On New Year’s Eve, when sparks take flight,
And midnight waits just out of sight,
We don’t just cheer a brand-new year—
We celebrate you, my kid so dear.
Four candles glow, four wishes too,
A sky of glitter—just like you.
Before the clocks can shout “Hooray!”
You turn four—and steal the day.
Happy 4th Birthday, Rost.
I’ve always been a firm believer in the sacred rule: no Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving. But then, along came one irresistibly charming toddler, and suddenly, I’m the kind of person who would happily string up Christmas lights in August if it brought him joy. So this year, the moment Halloween bid its spooky farewell, we dove headfirst into the Christmas spirit, determined to stretch the season’s magic as far as we could. Here’s a little glimpse into our wonderfully extended holiday adventure. Xoxo.
This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the wonderful friends in my son’s life. They bring joy, laughter, and companionship that enrich his days and help him grow into the amazing person he’s becoming. Their kindness, loyalty, and shared experiences create memories he will cherish forever, and I am so thankful for the role they play in his journey. Knowing he is surrounded by such good-hearted people fills my heart with gratitude this holiday season.
In the moonlight’s glow, on a Halloween night,
A toddler dressed as a cow gave quite a fright.
With spots of black and a tail that swished,
They wandered the streets where shadows hissed.
Little hooves pattered on the dark, cold ground,
While eerie winds howled their ghostly sound.
Candy bags rattled, a spectral scene,
As the toddler mooed, “Happy Cow-O-Ween!”
Another summer has arrived, and with it, our annual trip back to Pennsylvania to visit my side of the family. Before Rost came along, I used to make this trip every four years or so, but now I’ve been thoroughly enjoying the tradition of going back every year.
Rost needed a haircut before our travels and specifically asked to visit Nate the Barber—his friend’s dad.
Our journey from Kalispell to Pennsylvania involved two flights. Rost charmed the Delta flight crews and got the royal treatment along the way. We landed in Pittsburgh, slightly exhausted but excited to start our adventure.
Rost soaked up the humid country air and loved spending time in nature with my parents. I, on the other hand, relished having someone else cook for us (huge thanks to Rost and Gimmy).
The next day, we picked up a rental car and headed to a small town near Hershey for a big family celebration. First, we attended the beautiful wedding of my cousin Nathan and his lovely bride, Rachael. Then it was off to Hershey Park for family time, complete with rides, laughter, and, of course, a chocolate-induced coma.
On our way back to my parents’ house, several of us stopped at a park near Harrisburg to play a real-life game of Chutes and Ladders. Not to brag (okay, maybe a little), but I won—and didn’t let my family forget it!
Back in Confluence, I had the joy of reconnecting with one of my favorite people, Mrs. Ruppel. She was my 1st and 2nd-grade teacher and has been a cherished family friend for years. Catching up with people like her is one of the best parts of these trips.
My brother surprised Brian and me with a rafting adventure down the Lower Yough. Even though I grew up near the Youghiogheny River, I’d only ever floated the Middle section. It was an amazing day filled with laughter and some fun new friends. While we were on the river, Rost was thoroughly spoiled by the family, so he didn’t miss out on the fun either.
Pappy planned a special outing for Rost and his cousin Parker at a nearby farm we’d visited last year. Rost was over the moon with all the tractors—some new ones had even joined the lineup since our last visit. Needless to say, we’re already looking forward to going back next year.
Before nap time that day, Pappy pulled over by a creek and made sure both Rost and Parker reeled in a fish. It was such a sweet and memorable moment.
Our next stop was Washington, D.C., to meet Brian’s Uncle Tommy and Aunt Tina at the National Zoo. Despite the humid heat, Rost kept up his boundless energy. Ironically, his favorite animal at the zoo turned out to be a cow—something we could have easily seen right next door to our house in Montana!
We wrapped up the day with dinner in D.C. with one of my former teammates from Parnall Law. We’ve both moved on to new roles but have stayed in touch. It was great to catch up before heading back to southwestern Pennsylvania.
The timing of our trip was perfect, as we got to celebrate my sister-in-law’s 50th birthday. The intimate family dinner on Friday night was actually a decoy for a surprise party the next afternoon, which was a total hit.
Before heading back to Montana, we squeezed in one last big event—cheering on my oldest nephew, Ben, at his football game.
Thanks for all the fun and memories, East Coast. We’ll see you again next summer! Xoxo
Turning 38 is a solid milestone—a reminder of how much has been accomplished and how far there is still to go. At this age, there’s a good mix of experience and ambition, with enough lessons learned to appreciate the wins and handle the challenges. Here’s to more good times, fewer worries, and plenty of memorable moments ahead.
To celebrate the day, I rallied my friend Breanna, her son Rocky, & Rost, & we set out for a part of Glacier I had never explored before – Two Medicine. This was my first time venturing into this part of the park, but it won’t be my last. I’m so grateful to live close to such a beautiful, majestic place.
40 is on the horizon… should it be something extra special?
Taking advantage of the beautiful weather, we spent the first part of the Fourth of July out on Flathead Lake, soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the cool, crystal-clear waters. I do hope this becomes a yearly tradition. Before I got married I’d always spend the day chasing snow on mountaintops so I could build a snowman. Maybe I’ll start that tradition up again when Rost is a bit older. Xoxo.
Every year, our friends and neighbors host a lively cornhole competition. While I may not anticipate it quite as eagerly as their annual cribbage tournament, it’s always a cheerful affair. This year, the real star of the show was Rost, who had a blast donning a big floppy hat and charming the nearby pack mules with his antics.
Bunnies hop and eggs go hide,
Colors sparkle far and wide.
What’s inside? Oh, can I peek?
Chocolate treasures make me squeak!
Grass is tickly, basket’s big,
Wobbly steps as I dance a jig.
Flowers blooming, sky so blue,
Easter feels like magic, too!
Mommy smiles, Daddy cheers,
Sticky fingers, messy smears.
I don’t know what it’s all about,
But Easter’s fun, without a doubt!
Easter 2025 is going to be epic…
Rost and I have been practicing singing Happy Birthday every night for nearly two months thanks to a current favorite book about a farmer’s birthday. Each song sung is accompanied by practice blowing out a candle. Given the amount of slobber and spit that first began this process I’m really happy we started practicing early enough to nail the actual day and not send drool flying across everyone’s cupcakes.
Rost was stoked when he woke up from his nap to discover my friend Becky, a favorite person of Rost’s, had snuck in from Missoula while he was sleeping. Soon after, Dada appeared back home with McDonald’s chicken nuggets and french fries. Rost’s day would have been magical had it stopped right there but his favorite people started funneling through the door. Each wave of people that came in sent him into shrieks of happiness. All of his favorite foods (chicken nuggets, french fries, Oreos, tomato soup, corn on the cob, strawberries, & a cupcake tractor), all of his favorite friends, a balloon, more tractors than you can handle, and fireworks = a pretty good start to two.
Turning two was a grand adventure, a gateway to a world that held countless wonders, and Rost embarked on this journey with wide-eyed innocence and the infectious laughter that defines toddlerhood.