Merry Christmas
New Beginnings
Helloooooo Everyone, and welcome to our FIRST digital year-end newsletter. As 2024 draws to a close, we’re excited to reflect on some of the year’s highlights and share them with each of you! It has been a year of growth, reflection, and cherished memories. Navigating life after Mom (Nana) 's passing last November has been a profound journey. Her love and the beautiful memories she left behind continue to guide and inspire us each day.
This year has reminded us of life’s delicate balance between challenges and joys. We’re deeply grateful for the opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the moments that truly matter.
As you read our updates, we hope you’ll pause to reflect on the experiences—both big and small—that have shaped your year. May the spirit of gratitude and togetherness fill your holiday season and carry you into a bright and hopeful 2025.
Lydia Grace
Chef Lydia
Lydia is 5 years old and officially a school girl! This year, she jumped into the world of education with excitement, joining a Spanish immersion kindergarten class. With her growing fluency, we’re convinced Lydia will soon have the whole family practicing their Spanish—she’s already teaching us more than a few phrases!
Her vibrant personality shines in everything she does. Lydia’s love for food goes beyond the kitchen. She’s often found toting around her mini food toys in her backpack on weekends, always ready for a culinary adventure. With her quick wit and endless supply of clever comebacks, she keeps her sisters and parents in stitches, never missing a chance to make us laugh.
Outside of school, Lydia is making great strides in her swimming lessons, becoming a confident and joyful swimmer. Some of her most cherished moments this year include our trip to Boston for Fred’s graduation, our annual family vacation to Kiawah, and a fun-filled getaway to Atlanta. Watching Lydia blossom into her bright, witty, and adventurous self has been one of the greatest joys of our year!
Ava Gabrielle
Energizer Bunny
Ava turned 8 this year and is absolutely thriving! Her transition to an International Baccalaureate magnet school has been a significant milestone and she’s tackling the academic rigor of 3rd grade with confidence and curiosity. A special highlight of her school year has been sharing the experience with her “lil” sister for the first time—a sweet and inseparable duo that’s brought joy to both of them!
Outside of school, Ava’s schedule is as lively as her personality. She’s gracefully twirling her way through dance classes, honing her soccer skills during fundamentals training, and diving into swimming lessons with enthusiasm. It’s been a year full of activity and growth for Ava, keeping her engaged and excited.
One of Ava’s standout memories this year was our family trip back to Atlanta, where she soaked in the fun and cherished the nostalgia. Watching Ava embrace new opportunities, balance her many passions, and blossom into her unique, vibrant self has been an absolute delight!
Sofia Alyse
Super Reader
Sofia, now 10 years old and thriving in fifth grade, continues to shine both academically and personally. She’s a devoted student who adores reading and always looks forward to exploring new places. This year, she’s truly stepped into the role as our family’s “administrative manager,” keeping everyone on track with her heartfelt reminders—a skill that has been a game changer for her busy parents!
Her dedication extends to her passions, as well. Sofia has made impressive progress in her piano lessons, filling the house with music, and has become a confident swimmer by showing continuous progress each week.
Two standout moments for her this year were our unforgettable family trip to Kiawah, Island where she soaked up every moment, and her milestone 10th birthday celebration, filled with laughter and joy. Watching Sofia grow into such a vibrant, capable young lady has been one of the year’s greatest blessings!
Dawny
Balancing It All
Dawny has reached an exciting milestone—she’s officially halfway through her doctoral program at Mount St. Joseph University! This journey has been a challenging yet deeply rewarding adventure, and her dedication to growing both personally and professionally continues to shine.
Alongside her studies, Dawny remains passionate about her work in schools, where she’s making a difference by facilitating impactful teacher trainings. Her commitment to empowering educators reflects her unwavering belief in the power of knowledge and collaboration.
In addition to her academic and professional pursuits, Dawny is still rocking the Zumba scene at the local YMCA. Her energy and love for movement inspire everyone around her—she likes to move it…move it!
Here’s to Dawny’s incredible progress and her ability to balance it all with grace, passion, and a healthy dose of fun!
Fred
The Graduate
This year, Fred achieved a long-held dream—earning his Master's in Management from Harvard University! This remarkable milestone reflects four and a half years of tireless dedication, persistence, and hard work. We’re beyond proud of Fred for his determination and the inspiration he’s provided along the way.
Now that the chapter of graduate school has closed, Fred is embracing a new rhythm of life. One of his favorite ways to unwind has been stepping back into the kitchen with the girls. Together, they’ve been creating delicious treats and capturing the fun in cooking videos—a heartwarming way to make memories and share laughter.
On the professional front, Fred continues to excel at Truist, where he has the ability to apply the insights and expertise gained through his graduate studies to drive impact in his role.
This year, Fred has also embraced "peace" as his word of the year, committing to staying grounded and fostering positivity, even amid life’s challenges. This is all proof that hard work, balance, and a peaceful heart can truly shape a meaningful life!
By The Numbers
6 States Visited
2,067 Photos Taken
2,067 Photos Taken
This year’s family travels brought us so much joy and adventure as we explored Virginia, Massachusetts, South Carolina, Florida, the Bahamas, Nevada, and Georgia. Each destination offered something unique, from relaxing on pristine beaches to discovering vibrant cities full of culture and charm. Highlights included celebrating Fred’s graduation in Massachusetts, enjoying beach walks and family time in South Carolina, and soaking up the excitement of Las Vegas in Nevada. Every trip was a chance to connect, create memories, and experience the beauty and diversity of each place together.
2,067 Photos Taken
2,067 Photos Taken
2,067 Photos Taken
This year, our camera roll overflowed with pictures capturing the joy and beauty of special moments with family, friends, and travels. From milestone celebrations and heartfelt visits to breathtaking landscapes and fun-filled adventures, every snapshot tells a story of love and connection. We’ve cherished documenting the laughter, smiles, and memories shared during our time together, whether at home or exploring new places. These photos are now treasured keepsakes, reminding us of the incredible year we’ve had and the blessings of togetherness.
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
This year was filled with awe-inspiring concerts and performances that left us thrilled and inspired. From singing along at unforgettable shows by Usher, Adele, and Beyoncé to being captivated by the artistry of Simone Biles’ Gold Over America Tour, each event was a highlight. We also loved attending weekly summer theater performances, marveling at T’was the Night by Cirque Du Soleil, and embracing the holiday magic at The Nutcracker. Each experience brought joy, creativity, and shared moments that made this year even more memorable.
12 Birthday Parties Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
This year, the kids had a blast attending countless birthday parties that kept their calendars full and their energy high! From cooking parties where they got creative in the kitchen to bouncing parties filled with endless jumps and laughter, every celebration was a hit. Each event was an opportunity for fun, friendship, and, of course, cake, leaving them with countless joyful memories. They’ve truly cherished celebrating their friends’ special days and can’t wait for the next round of festivities!
Contact Us
Until Next Year
And with that, we wrap up our updates for the year! We hope this gives you a small glimpse into our lives, and we’d love to hear about what’s been unfolding in yours. We are deeply grateful to have you as part of our “village” and your presence in our journey means the world to us. As we look ahead, we wish each of you a 2025 filled with joy, health, and safety. May this new year bring you abundant blessings and countless, unforgettable moments!
The Hilltop Review
