Author: Julia
-
Where to stay in National Harbor, Maryland
•
Matt and I traveled to National Harbor, MD (right by DC) for a quick overnight in Jan 2026. Here is the blog post if you would like to read more about our adventures to the National Harbor and Gaylord National Resort’s ICE! We loved our stay at the Westin, and…
-
National Harbor, MD (and ICE!)
•
Friday Jan 2nd – Sat Jan 3rd 2026 Matt and I decided to gift each other an experience for Christmas this year instead of physical presents. (But. We also bought and wrapped gift items for children currently at Christ’s Home, down in Paradise, due to a local connection via Girls on the…
-
2 Days in Cuyahoga Valley National Park
•
Thursday October 9th – Sunday October 12th 2025 Another yearly October National Park hiking adventure, to Celebrate Matt’s Birthday! This year we chose Cuyahoga Valley NP, the only NP in Ohio, for Matt’s 47th birthday. I had our hikes spread out over 2 days, but we really got going on…
-
Camp Culp Wedding Celebration – Day 2: Lake Day at Fireman’s Beach
•
We got perfect weather for our beach day at Fireman’s Beach on Conneaut Lake. The kids splashed in the water, dug in the sand, and ruled the playground while the grown-ups took turns paddleboarding across the lake, and just laying out. We packed picnic food for the day, and enjoyed…
-
Camp Culp Wedding Celebration – Day 3: Rainy Day Pivot & Local Sips ☔💫
•
The rain rolled in on Saturday morning, so we pivoted to indoor fun — cue hair tinsel and friendship bracelets in the mess hall, while Matthew cooked up breakfast. Total throwback energy and honestly, kind of iconic. I have the hair tinsel kit linked to my amazon associates account: Only…
-
Camp Culp Wedding Celebration – Day 4: Camp Culp Sendoff
•
We wrapped up our first wedding celebration with full hearts, leftover food and drinks, and a little less sleep than usual. We joked “HAGS” — but honestly, it’s true: Have A Great Summer vibes all around. We’re so thankful for everyone who made the trek, brought good energy, helped with…
-
Lake Anna Wedding Celebration – Day 2: Lake Day
•
I knew I didn’t want to start the day in a chair at 7 a.m. getting hair and makeup done, only to follow a packed schedule until 10p. Instead, we kept it relaxed – breakfast at the house with eggs, sausage, bagels, fruit, yogurt, and coffee, followed by changing into…
-
Lake Anna Wedding Celebration – Day 2: The Ceremony
•
Around 4 p.m., we headed back to the Mongeau House. Matt and I got showered and dressed. Having a friend who can do your hair and makeup? Absolutely amazing. Morgan, I thank you immensely. I literally just sat there while she came up with a look on the fly –…
-
Lake Anna Wedding Celebration – Day 3: By the Water + Sunset Bonfire
•
Breakfast was low-key again – everyone waking up on their own time. We gathered on the back porch, sipping coffee and chatting about the previous day’s festivities. A few early risers – Matt’s uncle, brother, and nephews – headed out on the boat for some morning fishing. This was our…
-
Lake Anna Wedding Celebration – Day 4: Goodbyes + Travel
•
After breakfast, we all pitched in to tidy up and say our goodbyes. Matt and I lingered a bit longer, soaking in the last few moments. We grabbed some aerial shots of the lake and took one final look out over the water before heading out. We had an amazing…