A Year of Connection, Community, and Building for the Future

Fellow adventurers, while our passports might have enjoyed a breather this year, our hearts were fuller than ever. 2024—a year often spent closer to home, resetting our priorities—saw us taking a deliberate pause from extensive globe-trotting to focus on what truly matters: family, community, and building a strong foundation for what's to come. Join us as we reflect on a year rich with local adventures, heartfelt connections, and a renewed sense of purpose!

January: New Beginnings on the Water: We kicked off the year on a friend's sailboat anchored in Mobile Bay, watching the sun rise over the water on New Year's Day, filled with resolutions and excitement for the future. With the city lights twinkling across the bay the night before, we celebrated the possibilities ahead and embraced a shared commitment to an alcohol-free journey, setting sail for new personal horizons. Later that month, a Caribbean cruise for work provided a delightful surprise – unexpectedly connecting with a peer interpreter from Austin, Texas! It was a powerful reminder of how interconnected our interpreting world is, sometimes in the most unexpected places.

February: A Mystical Mardi Gras and Making Waves: February brought the vibrant, unique energy of Mobile Mardi Gras! We joined the festivities surrounding Joe Cain Day, witnessing members of the Wild Mauvilians make their traditional annual walk to honor the day's namesake at his historic house. But the true highlight was seeing our local deaf community shine as the Deaf Mystics of the Galaxies proudly marched in the Joe Cain People's Parade! It was a truly monumental and heartwarming moment. Adding to the month's excitement, our daughter dove into her first-ever swim meet – a proud parent moment and a reminder that thrilling adventures happen close to home, too! 🏊‍♀️

March: Wisdom, Nature, and Mississippi Art: A road trip south to St. Petersburg for a legal interpreting workshop offered a valuable chance to learn alongside a beloved mentor, blending professional growth with personal connection. Another "work trip," this time to Talladega, AL, became an opportunity to visit with Kathy's family. They graciously hosted us, arranging a fascinating tour of the Alabama Institute for the Blind's (AIB) work factory and giving us our first glimpse of the historic Helen Keller school – truly learning about the lives touched by the AIDB umbrella. To round out the month, we took a special family trip to Ocean Springs, Mississippi, to indulge our daughter's love for art at the Walter Anderson Museum. Seeing his unique style, reminiscent of Van Gogh but distinctly American and born "just down the road," was especially poignant after our daughter's recent school project on the Dutch master and our own encounter with Van Gogh's work in Paris, connecting dots between art history, local culture, and family interests.

April: Broadway Lights, Beach Vibes, and Test Flights: April unfolded with distinct adventures! A family trip to New Orleans treated us to the vibrant energy of a Broadway performance of Annie. On the professional front, Remy traveled to Dallas, Texas, reconnecting with his best man while tackling a portion of the rigorous BEI interpreting exam – a step forward in upskilling. Back home, we hosted our first-ever Deaf Parents Day celebration right here on Pensacola Beach. It was an incredible gathering, bringing together over 40 attendees and 14 CODAs – many meeting for the first time. The sense of connection and shared understanding was truly special, and we're already looking forward to making this an annual tradition!

May: Tying Knots, Underwater Signs, and Graduating Family: May was a month of heartfelt celebrations! We had the distinct honor of officiating and interpreting our best friends' wedding in Alabama, helping them figuratively and literally "tie the knot" – a truly joyous occasion. Work also took us on a cruise where we put our well-rounded skills to the test with an unforgettable, off-the-books experience: scuba diving with our Deaf client! Communicating underwater through sign language, surrounded by the beauty of the marine world, was a unique and exhilarating interpreting challenge. Adding to the month's celebrations, we proudly watched two beloved family members walk across the stage at their respective high school graduations, marking significant milestones.

June: CODA Connections, California Dreams, and Coastal Farewells: June was pivotal! We attended our first CODA Conference in America, the CODA League gathering in sunny San Diego. The energy was incredible; we forged deep connections, rekindled treasured friendships, and amidst the inspiration, the initial plans for the Coda Cruise 2025 began to take shape! Continuing the spirit of connection, we hosted a fun interpreter gathering at our house back home. Then, it was time for a grand California adventure with the kids. We cruised the coast, top-down in a convertible, soaking up the sun and scenery, explored the magic of Disneyland and the thrills of Universal Hollywood, walked the iconic Santa Monica pier, and found Marlee Matlin's star (the only Deaf individual honored!) on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Amidst the excitement, we took a quiet, poignant moment at Carpinteria Beach, a place my mom cherished, to spread her ashes, putting her to rest in a place filled with beauty and peace.

