A Look Back at 2025: Adventures, Melodies, and Sunshine!

Hey, check out what we got up to in 2025! 

While 2025 looked a little different in terms of our usual globetrotting, it was a year rich with fantastic local explorations and one major road trip that took us through the mountains. We made the most of staying closer to home, spending a significant portion of the year uncovering the hidden gems of our own backyard—the Sunshine State of Florida. The beautiful beaches, winding waterways, and unique nature preserves kept us thoroughly entertained and reminded us just how much we love living here.


The undisputed highlight of our travel year was our epic summer road trip to Tennessee. Trading the flatlands for the foothills, we journeyed north with a specific mission: to chase stunning waterfalls and, with a bit of luck, spot some black bears in the vast expanse of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! We spent several days hiking through the misty trails, mesmerized by the powerful cascades and the lush, green canopy overhead. While the bears remained elusive, the breathtaking beauty of the Smokies and the thrill of the hike made it an unforgettable adventure.

We are thrilled to report that we managed to visit a few new state parks this year, deepening our appreciation for the natural beauty protected within these reserves. In Florida, we discovered pristine parks perfect for a stroll and historical sites that told the story of the state’s past. Our Tennessee trip allowed us to explore their state park system as well, offering different terrains and views than we’re used to. 

Furthermore, we made excellent use of our annual passes! Several days were spent amidst the magic of Walt Disney World, where we rode new attractions, enjoyed the spectacular festivals, and indulged in all the classic Disney attractions. Closer to home, ZooTampa became a favorite spot for leisurely afternoons, watching the animals and supporting conservation efforts. The passes truly helped us maximize our fun and make spontaneous day trips a reality.

On the music front, 2025 was a year filled with uplifting melodies and powerful messages. We were fortunate enough to attend three fantastic
Christian concerts that truly moved and inspired us: MercyMe Live: An incredible night hearing the classics and new material from one of our favorite bands as well as seeing Zach Williams live for the fourth time!. Their performance was as heartfelt and powerful as ever. Counting My Blessings: This concert featured several talented artists focused on themes of gratitude and hope, leaving us feeling refreshed and encouraged. Grace & Glory: A stunning showcase of vocal talent and moving worship, giving us the chance to see a few artists we'd only heard on the radio for the very first time. The energy and community at each event made the music experience truly special.

This is a quick look at the year's highlights, but trust us, this is just the tip of the iceberg! Don't forget to head over to the website for tons more photos and detailed travel journals from our Florida explorations and the Great Tennessee Waterfall Chase. We documented everything from our new favorite hiking boots to the best roadside diner!

You can see more photos here at dontenphoto.com

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