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2024: Discovery
2024 was a year of extraordinary experiences, highlighted by our extended and breathtaking journey to Europe.
All the art on our postcard this year is from our photos taken on our trip.
England
Our nearly three-week adventure began with a stay in England, where we marveled at the ancient mystery of Stonehenge during a private sunrise tour and explored the historic Roman Baths in Bath.
Stonehenge: Enjoyed a private, sunrise inner circle tour this morning of Stonehenge. Walking amongst the stones with our guide in the early hours with less than 30 others was an amazing experience. It was also neat to see the sheep grazing nearby and the guides shoo them away from the stones.
Lacock, England: House where Harry and Professor Dumbledore visit Professor Slughorn's house in “Harry Potter and The Half-Blood Prince.”
Bath, England: We explored the ancient Roman Baths, where over a million liters of hot spring water rise daily at 46°C, just as they did in Roman times.
We embarked on an unforgettable 11-night cruise aboard the Celebrity Apex, traveling to Scotland and Iceland and then back to England.
With our friends David and Michael aboard the Celebrity Apex, which debuted in 2021 and has a guest capacity of 2,900 passengers.
Scotland
One of the most incredible moments of our journey through Scotland was arriving in Glasgow, a city where, by an amazing twist of fate, we have friends we first met on Instagram. They treated us to an unforgettable private tour, guiding us through the city’s hidden gems, exploring Stirling and Doune Castles and the University of Glasgow.
Our friends Kevin and Kieren picked us up at the port and gave us the grand tour. Our goal for the day: Castles!
First up was Stirling Castle, a key stronghold in Scotland's history. This iconic fortress, perched atop a volcanic rock, was the childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots, and played a vital role in the Wars of Scottish Independence. Its strategic location between the Highlands and Lowlands made it a prized possession for centuries.
Up next was Doune Castle. We really enjoyed exploring this iconic, medieval marvel dating back to the 14th century. Once home to Robert Stewart, Duke of Albany, the castle has witnessed lots of history. From its starring roles in “Monty Python” and “Outlander” to its real-life significance in Scotland’s past, Doune is a true blend of legend and legacy. It’s must for any history or film lover.
It’s not a castle but the University of Glasglow is incredibly beautiful. Parts reminded James of his recent visit to Pittsburgh. Founded in 1451, it's one of the oldest universities in the world. The Gothic Revival architecture, especially the epic Main Building designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott in the 1870s, is stunning. Walking among the cloisters and the spires is like stepping back in time. Such a perfect blend of history and beauty.
For lunch in Glasgow, we ate at a castle, of course! The Sherbrooke Castle Hotel was built in 1896 in the Scottish Baronial style, characterized by elaborate roof lines. For a starter we tried haggis, which was deliciously prepared!! James had sea bass and Matthew had fish and chips for lunch.
Iceland
Iceland’s natural beauty captivated us, from the majestic Dynjandi waterfalls to the stunning Goðafoss, known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” The crisp Arctic air offered us breathtaking views of the Northern Lights, and we soaked in the geothermal serenity of Sky Lagoon and Forest Lagoon.
First Port: Reykjavík
It was a beautiful morning in Reykjavík, with glimpses of blue skies and sunshine. We strolled down Rainbow Street, originally painted in 2015 to celebrate Pride. Then we toured Hallgrímskirkja, Reykjavík's iconic church, completed in 1986 and the largest church in the country. Its architecture was inspired by Iceland’s basalt landscapes. We took the elevator to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city.
We had a refreshing afternoon at Sky Lagoon. We experienced the six-step ritual, from refreshing geothermal waters to an invigorating salt scrub and a serene steam room. Soaking in the infinity pool with breathtaking views of the Icelandic coastline was for sure the highlight, a perfect blend of relaxation and nature's beauty.
Second Port: Ísafjörður (ice fjord)
This is the oldest part of the island nation, with steep fjords and mountains. This scenic town in Iceland’s Westfjords has steep fjords and mountains with rocks that are 16 million years old.Our tour guide mentioned that more people are on our cruise ship than live in the town, with less than 3,000 residents.
We got lucky with the weather – sunny and calm, a rare treat in one of the windiest and rainiest countries. On our bus tour, we passed through a 6km tunnel and saw the striking lava stripes on the mountains.
The highlight of our day was getting to visit Dynjandi (the thundering one), located in the remote Westfjords. The majestic waterfall actually is a series of waterfalls, with the largest one at the top, 330 feet tall. Dynjandi widens dramatically as it cascades down, creating a fan-like appearance, with the smaller waterfalls (foss) below it.
The hike up offered stunning views and was incredibly peaceful among the thunderous water.
The hike up offered stunning views and was incredibly peaceful among the thunderous water.
Third Port: Akureyri
The charming town of Akureyri, the “Capital of the North,” has a population of about 20,000. Nestled at the base of Eyjafjörður, this picturesque town offers inspiring views and a tranquil atmosphere.
Our fantastic guide, Disa, shared the story of Akureyri’s iconic heart-shaped traffic lights.🚦 ♥️
Back in 2008, as part of a campaign to reduce drinking during the August festival, Akureyri swapped its red traffic lights with hearts. It was a beautiful reminder to “Smile with your Heart,” especially after the economic crisis hit in October that year. It’s a small town with a big heart.
Back in 2008, as part of a campaign to reduce drinking during the August festival, Akureyri swapped its red traffic lights with hearts. It was a beautiful reminder to “Smile with your Heart,” especially after the economic crisis hit in October that year. It’s a small town with a big heart.
