Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Memories and Milestones

Happy New Year! 

As one year ends and another begins, it’s impossible not to pause and reflect on the moments that shaped the past twelve months. From the highs to the lows, 2025 was certainly a year to remember.

We kicked off the year battling a stubborn cold that seemed to linger forever! It wasn’t the ideal start, but eventually, we shook it off. March brought a much-needed change of pace when my brother and his son came to visit us in Florida. We kayaked at the Dunedin Causeway, basking in the sunshine, and they even made it to a Toronto Blue Jays spring training game in Dunedin—complete with a baseball souvenir to take home. It was the perfect break from Calgary’s winter wonderland.

Kayaking at Dunedin Causeway

enjoying the Toronto Bluejays in Dunedin

We squeezed in a visit to Busch Gardens, the nearest theme park in the Tampa Bay area. While the number of rides was limited, the adults were more than happy to take on Cheetah Hunt. Beyond the rides, the park’s wildlife was a highlight—we saw flamingoes, elephants, zebras and the massive alligators.

view of the zebras from the cable car (Skyride)

The year also brought its share of bittersweet moments. One of the most heart-wrenching was the loss of my sister while we were in Boston, preparing to attend my husband’s college reunion—a gathering of friends, some of whom hadn’t seen one another in forty years or more.

Alums visiting North campus in Lowell

Shortly after, I flew to Edmonton for her celebration of life, surrounded by family and friends who shared stories, laughter, and tears. It’s hard to put into words the pain of such a loss, but I take comfort in the beautiful memories we created together. Although she’s no longer with us, she remains forever in our hearts.

Alongside the emotional challenges, we made some major life changes. We said goodbye to the boat that had been part of our family’s adventures for twenty-five years. It was time for a change, and we’re excited for the new journeys ahead. I shared more about this chapter in three posts: Most Memorable Boating Experiences, Most Memorable Boating Experiences, part 2 and Boating Memories: Our Last Cruise on Mai Thai

Goodbye Mai Thai

With fewer ties holding us in place, we traveled a bit more this year. From trips to Maine and Hilton Head to an unforgettable adventure in Japan, 2025 offered countless opportunities for new experiences and lasting memories.

During our stay on Hilton Head Island, we revisited some favorite Southern cities—Beaufort, Savannah, and Charleston—which inspired the post Falling for the South: Charleston, S. Carolina. Our time in Japan also found its way onto the blog in two posts:  Postcard from Japan and Japan: Tokyo Station, Shibuya and Meiji Jingu.

Beaufort, where the Big Chill was filmed

Shrimp boat and birds at sunset on Hilton Head, S. Carolina

Endless Torii gates at Fushimi Inari Shrine in Tokyo

Despite the ups and downs, 2025 was filled with moments of joy. Friends and family came to visit, and we spent time swimming and beachcombing at Sand Key and Honeymoon Island (our first visit there).

Honeymoon Island State Park

Our annual Thanksgiving dinner brought the family together once again, filled with good food, laughter, and gratitude. It’s always a meaningful reminder of how important it is to cherish time with the people we hold dear.

at the annual Sand sculpture competition, Treasure Island

We closed out the year with a return trip to Busch Gardens, taking in the absolutely outstanding Holiday Lights, and shared our final post of the year on Holiday Rituals —a festive and fitting way to wrap up the year 

As we look ahead to 2026, we’re filled with hope and excitement. Here’s to a year of health, happiness, and continued growth. Happy New Year!

This post is shared on Skywatch Friday.

You might also like:

Goodbye 2016, Hello 2017	Most Memorable Boating Experiences	Mai Thai Wandering's Favorite Photos of 2023