Happy New Year, everybody! As we embark on 2026, it seems fitting to reflect on 2025 and capture a few memories and favorites from the past year. Hopefully I’ll remember to do it this time next year, and each one following.
Major Adventures
Experiencing Iceland with Shannon and her family
Flying back east to visit my sister and her family, seeing a majestic waterfall, horse harness racing, and Cooperstown
Balderrama fun
Both girls were active in spring and fall volleyball, and they tried out (and loved) softball
Clara stepped back from dance to focus on other activities, including being in her middle school musical production of Mary Poppins. Mariana picked up the dance slack by doubling her classload, adding a Hip Hop class, in addition to Jazz
Both girls are in Student Council at their schools
Clara is in year two of playing the French Horn in band, and started taking choir this fall
We had to say goodbye to our dear dog, Cathy
Favorite Media
Concerts: I only saw two major concerts this year, Counting Crows with Shannon, Matt and Brianna at Fiddler’s Green; Benson Boone with the girls at Ball Arena.
Favorite Movies (I saw last year): Superman, Fantastic Four, Thunderbolts, Conclave
Favorite TV Shows (I saw last year): Pluribus, Andor, Silo, X-men 97 (I also dove into Better Call Saul)
Top Songs (as Scrobbled by Last.fm): Numb Little Bug (Em Beihold), Sorry I’m Here for Someone Else (Benson Boone), Little Bit Better (Caleb Hearn), Before You Leave Me (Alex Warren), Die with a Smile (Lady Gaga)
Here’s to 2026!