One of the highlights of our excursion here was visiting Goðafoss, also known as the “Waterfall of the Gods.” Shaped like a horseshoe, Goðafoss is smaller than Niagara Falls but equally breathtaking at 40 feet tall and 98 feet wide. Legend has it that the waterfall got its name when Þorgeir Ljósvetningagoði, a law speaker, threw statues of Norse gods into its waters after Iceland converted to Christianity in the year 1000.
Back to Scotland
Scotland’s Kirkwall and its remarkable Magnus Cathedral provided a perfect finale to the cruise, which was filled with unforgettable dining and service.
The Earl's Palace: Built in around 1601-06 by Patrick Stewart, Earl of Orkney. It remains one of Scotland's finest Renaissance buildings.
Cruise Gallery:
London Time
After the cruise, we headed to London for a few days of exploring the city. We also enjoyed a couple shows on the West End: “Back to the Future: The Musical” and "The 39 Steps."
The big highlight was about an hour north of London... The Making of Harry Potter Warner Bros. Studio Tour! We walked the iconic sets from the eight films, including the Great Hall, Dumbledore’s Office, and the Gryffindor Common Room. Seeing hundreds of props and costumes up close was a treat. We even enjoyed lunch with some Butterbeer! We spent nearly five hours there but could have stayed even longer. Highly recommend the experience, especially with the transfers from Golden Tours.
Harry Potter Tour Gallery:
We visited Abbey Road and recreated the iconic Beatles album cover at the famous crosswalk. Cool to stand where music history was made.
Spent 5.5 hours exploring the Tower of London, soaking in its rich (and often bloody) history. Our Beefeater tour guide was absolutely phenomenal, bringing the stories of this iconic landmark to life. From seeing the dazzling Crown Jewels to learning about the legendary ravens, every corner had a story to tell. Matthew was enamored with the ravens!
A day in Lille
Another standout from the trip was our magical day in Lille, France, where James studied in college.
It was a reunion with old friends after 17 years, reliving cherished memories and sharing the city’s charm with Matthew.
The visit felt like stepping into a dream and was the perfect way to cap off our European adventure.
James reunited with Alizée (and Tigre) and Sophia at Foyer International, where they lived in 2007.
Of James' favorite places to grab an inexpensive, tasty bite: Dog Sandwich!
Back home
Back at home, 2024 brought countless moments of joy and reflection. We celebrated the Total Solar Eclipse in April, a rare spectacle that provided unforgettable views right from Toledo.
James' photo: Check out the Baily's Beads effect, drops of sunlight forming around the moon as sunlight streams over the craters and valleys of the lunar surface.
It was also a year of milestones for loved ones, including family gatherings for graduations and birthdays.
James had a golden day, celebrating the Oscars at a special brunch with his step-mom and step-grandma. He was asked to present on his experiences and share his love for the big night in cinema. He also got to go through and share his memorabilia.
James helped organize The Great CATSby Gala Weekend for RubyCats.
We even attended our first bar mitzvah in Milwaukee.
In June, we returned to Milwaukee for James' 15-year college reunion at Marquette. James enjoyed the campus tours and the change to connect with those alumni who attended and see the transformed campus. He also got to catch up with his former boss from the Haggerty Museum of Art.
Summer activities with family.
In July, we enjoyed time with family on vacation on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
In August, we enjoyed quality time at home with family, friends and felines.
We marked seven incredible years of marriage in September, cherishing the everyday joys that strengthen our bond.
Professionally, it was a year of growth and accomplishment. In April, James presented at a national conference in Boston, including hosting a film festival for attendees. Later in July, he traveled to Portland, Oregon, for a summer retreat as part of his steering committee role for the AAMC Institutional Advancement Conference. Collaborating with peers and planning for 2025 was both rewarding and inspiring. Matthew enjoyed learning and growing with his new team on the Nissan project and attended client meetings in Nashville and Dallas.
At the Cheers bar in Boston, where James' opening reception was held for his conference
James with college bestie Kristine in Vancouver, Washington, while in Portland at his business meeting.
Another major milestone was James’ involvement in opening the nonprofit RubyCats, Toledo’s first cat café.
As Director of Business Development and Marketing, he worked tirelessly all things digital as well as helping paint. The cats moved in Dec. 30, and doors officially opened on Jan. 9, 2025. The project was a labor of love and we now want to adopt every cat there!
The year was also full of artistic and cultural experiences. We performed in the “Ragtime” chorus with The Toledo Opera and attended many, many theatrical productions, including “Hadestown,” “Come From Away,” “Fiddler on the Roof” in Lexington," and "Death Becomes Her" in Chicago. These performances brought joy and creative fulfillment.
James also traveled to Sängerfest 2024 in Pittsburgh with the Toledo Swiss Singers.
As the year drew to a close, we faced a profound loss with the passing of James’ grandmother, Virginia. Yet even during this challenging time, the love and unity of family reminded us of life’s greatest blessings.
The holidays were bittersweet, marked by moments of togetherness, reflection, and celebration.
From the beauty of far-off places to the comfort of home, 2024 was a year that reminded us of the importance of cherishing life’s moments — big and small. As we step into 2025, we carry forward these memories and lessons, eager for the new adventures and challenges that await.
We wish you a healthy and happy 2025! We are grateful to have you as an important part of our lives.
With love,
Matthew, James, Kitty, Sonoma, & Kira
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