July: Manatee Sightings and Conference Connections: Florida's summer delivered unexpected delights! While interpreting another cruise, we were thrilled to spot a manatee near the beach – a gentle giant reminding us of the beauty in our own backyard. We celebrated the 4th of July with our local Deaf group in Navarre, strengthening those important connections. Later, the Hands Up Conference in Orlando provided a fantastic opportunity to reconnect with old friends and make valuable new connections within the profession. The energy and shared passion were truly invigorating!

August: Mountains, Weddings, and Wild Rides: August took us north for a beautiful family wedding in Montana, a wonderful chance to connect with relatives from all corners of the US. The trip also included a breathtaking stop at Glacier National Park. The adventure continued as we crossed into Canada to explore southern British Columbia. We soaked in the unique Ainsworth Hot Springs (carved into a cave!), cooked delicious meals alongside family, and experienced an absolute adrenaline rush driving side-by-sides through the mountains outside Revelstoke. Kathy and Remy even had a friendly competition to see who could navigate the winding roads fastest – Remy won... barely, topping out at 110 KMPH! The sheer beauty of Banff National Park provided a breathtaking finale to our northern escape. Back home, we kept the community spirit alive by hosting a fun Deaf "bring your own pool" party at our house.

September: Scallop Hunts, Homecoming, and Stadium Cheers: September offered a mix of relaxation, reflection, and fun. While a tubing trip down Blackwater River provided a lazy day drift, the real highlights lay elsewhere. A visit to the Florida School for the Deaf and Blind's homecoming was deeply meaningful. Kathy's mom hadn't been back since she left school years ago, and sharing that experience, while also reconnecting with friends from San Diego whose Deaf mom knew Kathy's mom from their time at FSDB, felt incredibly special, weaving together past and present connections. Later, a family trip to a state park in Port St. Joe turned into a fantastic adventure as we waded through the bay hunting for scallops and blue crabs – a first for some of us! – followed by the rewarding experience of cooking our fresh catch for dinner! Capping off the month, a work trip to Cleveland, Ohio, included the fun bonus of catching a Cleveland Guardians baseball game.

October: Auroras, Apiaries, and Autumn Activities: October surprised us with a celestial spectacle – the elusive Aurora Borealis, visible even here in Florida, painting the night sky in breathtaking colors! It was an unexpected and awe-inspiring sight. We also spent a fascinating day learning the art of beekeeping with a dear mentor, getting hands-on experience with the hives (no certifications earned, just pure, sticky fun!). And we wrapped up the spooky season with a fantastic Deaf-hosted Halloween party in Alabama.

November: History's Echoes and Nature's Embrace: A work trip took us to Montgomery, Alabama, for a conference centered around themes of progress and new beginnings, echoing the powerful history explored at the Legacy Museum. We also took time to visit the significant sites of the Civil Rights movement scattered around the city, absorbing the poignant history and reflecting on the journey toward justice. Contrasting that urban reflection, a peaceful canoe trip down the Suwannee River at Lafayette Blue Springs with our daughter and Kathy's mom offered serene moments in nature – punctuated by the startling sight of the biggest alligator we've ever seen! We also enjoyed a beautiful sunset viewing from the Pensacola Lighthouse, touring the historic keeper's quarters.

December: Island Connections and Closing Cruises: The year wound down with more interpreting opportunities at sea. One cruise brought an inspiring encounter with a distinguished figure associated with Gallaudet University, sparking great conversation. The final journey of 2024 took us on a cruise departing from Puerto Rico. This trip wasn't just about the beautiful destination; it allowed us the wonderful chance to connect personally with a colleague in their home in San Juan, sharing stories and strengthening professional bonds across the miles.

As we close the book on 2024, a year etched in our hearts with unforgettable memories, heartwarming connections, and a renewed commitment to family and community, we're excited to see what the future holds. While extensive international travel may have taken a backseat, the bonds we forged and the purpose we discovered closer to home made this year one of our most meaningful yet.

P.S. We couldn't possibly fit all the photos into one post, so be sure to take a look at our social media to see more!

Our passports might be crying for a break after that one.

