When I look back on 2025, I don’t see a year defined by one single moment. I see a year shaped by movement—across miles, across seasons, and sometimes just across the driveway. We traveled (a lot), we gathered, we celebrated, and we kept choosing to show up for the life in front of us.
These photos don’t capture everything. They hold the feeling of the year—and that feels like enough.
January - Hawaii
APRIL - WILLIAMSBURG
In the spring, we explored Williamsburg as tourists. We brought Sue & Bob with us. Walking, learning, noticing details. I’m drawn to places rooted in story, and this one reminded me how much I love wandering through history and imagining the lives that once filled those spaces. I look forward to documenting this trip in a scrapbook.
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| It was great to spend time with Eric, Ange, Emmy, Logan, Conner and Owen while we were there. |
JUNE - CAMPING
Early summer was about family. Since Elliott and Ethan had never gone camping (and we didn't want to get to a campsite and find out they hated it) we decided to have a campout in the driveway. It was a perfect way to get them acclimated and they LOVED IT!
This driveway campground was followed by camping at Yogi Bear's Jellystone in Indiana. These memories created with fun and laughter are the kind that take hold without much effort. So blessed!!
JULY - ALASKAN CRUISE
This was our 50th wedding anniversary year and after 2 other failed attempts at an Alaskan Cruise, this one took hold.
Alaska was awe in its purest form. Glaciers, water, vastness, wilderness, just everything larger than life and completely unconcerned with us. It was humbling and grounding all at once. Easily one of the most powerful experiences of the year (if not my life).
VANCOUVER
We always fly into the port where our ship will sail from, the night before. Loved Vancouver and wouldn't mind spending more time there. It's beautiful!!
SETTING SAIL
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| When in Alaska you have Baked Alaska! |
INSIDE PASSAGE
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| We've been so lucky with out dining room seat assignments. We saw whales out the window! |
JUNEAU
ICY STRAIGHT
We did some whale watching.
SITKA
This is a beautiful town!!
SKAGWAY
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| Thankful I brought my National Parks Passport |
HUBBARD GLACIER
SEWARD & ANCHORAGE
DENALI
Because of the weather, only about 40% of those who visit Mt. Denali get a view like this. Wow, did we luck out!!
HEALY
This clear top train ride was one of my favorites! Amazing views!
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| Downstairs was the dining room. Food was delicous. |
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| Everyone is downstairs eating. |
CHENA RIVER
Our last day before we fly out of Fairbanks. We took a riverboat cruise down the Chena River.
FAIRBANKS
Got to see the Alaskan Pipeline.
HEADING HOME
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| At the airport and can you believe it's 11:00 pm? |
SEPTEMBER - WILLIAMSBURG again
We returned to Williamsburg in September, this time to watch Emmy play volleyball. We've never seen her play and that was a treat!
I had the privilege to help Angela paint the cement ball outside the school she teaches at. I painted a tiny bit and while I was back in Ohio, she finished it. It turned out beautifully! There's an art teacher for ya.
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| Ange is so talented! |
LAS VEGAS, GRAND CANYON AND THE WIZARD
October brought a contrast, the energy of Las Vegas followed by the quiet, breathtaking scale of the Grand Canyon. Man made spectacle beside natural wonder..such a fitting way to close out the year of travel.
Jim & Linda came with us. We're fortunate to have the Hilton Grand Vacations Club access to places all over the world. We got the same room I had when I took my friends and Linda and I were just as blown away as the first time we visited The Elara.
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| On Paul's birthday we took a helicopter ride over the Grand Canyon. |
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| We went out on the Sky Walk and Paul got some cake for his birthday inside. |
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| We visited the outside of the Hoover Dam |
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| Seeing The Wizard of Oz inside the Sphere...spectacular!! |
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| The view of The Elara from the Eiffel Tower inside the Paris Casino |
IN BETWEEN
I could have given each and every trip it's very own post but I just wanted to share my fun adventures without writing a book or playing travel agent here. Or, bore you to death with hundreds if not thousands of photos. If, and I'm really hoping, I blog continually throughout 2026, I can post individual trips.
Woven through the months were girlfriend visits and a weekend getaway. Moments of connection and conversation that didn't need a destination to matter.
In August Paul and I took the ferry out to Kelley's Island and spent the day with Molly, Bev, Joanie, Kathy and Lisa.
Paul stayed and visited with Molly while I went with the rest of the girls in town to the festivities.
In September, Bev, Lydia and Lisa came to visit me. They stayed the night and we had a ball. We went to the Hollywood Casino and gambled, I took them to a Salt Cave, Tony Packo's!! They absolutely loved spending time with Ethan, Elliott and Ensley too!
Later in October, Bev planned a weekend getaway to Lakeside. It was a wonderful weekend. She had 2 houses and I got to spend the weekend with Lisa and Lydia.
I brought cupcakes to celebrate Bev's birthday. The whole weekend was LOADS of fun!!
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| YAY is an inside joke |
If you'd like to get notified when I have a new blog post, just shoot me an email at vloescher@gmail.com
As always, thanks for stopping by.
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