{Coastal Trip Recap // Days 3 & 4}

More Saltwater, Sunsets & Sweet Moments

There’s just something about waking up at the beach. It’s like your soul starts the day already at peace. This trip to the coast was nothing short of wonderful...the kind that fills your heart and makes you so thankful for slow days, salty air, and family time. We didn’t do a whole lot outside of the house, and honestly? That was the best part. Just being together, relaxing by the water, and soaking up the sunshine felt like exactly what we all needed. Here’s a little peek into Days 3 & 4 of our trip…

{Coastal Trip Recap // Days 1 & 2}

Freeport, TX – Saltwater, Sunsets, and Sweet Family Time

After what felt like the slowest countdown in history, we finally made it to the coast! On Wednesday, July 16th, we pulled into our beach house driveway around 6:45pm. Nate’s parents had already arrived and were settled in, so we got straight to unloading all the things...bags, coolers, fishing gear... you know the drill.

{Beach Bucketlist Update & By the Numbers // 2025}

Just last week, I shared our plans for a beach getaway to Freeport, Texas, and all the things we were hoping to do while we were there. Now that we’re back home (and still sweeping sand out of the car), I thought it was the perfect time to circle back and give a little update on what we actually checked off that beach bucket list... and share a few fun stats from our time away.

{Our last day in Colorado // Mason's final hockey game}

Since Mason didn’t have to be at the rink until 9:00 am, we got to sleep in a bit...a small but welcomed gift after a week of early mornings and go-go-go. But in true Hall fashion, we were still a little early. 

We arrived in time to catch the last 30 minutes of the game before Mason’s, and something about watching that game just broke me wide open. I wept like a baby. Twice.

{Monthly Musings // Summer Vacation Edition // June 2025}

I’m so excited to be linking up with Holly from Pink Lady and Patty for their Monthly Musings series. This month’s theme is all about summer vacations...and you know I’m all about that life! Whether we’re loading up the car for a road trip, soaking in the salt air at the beach, or planning a porch-sitting kind of weekend at the lake, summer is truly my favorite.

Let’s dive into this month’s questions!

{Colorado Adventure // days 1–3 // Friends, Father's Day & First Ice Time}

Our much-anticipated Colorado trip is in the books, and I’m so excited to finally sit down and share all the details...starting with the first three days, which were already so full of fun, laughter, and the kind of moments that fill your heart right up.

{Colorado by the Numbers // A Road Trip Recap}

Our road trip from Waxahachie, TX to Colorado Springs, CO was nothing short of incredible. From stunning mountain views to thrift store treasures and some “oh wow” bucket list moments, we packed so much into our adventure...and had a blast counting it all along the way. Here's our Colorado trip... broken down by the numbers.

{Colorado 2025 Bucketlist}

We are so excited to be heading to Colorado Springs, Colorado for a whole week of fun, family time, and adventure! It’s a trip we’ve been looking forward to for a while now...and we’re extra grateful to get to experience it all together.

This trip is especially meaningful because our son Mason will be attending hockey camp at the Air Force Academy while we’re there (so cool, right?!), and we’ll be staying with sweet friends who opened their home to us for the week. With seven full days to explore, relax, and take it all in, we put together a bucket list of all the things we’d love to see and do while we're in town.

{Broken Bow // Day 5}

 Broken Bow, Day 5: Celebrating Nate’s Birthday in the Best Way

Day five of our Broken Bow trip was extra special—it was Nate’s birthday! Celebrating him in a place that means so much to our family made the day feel even more meaningful. Over the years, Nate has spent quite a few birthdays here in Broken Bow, and each one has carried its own kind of magic. This year was no different—just another memory to add to the growing list of unforgettable birthdays in the mountains.

{Broken Bow // Day 4}

 River Wandering, Goodbyes, and Night Fishing

By day four of our Broken Bow trip, we had fully settled into that sweet mountain rhythm—the kind where time slows down, your soul exhales, and the only thing on the agenda is to enjoy the moment. It was another day spent at Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that’s more than just a park to us—it’s a piece of our family’s story, full of comfort, history, and the kind of beauty you never get tired of.

{Broken Bow // Day 3}

Broken Bow, Day 3: Fishing, Hiking, and Train Rides Through the Pines 

Day three of our Broken Bow getaway was one for the books—full of fresh air, familiar trails, and the kind of simple fun that fills your heart more than any screen ever could. We spent the day exploring Beaver’s Bend State Park, a place that holds decades of memories for our family. From fishing in the clear waters to hiking along the riverbanks and capping the evening with a scenic train ride, it was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation

{Broken Bow // Day 2}

Broken Bow, Day 2: Celebrating Carson’s Birthday—Mountain Style! 

Day two of our Broken Bow getaway was extra special because it was Carson’s birthday! There’s something uniquely fun about celebrating a birthday while tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by family, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. From the moment we woke up, the day was all about making Carson feel loved and celebrated—and I think we did a pretty great job!

{Broken Bow // Day 1}

Back to Broken Bow: A Place That Feels Like Home 

There are places in life that leave their mark—not because of anything extravagant, but because of the memories made there. For me, Broken Bow and Beaver’s Bend State Park is one of those places. Nestled in the Kiamichi Mountains of southeastern Oklahoma, it’s more than just a beautiful destination—it’s a place woven into the fabric of my life and our family's story.

{CALIFORNIA // DAY FOUR // NEW BRIGHTON STATE BEACH}

 After the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, Nate, Mason, and I decided to explore the area a bit more. We drove around Santa Cruz, visited some thrift stores, and then decided to find a beach. 

 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY FOUR // SANTA CRUZ BOARDWALK}

On day four of our California trip, we headed over to Santa Cruz for a day at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk! 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY THREE // PROSPERITY'S SWEET 16}

 Day three was a day dedicated to our Prosperity girl for her sweet 16 birthday celebration! We spent the day getting ready together in the Airbnb before heading over to the venue. 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY TWO // SHARK TANK, SF STADIUM, WINERY, MONTEREY}

On the morning of our 2nd day, we went our separate ways again. The family of the birthday girl had party things to take care of. So, we got out to explore some more. We started out at the Shark Tank (SAP Center) where the San Jose Sharks play hockey. 

{CALIFORNIA // DAY ONE // TESLA, SAN FRANCISCO, GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE}

 We arrived in California mid-morning yesterday. After a stressful couple of hours in the rental car line and at the desk, we got our rental and were on our way. Long story short, they were low on cars. The original car we rented wasn't available so they upgraded us to a Tesla at no extra cost to us. We didn't tell Mason because we wanted to surprise him. He's always been a Tesla fan! 

 

{California, here we come!!}

 California, here we come!!! 

{Memorial Day Weekend}

Holiday weekends are just better when spent with family, am I right? I love these good, wholesome weekends of quality family time. We were missing two members of the Hall clan. And, we sure did miss them. Nate's parents rented the most beautiful lakehouse for our weekend stay. It was perfect and the time together was so sweet.