2025 In Review

Kitchen Renovation

In February we began what we thought was a "small" kitchen update with some new floors and fresh paint. After some astute encouragement from Brad, we decided to take it a bit farther. The before and after speaks for itself:

Before

Kitchen Before

Another Angle

After

Kitchen After

Another Angle

Thanks to a lot of help from Brad, Chris, Nate and our own elbow grease we were able to do this at a low cost! Our biggest expense very well may have been all of the Door Dash we ordered while our kitchen was out of commission! We still need to add some trim, backsplash and a Microwave but the progress has been fantastic. Would we go back? No way. Would we do it again? Probably 😂

Hilton Head

In April we took a trip down to Hilton Head with Courtney's family. Courtney and I decided to drive down and take in the sights along the way. Getting to revisit places we had not seen in some time was a joy and many stories were shared. A common refrain from Courtney was, "Oh, that's such-and-such's college campus. I was there as an LDC". I lost count of how many times she was able to say that!!

Hilton Head itself was packed with a ton of fantastic new memories for all of us. We golfed, sunbathed, cooked dinners, explored, saw the sunrise and had a few cocktails in the process.

Group Photo

Zach and Courtney

Reed and Jenna's Wedding

At the end of July we were happy to celebrate Reed and Jenna's wedding! Heavy rain hit the ceremony but that didn't slow us down! We loved watching them exchange vows and begin their new life together. Later on, we ALL broke it down on the dance floor with a special rendition of Pink Pony Club performed by Layla! I'm not sure what time things finally died down, I just know it was LATE with multiple venue changes into the night. Congrats to you both, Reed and Jenna! ❤️

Reed and Jenna Wedding

Family Photo

Our 1 year Anniversary

Courtney and I celebrated our 1 year dating anniversary on July 26th! We celebrated by going to one of our favorite restaurants in Toledo, Rosaria's! We continue to grow closer, sharing a love of home cooked meals, golfing together, music, and exploring the world.

Zach and Courtney

Traverse City

At the end of August Courtney and I took a trip up north to Traverse City with our good friends Dylan, Chelsea, Clark and Kelsey. We had a wonderful time cooking dinners, visiting wineries and pubs, hiking, and kayaking. We highly recommend a trip like this!

Traverse City Kyak

Traverse City Winery

Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving was wonderful as we shared it with both our families all under one roof! Thank you to Kim for being such a fantastic host as I know it wasn't easy to feed so many people all at once!

Thanksgiving dinner

The Cookies

This year we made Christmas cookies! I decided to play it safe with chocolate chip but Courtney stepped outside her comfort zone with Peppermint Meringue, Eggnog Snickerdoodle and Marshmallow Hot Cocoa Cookies. They came out great and we wanted to share the recipes with you in case you wanted to try your hand at making these yourself!

Classic Chocolate Chip

Chocolate Chip

Although a chocolate chip cookie does not scream "Christmas cookie", who wouldn't want one? That, and I had zero confidence I would be able to make anything more complex like the offerings Courtney has put together this year. Please enjoy my "boring" contribution as a balance to the more exciting options we put together below 😄

-- Zach

Recipe Here

Peppermint Meringue

Peppermint Meringue

Light, airy, and full of holiday cheer! These peppermint meringues practically melt in your mouth. The crushed candy cane topping adds the perfect festive crunch and a pop of red and white color. They're almost too pretty to eat... almost.

Recipe Here

-- Courtney

Eggnog Snickerdoodle

Eggnog Snickerdoodle

A new twist on a holiday classic! These soft and chewy snickerdoodles are rolled in cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection. The first bite gives a hint of eggnog then slowly transitions into a classic snickerdoodle taste.

Recipe Here

-- Courtney

Marshmallow Hot Cocoa

Marshmallow Hot Cocoa

A cookie inspired by everyone's favorite winter drink! These cozy treats capture the warmth of a steaming mug of hot cocoa, complete with gooey marshmallow goodness. Perfect for enjoying by the fire on a cold winter night.

Recipe Here

-- Courtney

The Card

Holiday card

Gallery

Order of the Elves Dinner

Kal Buckeyes Game

That's all!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our update and for sharing the year with us! We hope to build more memories with you in 2026!

Happy Holidays from us to you!