This past holiday season, I took a quick trip to Orlando to visit my brother, his wife, and my niece and nephew. It was one of those trips that wasn’t about doing everything perfectly, but about being together, even when things didn’t go exactly as planned.
Our flight was late, of course, because life loves to humble you. Still, my brother and his family showed up to the airport with all the kids in tow, tired eyes, big hugs, and that familiar feeling of being home even when you’re far from it. That alone set the tone for the whole trip.
The next day, we headed to SeaWorld. I had never been before, so everything felt new to me. The park was dressed up for Christmas, with lights everywhere, decorations that made you slow down and look twice. The killer whales were absolutely gorgeous, one of those moments where you just sit there quietly and take it in. The little ones went on a few rides, full of excitement and zero fear, and it reminded me how magical new experiences feel through their eyes.
Another highlight of the trip was reconnecting with an old friend from high school. Inmarie was a grade ahead of me and was always the life of the party. The kind of person you just knew would grow into something special. Over the years, we’ve watched each other’s lives unfold through social media, marriages, kids, milestones, struggles, and growth. Seeing her in person again felt like no time had passed at all.
I finally met her youngest, who is just as sweet and adorable as you’d imagine, and it hit me how quickly time really does move. Her oldest is now 16, which honestly feels impossible. During peak COVID, her daughter and I became pen pals. We exchanged letters, stickers, and little trinkets in the mail, something so simple, yet so meaningful in such a strange time. Seeing her now, older, taller, more confident, was one of those quiet moments that stay with you.
Christmas itself was calm and low-key. No big productions, no rush. The kids played with their new toys, happy and content. The adults leaned into a slower version of the holiday, one that didn’t need much to feel full.
Later that day, my girls and I boarded a plane and spent Christmas in the air, heading back home to their dad. It wasn’t traditional, but it was us. And that felt right.
This trip wasn’t about perfect photos or curated moments. Most of the images I’m sharing are simple phone photos, small glimpses of real life. I’m choosing to keep my kids’ faces private, but the moments themselves still matter. The hands, the movement, the togetherness, the in between.
These are the kinds of memories that remind me why I do what I do. Why documenting life as it is, imperfect, tender, fleeting, means everything. Because time really does fly, especially with children, and the smallest moments often end up being the ones we hold onto the longest.
I hope you had a great holiday, full of love, laughter, and moments worth holding onto.
