Great Wolf Lodge

 For Christmas this year Johanna's mom got our family a trip to Great Wolf Lodge. Luckily an ad had been running on TV for it, so when the kids opened the surprise on Christmas morning, they were already familiar with GWL. There was much excitement on the drive up and of course the standard repeat "Are we there yet?" 

We arrived and got checked in to our room, which was at the very end of the building. Long walk back and forth to the pool but it was nice being on the quite end of the building. Kids were in overload mode with all the different options of things to do, but I definitely think the water park was top of their list. We did the build-a-bear in the gift shop. We next headed to the waterpark and enjoyed the afternoon exploring all the different slides and pools. Hollis loved the kiddie area and Jackson loved the bigger slides once he nervously tried them out. 

Once we all got back to the room and ready for dinner, we realized early sign up for things is crucial at GWL. We ended up going to Wendy's for dinner and then I ran to get toothbrushes for the kids since those didn't get packed. We did some of the evening activities including the dance party and getting our MagiQuest wands. Kids were out cold once we got back to the room!

Next day, Jackson and I did morning yoga and we all had breakfast. We checked out the small bowling alley. Then we did Laser Tag and had fun with that. It was tough to get a slot to play, even though our pass allows unlimited play. We headed to the pool and had to find a table, those get gone early on we learned. Pizza for lunch, which was actually quite delicious. Spent all afternoon in the waterpark. Both kids riding the slides over and over. 

Dinner was at the resort restaurant and again was great food. We spent the evening doing MagiQuest, Arcade, and Virtual Reality. I didn't have my smart watch for an exact count but I have no doubt this was at least a 25K step day. 

The following morning, we loaded up the car and then headed to waterpark to enjoy every moment we could at GWL. We had a wonderful trip and this was a fun way to spend some time together after Christmas. We would recommend this as a great long weekend trip for families that are looking for something special to do but not spending Disney level prices. We got the Fun and Food Pass and the Kid's Club Pass. These offer great add-ons but be aware time slots are very limited for attractions, and you'll likely not be able to do unlimited play as it advertises. The MagiQuest is a great feature and keeps the kids entertained for a while. 

Summer 25, that's a wrap!

I think this summer officially kicks off the next season of life where both kids are in their prime childhood memory making time. Jackson had his first trip to Camp Old Indian at the end of April. He had a blast. It was so special to see him light up with all the adventures and eat food for once, and bond with his pack mates. 

He is also playing baseball and soccer, getting so much better at both. He wants to do golf, football, and exercise more. Hollis loves watching her brother do sports and she is starting to play herself. She seems prime for gymnastics or dance. 

Our office did a service project as part of HOG day at Jackson's school - Blythe Academy. And Johanna and I went to the Kentucky Derby First Tee Party. It was a huge success, and I know she's a big part of making that happen. 

Jackson earned his Tiger Rank and all the belt loops. He was so proud of himself. I got him ice cream afterwards. He also earned the Jesus and Me medal, which he was presented by Pastor Karen in front of the congregation. 

We then went and saw Star Wars - The Empire Strikes Back with the Greenville Symphony. That was a very cool experience. 

Work has been somewhat busy all summer; we launched our new website. My "baby" the AnMed Freestanding ED and MOB in Piedmont opened. It hurts I wasn't there to see it all the way through, but that's all in the past now. Our office did a summer shooting range outing as a way to let off some steam and bond as a firm. 

Hollis' favorite book has been "Going on a Bear Hunt", she has it memorized mostly and I recorded her reading it. So precious. 

Johanna and I made some time for us and went to see the musical Back to the Future at the Peace Center. 

Our first big event of the summer was taking the kids to the PGA Championship at Quail Hollow.  They had a great time and lasted all day; it was amazing to see that. Jackson got fist bumps from Zander S. and Chris Kirk. He also got a ball from Viktor Hovland. It was an awesome day!