TWENTY-FOUR COUNTRIES

Wow, what a year it's been! 2023 was packed with incredible experiences, breathtaking destinations, and bursting with memories that will last a lifetime. Buckle up as we take a trip down memory lane after a year of adventures across the globe and revisit the highlights:

January: We kicked off 2023 clinking steins in Munich's Marienplatz, then braved the snowy peaks of Salzburg (and yes, we built a snowman!). From exploring the Smithsonian in D.C. to cheering on Aaron Rodgers' final Green Bay game, it was a non-stop start. ️

February: A week in Montego Bay, Jamaica, was the perfect antidote to the winter blues. We dove into turquoise waters, danced to reggae, and sipped rum flavored cocktails under swaying palm trees with our best friends.

March: Our adventurous spirit led us to Tampa, Florida, for a workshop, followed by a 2,000 mile road trip in a vintage '71 Super Beetle. We crisscrossed Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama, narrowly escaping El Paso with just a cracked key (and a story to tell!) and marveling at the Grand Canyon's grandeur.

April: Colombia's Cartagena stole our hearts with its vibrant streets and Caribbean charm, and we even snuck in a trip to Atlanta for the Braves' Deaf Awareness Day, celebrating inclusivity and the power of sports to bring people together.

May: Down Under we went! We spent a week exploring Sydney and Cairns, Australia, checking out koalas, sizzling prawns by the Coral Sea, learning about Aboriginal culture (and delicious ice cream!) surrounded by the Daintree’s ancient ferns, and diving into the Great Barrier Reef's vibrant underwater world.

June, July & August: The real globetrotting began! We embarked on a 45-day journey around the world, starting in San Francisco and making our way through South Korea, Taiwan, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Hong Kong, Seychelles, South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique, and ending in New York City. Each country offered a unique blend of cultures, landscapes, and experiences that left us awestruck. From finding our Coda family in Seoul to witnessing breathtaking wildlife on the Kruger National Park safari, each day was a new adventure.

September: The Middle East beckoned, and we answered! We explored the futuristic skyscrapers of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, wandered the streets in Jordan, and soaked up the culture of Kuwait City.

October: Sun-drenched shores fringed with emerald peaks mirrored in turquoise lagoons, Tahiti's soul danced in swaying palms, hibiscus perfume, and volcanic whispers. French Polynesia's paradise blossomed on our memories with every sun-kissed sigh and ocean's caress.

November: Family time was precious, and we cherished visits to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, and the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica, filling our hearts with laughter, sunshine, and delicious food.

December: We closed out the year with a trip to Miami, Florida, and a final hurrah in Paris, France. From romantic strolls along the Seine to indulging in decadent pastries, Paris was the perfect ending to an extraordinary year.

As we close the book on 2023, a year etched in our hearts with unforgettable adventures, heartwarming connections, and a kaleidoscope of cultures, we find ourselves overflowing with gratitude. Each untrodden path, each heartwarming handshake, and each memory etched in our hearts forms experiences like precious souvenirs. A testament to the boundless discoveries unearthed and the connections forged in the embrace of the unknown.

P.S. We couldn't possibly fit all the photos into one post, so be sure to take a look at our social media to see more!

Holy passport stamps, Batman! Looking back on 2022, we're still dizzy from the whirlwind of adventures we packed into just one year. From sunrise strolls in St. Croix to cheering on the Celtics in Boston, we crossed cultures, continents, and comfort zones with an insatiable appetite for the new.

Here's a quick taste of our epic journey:

• First sunrise on American soil in St. Croix! Talk about a sunrise story! Waking up to the first rays of dawn bathing the Virgin Islands in golden light was the perfect start to our globetrotting year.

• Billie Eilish in New Orleans with the kiddos? Deal! (No Deal?) Memories made, ears still ringing. We traded in crayons for concert tickets and took the fam to see the hottest pop star on the planet. The energy was electric, and the memories will last a lifetime (as long as our hearing recovers!).

• Cozumel; Playa Del Carmen; Cancun, Mexico - impromptu interpreters included! Turns out, Spanish skills come in handy at all-inclusive resorts, but not as handy as ASL! We helped a family celebrating a marriage navigate the language barrier, and their grateful smiles were the best reward.

• Placencia, Belize - intense car ride, unforgettable beaches. White sand, turquoise water, and a bumpy road to paradise. This hidden gem in Belize was worth every hair-raising turn!

