2020, Our Year

We'll always remember 2019 as the year of cancer, but in retrospect, given our renewed sense of feeling alive, we ended up with some pretty incredible adventures and memories. Certainly 2020 has more to offer, right? I know you're laughing since I'm writing this in 2021 and we all know what a shit show 2020 (and probably the entirety of our country's future) was. Regardless, we entered 2020 with starry eyes and new ideas for what the future may hold. Anything feels possible after you beat cancer. 

Happy 39th to our Jolly Good Fellow!

For Graham's birthday, we went to throw some axes and discuss a possible entrepreneurial opportunity with a buddy. More on that later...

Alastair's birthday parties are always early or late, never on time. This year, we opted for a January party. He had a couple of friends over for a sleepover on the lanai. 

The boys watched movies and ate candy until they all crashed out on the lanai. 

We got to visit the Everglades Wonder Garden for Graham's cousin's wedding. Feeding flamingos was a real highlight. 

Francis and Graham at the wedding, which was at a gorgeous outdoor venue. 

I couldn't resist taking photos of these gals. So grown up and beautiful. 

The girls have formed this little group of close friends and they are just precious together! They got to have a night out on 5th Avenue for Hazel's birthday. 

Because Maisy values a small number of close friends and Francis values a big group of friends, they decided to have two separate birthday parties. Although that sounded like a ton of work for me, I wanted to honor their individuality. Maisy chose dinner out (at Hibachi of Japan) and a sleepover to follow with her sissy and two friends. 

The birthday sleepover room (the lanai again, see any patterns here😂)

Sleepover games!

Movie and popcorn outside in March. That's the beauty of Florida living. 

Francis invited a group of gals over to Booma and Boompa's for a pool party. We had vegan nachos and chocolate cupcakes. 

One of Francis's timeless friendships. They don't go to the same school anymore, but they don't miss a beat. 

Sometimes we play hookie and go on Booma and Boompa's boat while the kids are at school. 

Maisy is ready for a haircut...

Turned out super cute! Just in time to get ready for the Father/daughter dance. 

Father Daughter Dance 2020

We swell with pride at the simple beauty of these twin girls💜

Our annual trip to Key Largo with the Canadays was at the end of February and Florida's weather went a little wonky. It was COLD, but that didn't stop the cousins of having fun and having water adventures. 

This little boutique resort has only 15 units and is right on the water. It's just small enough for the kids to run around without much supervision. It's cozy and relaxing and we love it! 

Breck is always gung ho for gettin' on the water! 

Alastair showing cousin Breck the kayaking ropes. 

Paddleboarding with my bro.

Graham's just starting to get into fishing. 

Relaxing with Nonni.

Sunset in Key Largo is mesmerizing! 

 

The Canadays have the joy of three kids' birthdays in one week. Nonni made a chocolate cake for the occasion. Breck is stoked. 

We have some funny (not funny at the time) family mishaps from this trip (who remembers those burnt pizzas?!😆) We can laugh about it now, but not without some reflection, discussions, and apologies first. Yes, we're all a mess. But we love each other hard and work together through the sacred storm. 

Sometimes I employ my children for paddleboard deliveries. I love it; they mostly don't love it, but the hard work is good for them. 

It's early in the season to see a manatee, so this guy was quite a surprise! 

Okay, more about that entrepreneurial opportunity. We entered a partnership, signed a lease on a crappy building, and began the buildout for a space that will become SwampAxe. Axe throwing is a fad that's sweeping the nation and we decided to make it rad and capitalize on it. SwampAxe is Naples' first indoor axe throwing venue and although it was our partner's initial vision, we were on board and had real anticipatory vision for this new company as well. 

The space on Linwood Ave needed a lot of demo. This project was right up Graham's alley and he shined! By "shined," I mean he worked his bum off day and night and made vision a reality. 

Had to make it edgy and questionably appropriate😉

Our partner, Sean, came up with this piece of Michigan Pine from which to craft the bar. She's a BEAUTY!

I have no clue what he's working on in this shot, but I think it captures his work ethic. The space is a bit chaotic, but it's coming along!

We had a temporary target for practice and pre-opening parties with friends. 

Hammock party at the park! Hammocks are my happy place. 

Our boy's talent never ceases to amaze me! 

Reading a book while skating. That's my girl!

Get it!