I have to say, this has been such a fun blog to write. I have never really sat down and journaled about the memories, activities, and everyday moments our family experienced over the past year. As 2025 comes to a close, it felt like the perfect time to do just that and invite you into our world a little more. Not just as a Springfield, Illinois photographer, but as a mom, a wife, and a family who truly values memories.
January
January was a slower, quieter month for our family, which honestly felt really good. We spent time sledding and playing in the snow. Our oldest loved every second of it, while our little guy made it very clear snow was not his thing. Other than that, the month was filled with cozy days, extra cuddles, and lots of time together at home.
February
February was a big one because our oldest turned four. She chose a Spidey and His Amazing Friends swimming birthday party, which meant finding an indoor pool and making it happen in the middle of a Central Illinois winter. Watching her fearlessly jump off the diving board and laugh nonstop was the highlight of the day.
We also had a few warmer days mixed in, which meant scooter practice that they would later master. Of course, winter was not done with us yet, so we squeezed in another round of sledding too.
March
March brought another first as our daughter started indoor t-ball. As a former softball player, being able to teach her a sport that means so much to me was incredibly special.
Our little guy also made the jump from crib to big boy bed. After a couple of falls, he decided sleeping on the floor was just as good, and honestly, it worked.
April
April meant warmer weather, blooming trees, and scouting locations with my family as greenery slowly came back to life.
Our daughter had her spring preschool pictures taken, and it was wild to see how much she had grown since fall. We also saw The King of Kings in theaters and highly recommend it.
This month wrapped up indoor t-ball and kicked off outdoor season. I coached her team, and Eric served as assistant coach. Coaching twelve four and five year olds felt intimidating and not that exciting at first, but it quickly became one of the most rewarding experiences of the year. Plus getting to share that experience with her was truly special.
Eric surprised me with an early Mother’s Day gift, a photo session with me and my littles. It meant more than he knows and is something I will forever cherish.
We celebrated Easter and the resurrection of Jesus at Real Life Church in Springfield. We also enjoyed egg hunts and Easter fun, and this was the first year our little guy truly understood the excitement of finding eggs.
April ended with a lemonade stand for our daughter during our garage sale. She is determined to save her way to Disney World.
May
May was full in the best way. I celebrated Mother’s Day with my two sweet babies, and Eric and I marked ten years since the day we started dating. Life looks so different than it did back then, but in the most beautiful way.
Ryleigh participated in Healthy Kids Running while Garrett continued forming his best friendship with our dog. We planted flowers at our house for the first time since moving in, and somehow, they survived.
Ryleigh wrapped up preschool with a field trip and end of year fun to the park. I am so thankful for the teachers who poured into her this year.
We also took a girls' trip to Wisconsin with my grandma, mom, and Ryleigh.
Then we ended the month watching her perform in her very first dance recital. She had the best time, and we loved cheering her on.
June
June is always special as we celebrate our wedding anniversary. This year marked six years of marriage, and we spent the day intentionally connecting and reflecting on how far we have come.
Our son developed a deep love for Winnie the Pooh and graduated from speech therapy this month. Watching his confidence grow has been incredible.
We also took a family trip to Branson, Missouri. From Silver Dollar City and the waterpark to swimming in Table Rock Lake and visiting the butterfly house, it was a week full of fun. Eric and I even snuck away for a date night while my parents watched the kids.
Looking Ahead to the Rest of the Year
The first half of 2026 reminded me how much beauty lives in the everyday moments. From quiet winter days to busy spring evenings, these months were full of growth, milestones, and so much gratitude.
In Part Two, I’ll be sharing the rest of our year, including summer adventures, fall traditions, and everything that made the second half of 2026 just as meaningful.