His cub scout pack did a summer hike and a tubing trip. He also went to the Summer Evening Camp for the council and won the Best Scout Spirit Award for his Den. Quite a turn around for a kid that didn't even want to go to the camp because his friends weren't there. 

Took Jackson to Skyzone a few times, the summer membership helped, but it was probably still not worth it. He only wants to go if I play with him. Need to find a friend that he can go with. 

Johanna and I have been focused on cleaning out and getting rid of stuff this summer. We have far exceeded our 40 bags. I've been listed stuff on Facebook marketplace all summer and that whole experience is always a pain but worth it if you're patient. The kids went with Grandma to the beach for a week and during that time Johanna and I tackled cleaning the bonus room closet. We trimmed down the kid's papers/art from six totes to two. We took lots of photos and scanned in many papers. 

Took Jackson fishing with a new rod and unfortunately it slipped out of his hand on the dock at Lake Robinson. He was so sad, he sat there and cried. Luckily there was a bait shop, and we got him a new rod and salvaged the day with some more fishing. He will catch his first fish soon enough!!

On the AIA front, it was a busy summer. I attended the National Convention in Boston. It was great time. Got to see the Bushert's. Brad sadly lost his election for Treasurer. Made new connections and got to see old friends.  Back in SC, we finally got the Center for Architecture opened. I had to wrangle all the Past Presidents to get something pulled together for Tracey, but she was very grateful for the art and check. 

Jackson went to the YMCA day camp for the summer. He was much more excited about it this year. He always came home dirty and exhausted. They played a lot of soccer and games. Speaking of which, he finished his soccer season and did fantastic.  We also spent a ton of time going to the pool in June, it is great having that amenity in our neighborhood now. The kids also went to vacation Bible school and had a blast doing all those activities in the evening for a week. 

Johanna and I had another date seeing Band of Horses in concert at the Peace Center. This is our third time seeing them and it's always a great concert. We celebrated Hollis' half birthday. This was a huge success with many of her friends coming and playing on the inflatable water slide. I don't think we could have similar success if we tried to hold a party on Christmas Eve!

Ok so the BIG event of Summer 2025 was our trip to Disney. I'll try to write up a separate summary of the trip. But needless to say, it was an amazing time. The kids felt the Disney magic the whole trip. We did Blizzard Beach Waterpark, Hollywood Studios, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot. My sister and Clayton were able to join us for two days and that was really special having them. After Disney we visited William and Sheri before heading home. 

We got to see fireworks at the Greenville Drive game at the beginning of August. Then just like that the summer was over, and we had our first day of school. The kids were both super excited to go back. Two last events closed out our Summer 2025. First was Jackson's 7th birthday party at Bricks and Minifigs. All of his friends were able to come, and they kids had a blast building "racecars" and racing them down the track. And lastly, Hollis had her Baptism. She did very good being solemn and most of our family came. 

{Still need to add pictures}

Hey Boo Boo they forgot the pic-a-nic basket

For this year's 4th of July trip, we headed to Camp Jellystone Golden Valley in North Carolina. The resort had been recommended to us and glancing through the booking website we could see it was going to be an action packed week. 

Our tiny house cabin was pretty cool, we have always wanted to stay in one and this was the perfect opportunity. Surprisingly it was quite accommodating for four adults and two kids. We arrived late afternoon on Sunday the 3rd and had some slight rain showers. 

On July 4th, Jackson and I went to do the pledge with Boo Boo bear. We then went fishing with Pops. Jackson loves fishing, for about 10 minutes. Then if we haven't caught anything, he decides the fish are sleeping and we need to go do something else. We did the arts and craft activity of the day - tie-dye shirt making. Jackson's shirt came out pretty cool, unfortunately the kids small is still huge on him. We then did the 4th of July Golf Cart Parade and went to the waterpark. This alone is worth the trip. We had tons of fun. 

All day Tuesday the 6th, we hung out at the waterpark. Jackson had a blast going down the two big slides over and over. We were exhausted!

