We went back to Northern California for a few days to celebrate dear friends and it was so good for the soul. It was my first time back since moving east 1.5yrs ago and I was struck by the memories that came rushing back, the stunning beauty of the coast and the peacefulness that comes driving with windows down along winding coastal highways. We are so appreciative of the time we spent there reconnecting with old and new friends. California, you will always have my heart❤️
I haven’t posted on my feed in over a year so why not use Stagecoach to show proof of life and bring me back baby! We swapped the OG Sahara tent at Coachella from 12 years ago 🫣 for Stagecoach’s Palomino tent aka “millennial elder tent” which was still full of the awesome but not-so-country HITS from Nelly, Lana Del Ray, Mumford & Sons, Goo Goo Dolls and Backstreet Boys. We sprinkled in the country from Zach Bryan, Shaboozy, Midland and Jelly Roll and let’s just say I have a clear favorite 👀 @midland I’m gonna need to know where to buy that Texas jacket and a meet and greet asap!
A big thanks to my main man @petecarolan for sparking the idea and with a flawless execution for the weekend. While my feet still burn and I’m still hacking up the dust, it was well worth it for the sunshine and vibing to awesome music with friends, family and a surprise meet up with @daniel_powell
This may have sparked a cowboy summer for yours truly so while you wait for another IG you can find me pool side with some tequila and midland playing. 🤠
This year gave us wonderful highs but some of our lowest lows after losing Pete’s dad and our beloved Jack pup. Looking back at all of these videos, I’m so incredibly thankful for all of the family time we had together in our favorite places, including a bucket list trip to Lake Como. Mia started kindergarten this year and made wonderful friends, “played” soccer and excelled in gymnastics and swimming. Carter started pre-school with ease and is our sweet cuddle bug who loves paw patrol and pretending to be a truck everywhere he goes. Our family has made big decisions to make this next year a great one and I’m excited for all that it will bring!
To my father-in-law and PopPop, you were a wonderful, generous man who adored his family and grandchildren and your absence will be greatly felt. It was an honor to celebrate your life this weekend and we’ll continue doing so every day. Rest in peace ❤️ Peter Xavier Carolan 8/23/48 - 9/14/23
First day of Kindergarten! 🥹 Our little girl is making big moves and we love to watch her grow. I’m so thankful it went well and the only tears were from me!
Best 5 years to date! Happy birthday Mia! We love watching you grow and become a fearless, confident and creative girl. From your stylish outfits, to belting Alicia Key’s “girl on fire” at the top of your lungs to watching you ski, swim and make new friends wherever we go, mom and dad are bursting with pride. We love you Mia! 🥹
How did we get here so quickly? 🥹🥹
5 years ago today we welcomed this sweet girl into our lives. I’ve thought a lot about this moment, turning. 5. The internet tells you to soak up these years 0-5, instilling fear in us as parents that they’re gone, just like that 🫰never to hang out or speak to us parents again. Time and time again, strangers have told me how special this time is, to soak it up and enjoy it all. Just last week a dad saw us playing in the pool and said how he’d give anything to go back to this age. No matter how hard the nights are or never ending the messes are, there is no doubt in my mind that these are the “golden years”. And the truth is, all of these moments do have end dates at some point which breaks my heart but I’m thankful to be aware of the magic in front of me and to soak it up when I can. I’m also thankful for people who shine light on it when they see it because sometimes it doesn’t always feel like the golden years truthfully. But what I do know is that there is no reason to fear because if the last year especially is any indication of what’s to come, I can’t wait! My only hope is that we can continue to belt out songs in the car together because every time I hear her sing Alicia Key’s “Girl on fire” I tear up and hope she knows that she certainly is “on fire”. One of my favorite parts has been seeing Mia’s creative side flourish from art projects to styling her outfits everyday, 10x a day. Today, she took her birthday cake decoration into her own hands and boy did she deliver! She alwayssss has a vision, a plan and a determination like no other to make it all happen. Given all of this, I most certainly will be crying non-stop between now and the start of kindergarten because it’s so bittersweet to see the end of this little kid “book”— there are so many chapters to look back on. My heart is full, I’m beaming with pride and giddy with excitement for these big kid years. How lucky am I to be her mom and @petecarolan to be her dad 🥹💕 we most certainly struck gold.
Phase one of summer complete! Cape Cod gave us lots of outdoor fun on bikes, boats and in the pool with a few ice cream stops in between. A few rain showers never held us back from enjoying time with my family and great grandma “GG”. So grateful for this time and can’t wait to come back in a few weeks.
