Wanderlusting

Dear Avery,

Wanderlust; a strong, innate desire to rove or travel about. I’ll add feeling alive in a new location and experience to that definition. It’s one of my favorite words, and definitely the word of 2015 for me — compare that to my favorite words of 2013!

Here I am… “Wanderlusting” in Mexico.

 

Experiencing a new place is always on my New Year Resolution list — as it should be for everyone. While I didn’t get to explore Europe as I had hoped, I ended up in some FUN places and my wandering heart is quite full.

 

First stop > Paradise Island, Bahamas:

Sipped tropical drinks, rode water slides, enjoyed a good book on the sand, swam in the warm(er) ocean,  and enjoyed family time. The Bahamas is one of my favorite places on earth.

How about that water, huh?

 

Second (NEW!) stop > East Texas:

My annual girl’s trip with some of my best friends. We: drank lots of wine, went to Walmart at 12am and bought ammo, shot some guns (eek!), went 4 wheeling through creek beds and brush, and thoroughly enjoyed some Texas BBQ!

Here we all are on the 4 wheeler!

 

Third  (NEW!) stop > Sedona, Arizona

I’ve always heard wonderful things about the magic of Sedona. And when we were invited to be apart of our friend’s wedding, I couldn’t wait! On this trip, we spent time with old friends and made some great new friends at the wedding. Easily one of the best weekends of the year —  Sedona is indeed a beautiful site to see.

Here we are with the weekend warriors on a LOVELY winery for the wedding.

 

Fourth (NEW!) stop > Chicago, Illinois

This was the 2nd girls trip of the year, and easily one of the best trips. We: drank lots of wine, went to the Chicago Art institute, saw the infamous Second City comedy club (LOVED it!), took the architectural boat tour on the Chicago river, ate at some great little restaurants, went to lunch in Wicker Park and had the best tacos at the Antique Taco, walked the Magnificent Mile and shopped, took touristy pictures at the Bean, and enjoyed girl time. Chicago is now at the top of my list for favorite cities!!

Here we are on the Chicago river in November! Just a tad cold. 🙂

 

Fifth (NEW!) stop > Playa del Carmen, Mexico

For your Uncle Matt’s 30th birthday, we decided to take a trip to somewhere we’d never been (Even with all this traveling, I was not over my wanderlust). We took the week of Thankgiving and found an all-inclusive resort. It was lovely, quiet, and full of fun animals. I saw a peacock upon arrival, found a family of kittens, and discovered an animal that is a cross between monkey and racoon! We mostly enjoyed the beautiful beaches and pools, spent a day at the spa, played a round of golf (well sorta… I just played the greens and drove the golf cart), went off site for an adventure where we swam through caves and held parrots. A fun wanderlust adventure for sure!

I took this picture after a warm rainstorm. Lovely, huh?

 

Sixth stop > New York City, New York

The best news of the year was the birth of your cousin, Brooks! As soon as we heard he was born in August, we planned to meet him on his Baptism day during Christmas. This was your first trip to NY, so I will have to write a whole new blog just for that trip!

This is one of my favorite cities on earth. I love the energy, the people, the pace, fun restaurants, so many sites to see… everything!

Here you are riding your first subway with your Uncles.

 

Seventh stop > Bay Area aka Home

“Home is where the heart is.”

Even after all that traveling, going home is always the best because of this:

So, Aves, my hope for you: explore, travel, experience new adventures, and soak it all in.

May you forever wander, because not all who wander are lost.

With love,

Aunt Megs