• The Celtics losing to the Warriors in the Finals stung, but Boston whale watching was a win! Plus, a Smithsonian pit stop and a DC PRIDE dance party? Epic layover. We may have shed a tear or two for the Green Team, but Boston Harbor's majesty and the vibrant DC PRIDE parade more than made up for it.

• Panama & Utila, Honduras - white water rafting, lush landscapes, and island paradise hopping! This double whammy of Central American beauty had it all! From adrenaline-pumping rapids in Panama to diving reefs teeming with life in Utila, we were spoiled for choice. Then we soaked up the sun in Miami Beach for the perfect contrast.

• New Orleans (again!), Puerto Vallarta - sun, sand, and a sprinkle of Spanish practice. We confess, there's something about NOLA's charm that keeps us coming back for more. And Puerto Vallarta's stunning beaches and friendly locals were the icing on the cake.

• Work trip to Panama City Beach, Braves baseball in Atlanta. Even business trips can be adventures! We tackled deadlines on the sugar-white sands of PCB and cheered on the Braves in their home stadium. Who says work can't be fun?

• Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka Japan extravaganza! From neon-lit streets to serene temples, Japan was a feast for the senses. We savored every sushi bite, marveled at ancient architecture, and got lost in the vibrant energy of these incredible cities.

• One more New Orleans hurrah before ringing in the New Year in Munich! Prost to another year of wanderlust! We ended the year with a bang, dancing into 2023 amidst the festive spirit of Munich's New Year's celebrations. It was the perfect way to cap off a year of unforgettable experiences.

2022, you were a rollercoaster ride of cultures, connections, and countless "pinch me, I must be dreaming" moments. We're already plotting our next adventure (or two!), and we can't wait to share the stories with you. And for all you wanderlust-stricken souls out there, remember, the world is your oyster!

Buckle up, because you're about to embark on a whirlwind tour of our 2021 travels, a year that started with cautious optimism and ended with a confetti-filled eruption of pure joy.

Remember when vacations were still a gamble? Yeah, us too. But somehow, against all odds, 2021 became the year we squeezed more adventures into a calendar than we thought possible. So, grab your passport and sunscreen, because here's a taste of our globetrotting escapades:

Sunshine State Shenanigans: We kicked things off with a classic Florida road trip, cruising down the highway to Key West. The turquoise waters of Key Largo beckoned for a snorkel adventure, while the Everglades whispered tales of swampy secrets and cheeky alligators. Oh, and who could forget the thrill of catching a Braves game in Atlanta's electric atmosphere? Go Braves!

Aloha from Paradise: Next stop, Big Island, Hawaii! We island-hopped, soaking up the sun on both sides, from black sand beaches where sea turtles lazed like sun-kissed royalty to the fiery spectacle of a volcano's molten breath. A quick pit stop in Seattle's Pike Place Market left us with a mouthwatering mix of seafood and a sticky souvenir: a wad of gum from the infamous wall!

Belgian Brews and Beyond: Europe called, and we answered with a weekend whirlwind through Belgium's charming trio: Bruges, Brussels, and Ghent. We wandered cobbled streets, sipped frothy beers, and marveled at medieval architecture that whispered stories of knights and dragons.

Island Rhythms and Birthday Beats: A birthday trip to Puerto Rico with friends turned into a tropical adventure. We trekked through the lush rainforest of El Yunque, its emerald canopy filtering the sunlight like a stained-glass cathedral. Then, we plunged into the turquoise waters, diving with vibrant fish and basking in the Caribbean sun. Oh, and did I mention the birthday girl's unforgettable underwater dance party?

Braves, Business, and a Rock Star Detour: Back in Atlanta, cheering on the Braves became an unexpected work trip. Before I knew it, I was soaring through the Arizona desert, landing in Phoenix for a conference. The highlight? Catching Alanis Morisette live, belting out "You Oughta Know" like nobody's business.

World Series Dreams Come True: And then, the moment that painted the year with a golden glow: the Braves won the World Series! We were back in Atlanta, the city pulsating with electric joy. I danced on confetti-strewn streets, hugged strangers with tears in their eyes, and realized that sometimes, the greatest adventures are the ones shared with your community.

Italian Escapades with a Side of Traffic Tickets: To cap off the year, we embarked on a family road trip through Italy. Rome's Colosseum whispered of gladiatorial battles, Florence's Duomo soared towards the heavens, Pisa's leaning tower tested our equilibrium, and Venice's canals painted the city with a watery kaleidoscope. And yes, there might have been a few "spirited" parking maneuvers that resulted in some colorful Italian souvenirs in the mail...

