Top 5 of 2024

Our family trip to the UK, which was Lucca’s first international trip, and Noelle got to meet Noah! In May we went to the UK. We flew into London and promptly drove to Salisbury where we set up for a few days. We explored the cute little town, visited Stonehenge and other nearby neolithic sites, and hiked Durdle Door, where Noelle got her fill of picking wildflowers and befriending cows. After Salisbury we drove into the cute little beach town of Tenby, Wales where we met up with Kiya’s childhood penpal from 5th grade, Natalie. They have a beautiful story and every time she sees her, she is overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the relationship they share. Just 3 days after Noelle was born, Natalie’s son, Noah was born. (Names were not discussed in advance)! This trip was extra special as it allowed Noelle and Noah to meet for the first time. They were fast friends and it was so beautiful to watch them play on the beach and run around Folly Farm Adventure Park together. Kiya hopes their relationship continues to flourish over the years as hers and Natalie’s has. Once we left Tenby, we took the scenic route out of Wales for an evening in Bath, England. As a Mother’s Day gift, Kiya was given the afternoon at Thermae Bath Spa, which boasts several floors and a rooftop of saunas, steam rooms, pools, and spa services. It was W O N D E R F U L! The next day we explored Bath as a family before driving out to the Cotswolds, where we’d spend the remainder of our trip. We have learned that ending a long trip with several days in a relaxing destination is the way to go! We loved basing out of our quiet little Lavender Cottage in the small village of Chedworth. Each day we visited multiple Cotswolds towns taking in the sites, shopping, eating, and enjoying the friendly locals. A highlight for Kiya was enjoying a high tea with Noelle (her first). We were also excited to see an actual hare - they are so much bigger than we thought! We initially thought it was a dog! Another fun activity was visiting Jeremy Clarkson’s Diddly Squat Farm Shop.

We were blessed with multiple family members coming to visit us! Uncle Brandon and Aunt Anna made a surprise visit for Lucca’s first birthday party. They were so helpful and we really enjoyed spending some time with them without the many distractions of everyone’s children - just ours! Ha! In December, we were blessed with visits from both of Kiya’s parents. First, her mom came and all the girls went to NYC to enjoy the wonder of Christmas in the Big Apple! Kiya, her mom, and Noelle enjoyed the obligatory visit to Serendipity 3, and Noelle was mesmerized by the Rockettes’ Christmas Spectacular at Radio City Music Hall. Kiya has been 5 times before, but it was especially sweet sharing it with her mom and daughter. They were also thrilled to have cousin Jennifer join for many of the activities! Kiya and her mom also enjoyed a little one on one time when they toured DC together. Several days later, Kiya’s dad and stepmom arrived for several more fun-filled (but busy) days. They got to enjoy Noelle’s first dance performance on her 4th birthday! They then were incredibly helpful getting ready for Noelle’s Sweet & Petit Four Par-TEA. While it’s always sad to see family leave, we are so grateful for those who took the time and made the effort to come see us.

We started our business, LuckyBucky, LLC! Being a stay-at-home-mom has been a huge adjustment for Kiya, who spent nearly 20 years as a bedside RN previously. She was toying around with the idea of travel consulting when she stumbled upon a travel coaching certification program, which appeared right up her alley! Starting a business with 3 and 1 year olds has been a challenge, and there is much work left to be done to reach Kiya’s business goals, but the endeavor has been fun and exciting. Kiya has had a passion for travel since her first solo trip in 2015, and she and Justin both are excited to share their knowledge, wisdom, tips and tricks with others who can benefit! This has been a great creative outlet for Kiya. Additionally, the website has turned out to be a great way to share our Year in Review without the printing costs. Take some time to explore it, if you’d like!

Justin’s hockey team won the Summer 2024 Championship! Justin is now on 2 hockey teams and is really enjoying being out on the ice, and the exercise it provides. They had a really great run over the Summer losing very few games and clinching the Championship.

Kiya was brought to tears watching Noelle take in the wonder of the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall. New York City has always been a very special place for Kiya - especially at Christmas. From the first time she went as a student of Mr. Maruszak’s, she fell in love and has endeavored to spend a lot of time there over the years. The Broadway shows! The shops and food! The crazy traffic! The charm of Central Park! The excitement and joy of seeing the entire city decorated for Christmas - lights everywhere, Rockefeller Center, music, storefront displays, and the amazing Rockettes! Kiya has loved their show since she was in high school, and it was a true joy to be able to share that with Noelle. Noelle now says she’s going to work really hard and be a Rockette! (Hope she grows to be between 5’5” and 5’10.5” tall)!