

This year we are celebrating Garrett’s hard work in getting through his first year as a knob. Gram, Coach, Pop Pop, Jen and Bill were all able to join us in celebrating this huge accomplishment. 

 

 3rd Battalion

  

Garrett is in Kilo Company and Jordan is wrapping up her sophomore year in India Company 

“Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, vision cleared, ambition inspired and success achieved.” - Helen Keller

September to November 2023

So much to celebrate Ayden’s Junior year kicking off with Homecoming.

I cannot believe that in a couple short years she will be heading off to college and we will be official empty nesters1

Parents weekend at the Citadel:

    Jordan is a sophomore and Garrett has just kicked off he knob year (Freshman)

  

 

So proud of these two … choosing a non traditional college to round their character.

   

We are never without the full support team. It is a bonus that their school is downtown Charleston and a short drive to my sister’s house in Mt. Pleasant.

 

I always love my time with my sister and family!

 Knob year has its challenges unlike any other traditional college.   I love watching Garrett grow and find his path in life.   

Hanging with the dogs on the porch swing Chris made for Jen and Bill. They are always hosting us and such a support to Jordan and Garrett.

 

Ayden loves the parents weekends in Charleston… most beautiful tailgater ever!

  

 

Food is huge in Garrett’s world and getting to eat outside “mess” is always a treat.

 

Garrett has always had a heart of gold. He has a knee injury and cannot bend his leg but this did not stop him from coloring on the ground with a little girl while in uniform.

 

Such a great weekend enjoying all of the traditions of The Citadel.

  

Grocery shopping with my MIL, Ann is always fun!!! There were no big carts but that didn’t stop her.

  

My Walking partners.   Always love when my crew is home.

Octoberfest with a few of my favorite people.

 

Can’t do a posts without Booze Bag. Love our girl Bella!

   

Living in South Florida has us on the water a lot. Fishing with all of my male role models in my life.

  

 

 

 

Had to send my Dad phone with his favorite Christmas Crack Jen has taught him to make.

  

Blessed in so many ways!