Looking back, 2021 was a year of chasing sunsets, embracing the unexpected, and proving that even in uncertain times, the world is still waiting to be explored. So, to all you travel enthusiasts out there, I say this: dust off your passport, book that flight, and get ready to write your own epic adventure! Just maybe double-check the parking regulations first...

Happy travels!

Fellow wanderlusters, let me tell you, 2020 was a trip. Not the tropical island, piña colada kind of trip we were all expecting, but an odyssey of epic proportions nonetheless. Buckle up, because I'm about to take you on a journey from mountaintops in Tennessee to the depths of the White Desert, with a few detours through global shutdowns and COVID tests thrown in for good measure.

We kicked things off in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, amidst the snowy splendor of the Great Smoky Mountains. Picture crackling fireplaces, steaming mugs of cocoa, and breathtaking views – the perfect winter escape. Little did we know, the world was about to take a sharp turn down a different path.

Next stop: New York City. We arrived just as the whispers of something called "COVID-19" started swirling, but the Big Apple was still buzzing with its usual contagious energy. We were in the thick of it – Broadway shows, street food crawls, and soaking up the vibrant chaos. Then, bam! The news broke – airports closing, borders slamming shut. We found ourselves caught in a layover in Philadelphia, not quite sure what to do next. But hey, we never let a travel hiccup stop us! We grabbed a legendary Philly cheesesteak, snapped a quick selfie with the Liberty Bell, and figured it was time to hunker down for a while.

The next eight months were a blur of working from home, sourdough starter experiments, and the occasional yearning for open skies. But come October, the travel bug bit hard again. Egypt, with its ancient mysteries and golden sands, beckoned. And beckon it did!

Egypt: Oh, the stories this land could tell. We marveled at the stark beauty of the White Desert, its otherworldly rock formations stretching towards the endless sky. In Cairo, the pyramids cast their mighty shadows under a blazing sun, whispering secrets of pharaohs and forgotten empires. Memphis and Luxor unfolded their treasures – tombs, temples, hieroglyphics whispering tales of gods and mortals. Aswan, with its majestic Nile and the serene beauty of Philae Island, stole a piece of our hearts. And finally, Abu Simbel, the temple carved into the mountainside, left us speechless with its sheer grandeur.

Now, picture this: being in a foreign land, miles from home, and suddenly having to scramble for COVID tests because international travel has become a game of musical chairs. We navigated language barriers, endured endless nasal swabs, and crossed our fingers until those negative results finally popped up on our screens. It was nerve-wracking, yes, but amidst the uncertainty, Egypt's magic shone even brighter.

Maldives: After all that sand and drama, we craved turquoise waters and palm-fringed bliss. The Maldives delivered in spades. Our overwater bungalow at the Conrad was pure paradise – waking up to the gentle lap of the waves, snorkeling through vibrant coral reefs, and letting the stress melt away under the Maldivian sun.

Turkiye: From paradise to history, we landed in Istanbul, a city where East meets West in a tapestry of vibrant mosques, bustling bazaars, and the grand Hagia Sophia. Cappadocia's fairy chimneys and sunrise balloon extravaganzas took our breath away. Then, a road trip like no other: Izmir's ancient ruins, Kusadasi's beaches, the travertine terraces of Pamukkale, the charming harbor town of Kas, a dreamy boat ride to Demre (aka Saint Nicholas' hometown!), the eternal flames of Mount Chimera, and finally, the sun-drenched resort town of Antalya. Each leg of the journey was a sensory feast, an immersion in Turkiye's rich cultural tapestry.

So, there you have it: 2020, a year that threw curveballs like nobody's business. But as the dust settles, what do we remember? Not the fear, not the uncertainty, but the resilience, the adaptability, and the unwavering spirit of adventure. We climbed mountains in Tennessee, braved a global pandemic in New York, explored the ancient wonders of Egypt, basked in Maldivian paradise, and got lost in the vibrant tapestry of Turkiye. 2020 was a testament to the human spirit's ability to find joy, wonder, and adventure even in the most unexpected places.

Where will the next twist on this crazy travel journey take us? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: we'll be packing our bags, booking flights, and chasing sunsets with open hearts and a thirst for the unknown. As Helen Keller wisely said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all."

So, fellow wanderlusters, what are you waiting for? The world is waiting to be explored, one unexpected detour at a time. Start planning your next adventure!