Wednesday was the activity day. We did mini-golf, gem mining, scavenger hunt, arts & crafts, glow stick party with Boo Boo, and Hey Hey ride. After the evening shower (3 for 3 at this point) ended we grilled steaks.

Thursday we tried our luck and fishing again. When this failed, Jackson and I decided to go on the hiking trail. There were no warning signs this was going to be a strenuous hike and I ended up carrying Jackson for large portions up and down slippery, steep mountain sides. But we made it and he was so excited that we had accomplished our goal. We did some more activities and then hit the waterpark up again later that afternoon. We decided the lake activities might be a bit much for Jackson right now. 

day 10

Early shuttle to airport, too early! Airport counter wasn't even opened yet. We had to wait for an hour, guess we could have slept some more. Florence airport is the size of Myrtle Beach airport. 

Hung out at the gate, we both did some work emails. Shortest bus ride ever to the plane. Flight to Munich. Brief layover. I got extra screening. 

Flight back wasn't too bad. We had a whole row. 

Got some sleep and a couple movies in.

Mom picked us up and we went back to her place. Amanda was there, hung out for a bit then headed to Greenville. Jackson was so excited to see us. 

day 9

Last day in Florence we visited all the major churches. Starting with St. Croce. Loved all the famous tombs and the beautiful chapels.

Next we got in line at the Duomo. Took about 45 minutes to get inside. Such a serene, beautiful place. Felt empty with it all roped off and barely any pews. Then we headed to San Lorenzo. I love the interior of this church and the beautiful choisters.

Next we walked around and to the market central. Got some sandwiches and ate in the piazza outside Santa Maria Novella. Beautiful church and we enjoyed exploring it's amazing art and cloisters. Next we did the museo novecento - modern art. It was some weird stuff.

Walked through the shopping district. Pineider store. Visconti store, Johanna let me pick out a pen. The sales lady was too much lol. Wonderful experience though. 

Went to a place called Volume for happy hour. Great beer, country music (Hayes, sturgill).

Then to 4 Leoni for dinner. Was an amazing meal. Great way to end the trip. 

Packed up our bags for our early departure.

day 8

Got up and had breakfast at hotel. Beautiful morning, looks like the weather will cooperate today!

Meet the tour group and loaded our awesome bus for the vineyard tours. 

First stop was the villa Le Corti, which is a famous old Chianti producer. Nice tour here with lots of beautiful old world winery operations. They had some great wines there.

Next we went to La Continetta Di Rignana. This place was incredibly beautiful and perched on a hillside overlooking gorgeous Tuscan countryside. Had a wonderful lunch if local food and some wine. third stop was the Poggio Torselli srl Cantina. This historic villa now owned by a Canadian billionaire (ordinary brand) was impeccable. Best wines of the day and such beautiful scenery. We got a small thing of olive oil.  

Made it back to Florence around 5:30. Then we walked around looking for dinner. Ate at La Osteria, it was pretty good. And gelato for desert.

Crashed at hotel.

day 7

Breakfast at hotel and then we walked over to Baptistry for our tour time. Definitely the nicest of the three buildings. Heard guy singing, perfect acoustics. Toured Duomo. It's very lovely, but some weird craftsmanship issues. Then we wandered around Pisa. Checked out and got a sandwich before heading to train station, took cab this time. Short train ride to Florence. Private driver met us there. Got to hotel. Very nice accommodations right on the river Arno. We got settled in and then ventured out to explore. Hiked over to pizzale Michelangelo. Hiked up to Abbazia di San Miniato al Monte. Even more amazing views. Then we did a super long walk to up past fort belvedere and into the boboli gardens. Incredible hike through gardens. Then we came out palazzo pitti and into the Basilica di Santo Spirito by Brunelleschi. Tried to get gelato, very long line. Came back to hotel and freshened up for dinner. Pretty good dinner, nice steak. 

Walked around the Duomo. Went to the Irish pub, gelato and finally to hotel. Long exhausting day but so amazing too.