As summer kicked into full swing, the second half of 2026 brought even more adventure, growth, and moments we will always hold close. This post reflects on the season of life we experienced from July through December, from summer trips and family milestones to fall traditions and the moments that helped us slow down and savor the year.
July
July brought a bucket list moment when we attended a Savannah Bananas game at Busch Stadium. It was an absolute blast.
After a busy season, Eric and I prioritized one on one time with each kid. He spent special time with our son while Ryleigh and I took a quick but magical two day trip to Disney World. We packed in Magic Kingdom, the waterpark, resort time, and breakfast with Stitch. She still talks about that trip nonstop.
August
August kicked off with Ryleigh getting a behind the scenes look at Chick Fil A, boxing nuggets, making ice cream, and wearing a chef hat she decorated herself.
She also visited her preschool teachers as she prepared for her final year of preschool, which also began at the end of the month.
We ended the month at a wildflower field where the kids ran, picked flowers, and soaked up the last bits of summer.
September
September brought a long awaited milestone when Ryleigh finally got her ears pierced.
It was also a big month for Garrett as he turned two. We celebrated with a Winnie the Pooh birthday party surrounded by family, friends, and lots of love. Side note, we got AMAZING cookies, pictured below, from Blissful Creations out of Petersburg, IL. She is incredible to work with and they taste as great as they look! Highly recommend!
We spent time at the apple orchard and our favorite pumpkin patch, Pumpkin Creek Farms in Barclay, Illinois. Ryleigh also hosted another lemonade and bracelet stand as she continued saving for Disney World.
We wrapped up the month with family photos in Mahomet at the cutest park. One day I hope to photograph sessions there.
October
October meant even more time at the pumpkin patch and a much needed date day hiking with just me and Eric in Shawnee National Forest. It was beautiful, refreshing, and exhausting.
Halloween ended the month with Ryleigh dressed as Ghost Spider and Garrett as Eeyore, collecting far more candy than they needed.
November
In November, we took a family trip to St. Louis for intentional time together. We rode the Polar Express, saw Christmas lights, went ice skating, played at an indoor slide park, and visited Santa.
We celebrated Thanksgiving with family and then spent Black Friday shopping with my mom.
December
December was full of magic. We visited light displays, spent time with friends, and prepared our hearts for Christmas while celebrating the birth of Jesus.
Our elf, Noodles McCoodles, made his debut and brought lots of laughter. We spent Christmas Eve making crafts, sharing a Shepherd’s meal, attending church, and opening a few presents. Christmas Day was filled with family, gifts, and gratitude.
Thank You From the Grays
2025 was full of growth, love, and memories we will cherish forever. Thank you to everyone who played a role in our story. By supporting my business through booking sessions, sharing posts, or referring friends and family, you help make these moments possible for our family.
I am so thankful for each of you and cannot wait to see what the next year holds for our family and for RG Photography by Courtney.
