A year in the life

How is 2019 already coming to a close? Better yet, how is this decade coming to a close? I know it’s a cliche, but the years really go by quicker as I get older.

This year has been an interesting one. I’ve dealt with some health issues. Thankfully nothing major, but more than any other time in my life. Another part of getting older, I suppose. But in many ways, this has been one of the best years of my life. I’ve been able to do and see so many things and share most of it with my family. I thought I’d share some of my favorite things from this year.

It was a good year for concerts. I saw shows from Bob Seger, KISS and Styx. I had seen Seger and KISS many times before, but this time I took Kingston to see KISS for the first time. Seeing his face light up when Paul Stanley spotted him in the crowd and gave him a thumbs up is something I’ll remember for a long time.

Like most years, we checked out new baseball stadiums and attended plenty of sporting events. A special highlight this year was Kingston and I being there when the Boston Bruins won the Eastern Conference Finals against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Regular readers of this column know that we, as a family, love taking little day trips to nearby destinations. This year took us to zoos, caverns, extremely high bridges, walking trails and so many other cool spots. We also had a wonderful week long vacation at Topsail Island, where we ate blue crabs, swam with dolphins and plenty of quality family time away from the everyday hustle and bustle.

Blair and I were also able to sneak away for a (kid free) anniversary weekend trip, which was very nice. We love our kids, but sometimes we need a break!

One of my goals in life is to visit all 50 states, and this year I was able to check four more states off the list.

This year also brought many life changes for us as a family. Kingston started Kindergarten. Blair took a new position at work. We bought a new house. At times, this has made this year pretty stressful. But it’s also very exciting. And for that, I’m grateful.

When this decade started, I was in my early 20s, graduating from college, unmarried and moving back to my hometown. As the decade is coming to a close, I’m 32 years old, with a wonderful wife and two kids, and have the great honor to serve as Vice Mayor of that same hometown. It’s been quite the journey. I’m excited to see what comes next.