Tag Archives: family

2025 Finale, 2026 Kickoff: Safari, Pyramids & Southeast Asia – Our 2026 Adventures are Set!

Before we look ahead, we still have some exciting travels left to wrap up 2025. Right now, we’re soaking up the Adriatic lifestyle in Montenegro until September 26th, when we’ll trade the coast for the crisp air of Scandinavia. From Stockholm, we’ll begin a 28-day road trip that takes us north through Sweden, stopping in charming towns and scenic landscapes on the way to Abisko—one of the best places in the world to see the Northern Lights. Along the way, we’ll also experience unique stays, including a night at an igloo hotel. After chasing the aurora, we’ll make our way south through Norway’s dramatic fjords, mountain passes, and historic cities, eventually arriving in Oslo. From there, we’ll fly back to North Carolina for a few days with family before heading to Miami for a birthday cruise with our brother. By the time we return, it’ll be time to slow down and celebrate the holidays—Thanksgiving in Georgia, Christmas in North Carolina, and a sunny escape to Curaçao in between.

A Safari in Kenya

On January 6th, we’ll fly from Atlanta to Nairobi, Kenya, where we’ll spend a few days exploring the city before heading deep into the heart of the Masai Mara. We’ll be staying five nights at an all-inclusive safari lodge perfectly positioned for game drives and wildlife viewing. The resort offers spacious tented suites with private decks overlooking the savannah, gourmet dining, and the comfort of modern amenities while still feeling fully immersed in nature. Each day we’ll set out on two game drives—one at sunrise and another in the late afternoon—giving us the chance to spot lions, elephants, giraffes, and perhaps even the elusive leopard. Evenings will bring campfire dinners under a sky filled with stars.

Wonders of Egypt

After Kenya, we’ll return to Nairobi and then make our way to Cairo, Egypt. We’ll spend a few days in the city before beginning our Wonders of Egypt tour on January 20th. This guided journey will take us through the highlights of ancient Egypt: standing in awe before the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, cruising along the Nile, visiting Luxor and Karnak Temples, and exploring the Valley of the Kings. We’ll also see the Temple of Philae in Aswan and experience the vibrant energy of Cairo. It’s a trip filled with history, culture, and the kind of sights that have captivated travelers for centuries.

February – May: Southeast Asia

On February 1st, we’ll leave Cairo and head to Bangkok, Thailand, to begin several months in Southeast Asia. While we haven’t set an exact itinerary yet, our plans include exploring Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, and possibly other destinations in the region. From bustling cities to tranquil beaches, from ancient temples to vibrant street markets, this part of the journey will be more spontaneous—giving us time to truly soak in the culture and pace of the region.

June – A Family Celebration at Sea

In late May, we’ll return to North Carolina and, in June, join our family on a cruise to celebrate our aunt and uncle’s 50th wedding anniversary. It will be the perfect way to cap off the first half of the year—time with family after so many months of adventure abroad.

Looking Ahead

The first half of 2026 is already shaping up to be extraordinary. We’ll be checking off two of our biggest bucket list experiences—a safari in Africa and exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt—before diving into the diverse cultures of Southeast Asia. As for the second half of the year, those plans will unfold in the months ahead. One thing is certain: 2026 is going to be a year to remember. Be sure to subscribe to the blog so you can join us On The Run!

ATLANTA WRAP-UP: FRIENDS, FAMILY & A WHOLE LOTTA FOOD

We just wrapped up the first two weeks of our sabbatical in Atlanta, and what a perfect way it was to ease into this new chapter. It was all about reconnecting—with family, with lifelong friends, and with the familiar comforts of home-cooked meals and belly laughs.

We kicked things off with a lovely dinner at Mezza Luna with my dad, Nina, and Granny. The food was fantastic, but it was the kind and supportive words from my parents that made the night truly memorable.

Sunday brought more joy—and more good food. We had dinner with my childhood best friend, Mary Kate, and her amazing boyfriend, Brandon. We joked that her mom (RIP Momma Cheryl) and my Granny would finally be happy knowing Mary Kate and “Brandon” ended up together. I’ve watched MaryKate grow into a fierce, brilliant, independent woman over the past 25+ years, and having her in my life continues to be one of my greatest blessings.

On Monday, I caught up with another high school friend, Michelle. Over an incredible Indian lunch, we talked about life, motherhood, family, and everything in between. She’s been through a lot over the years but remains unshaken—graceful, grounded, and strong. I admire the hell out of her.

Between all the meetups, we spent lots of time with Granny—and yes, she cooked. Her signature spaghetti and coleslaw combo sounds outrageous, I know, but don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. It’s nostalgic, comforting, and somehow perfect. Italians, look away.

Mom’s cat, Taz, is the epitome of an orange cat—sweet and snuggly one minute, a tiny chaotic menace the next. Classic Taz: part angel, part gremlin, all attitude.

Then came my sister, Katie. We ran errands, caught up on life, and devoured biscuits roughly the size of my head. I’m always reminded that while my family may not be the closest, they’re still my anchor. I’m proud to call her my sister.

On Tuesday, I finally made it to the Georgia Aquarium—something that somehow evaded me for 20 years despite dozens of visits to Atlanta. It was magical, especially sharing it with Ada and Cora, two of the kindest, smartest little girls I know.

Later that day, we visited the World of Coke. We flew through the exhibits but made time for the best part—sampling 60+ Coke products from around the world. FYI, there’s one from China that tastes exactly like barbecue sauce. Zero stars. Would not recommend.

Wednesday was all about quality time with my best friend Stephanie. Coffee turned into three hours of deep convos, shared memories, and some much-needed emotional detox. She’s one of those friends who just gets you—and time with her is always healing.

That night, Granny insisted on making ham sandwiches and potato salad—and let me tell you, this potato salad is life-changing. One bite and you’re ruined for all others.

And just like that, it’s Thursday. We were up at 5:45 a.m. and by afternoon, we were landing in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. We’re here for four glorious weeks of rest, sun, cocktails, family time, and yes, beach bumming. As a surprise bonus, we arrived just in time for the Puerto Vallarta Pride Festival! Drag shows, pool parties, love, acceptance, glitter—we’re all in.

It’s been a whirlwind three weeks since closing on the house, and now… I plan to be a total bum for the next four. Stay tuned—there’s a lot more On The Run ahead.