The song “Kokomo” by The Beach Boys is a tropical classic. It’s the ultimate relaxation song about traveling the world with the one you love and visiting the most beautiful beaches, including your own “little place like Kokomo.” While Kokomo itself is a fictional, utopian location, the song mentions several gorgeous locations. At some point, we realized that we had already been to several of the places mentioned and we made it a goal to visit the rest.
Bah humbug—we were roped into hosting Christmas in 2021! So naturally, we leaned into the drama with A Christmas Carol as our theme. Inspired by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future, we mixed Victorian and Dickensian flair with a dash of family nostalgia, TikTok trends, and even a little Matrix-style mystique. From the décor to the food to the festivities, it was a spirited celebration—complete with appearances by Mr. Scrooge, Mrs. Cratchit, and all three holiday ghosts!
This is my favorite room in our house! I started planning for this room as soon as we started building our house! I setup zones in the room for Cricut, crafting, painting, science/steampunk, gift wrapping, sewing, cosplay, and 3D printing. This is my happy place and where I go when I need to enter the creative zone 🙂
Thor is one of our favorite superheroes, and we love the costumes from Ragnarok. Plus, Scott looks a lot like the Ragnarok version, especially when he cuts his hair with the V and Z. 🙂 This was a really fun costume to create for the STL Ren Fest Heroes and Villains themed weekend. Thor and Loki swept the costume prizes for best Hero and Villain! Thor even won a pie eating contest in attempts to become “Fat Thor” 😉
Philadelphia had long been on Scott’s ballpark bucket list – thanks to Rocky, cheesesteaks, and, more recently, Bryce Harper, one of his favorite players. We finally made it, and the visit didn’t disappoint. We caught a Harper home run during his red-hot, MVP-caliber season, scarfed down some $1 hot dogs, and took in the beautifully centered skyline views as the sun set over the outfield. Citizens Bank Park blends nods to Philly’s deep baseball history with fan-friendly features like the open-air Ashburn Alley, fun interactive games, and social spaces like Pass and Stow and the Budweiser Rooftop. The park is nestled in the South Philly Sports Complex, a bit removed from downtown but anchored by Xfinity Live!, a lively pre- and post-game hangout. Concessions ranged from classic crab fries to modern staples like Shake Shack, with plenty of spots to grab a drink and catch the game from standing terraces. While some elements – like the dated scoreboards or confusing rideshare access – could use an upgrade, the overall experience delivered a solid mix of energy, comfort, and Philly personality.
Comerica Park, set in the heart of downtown Detroit, delivers a well-rounded and surprisingly immersive ballpark experience. While it may not be the flashiest stadium in MLB, it stands out for its deep integration of Tigers history, from the impressive statues and plaques honoring legends to the Walk of Fame and city-inspired design elements woven throughout the concourse. Massive tiger sculptures, a red brick exterior, and creative nods to the Motor City give the park a strong sense of identity. Add in wide concourses, a variety of social terraces, and local flavor concessions like Detroit-style pizza and craft beer, and you’ve got a venue that quietly excels in nearly every category. Comerica surprised us by how much it offered across the board – and ultimately landed higher in our rankings than expected.
Before we even knew the baby’s gender, my sister Abby had one request: a Bridgerton-themed baby shower! As a lover of the show’s lavish costumes and dreamy set design, I was absolutely thrilled to plan an affair worthy of the ton. When it was revealed that Abby and Cory were expecting a baby girl, the whispers of society turned to full-blown excitement—surely this little lady would be the diamond of the season! With a most ambitious mama on the lookout for the perfect future suitor, guests were cordially invited to step into high society. From afternoon tea to mingling with the ton’s most eligible bachelors and debutantes, everyone had a role to play in celebrating the arrival of sweet baby Emory—the sparkling jewel soon to make her debut!
We had a great time at Chase Field in Phoenix, especially getting to experience it both with the roof closed during batting practice and open for the game. The powerful AC system was a lifesaver – keeping us cool even under the desert sun. The Churro Dog was hands down the most over-the-top stadium dessert we’ve ever tried (and totally worth it). We also enjoyed the open mingling terraces and the free Hall of Fame exhibit. Best of all, we were surrounded by fellow Cards fans and got to join in on “Yadi” chants as he delivered a thrilling 10th inning win!
We were lucky enough to visit American Family Field (formerly Miller Park) twice during our trip – once with the roof open and once closed – and definitely preferred it open for the beautiful skies and natural lighting. Despite limited crowds due to the pandemic, Brewers fans brought great energy, and quirky traditions like the Sausage Race kept things fun. The concessions were uniquely Wisconsin, featuring fried cheese curds, Johnsonville sausages (even on nachos!), Miller Lite, and an excellent lineup of craft brews. While many extras like the kids’ areas and Selig Experience were closed or required special access, they seemed worth a future visit. Though the stadium sits a bit outside downtown Milwaukee, we took a leisurely walk along the Hank Aaron State Trail, which offered a scenic and relaxing approach. Overall, it was a memorable outing, and we loved taking in everything the Brew Crew had to offer!