This year was a big year – 40 years old. My family escaped to Harrison for a little family fun in the warm weather.

Overall, I didn’t want noise—I wanted space, sunshine, and time with the people who matter most. Harrison Hot Springs turned out to be exactly that.

The lake stretched out calm and endless, framed by mountains that somehow made everything feel quieter. The weather couldn’t have been better—clear skies, warm sun, the kind of early spring day that feels like a gift after months of grey. It set the tone for the whole weekend: easy, unhurried, and full of small, perfect moments.

We spent most of our time outdoors, drifting between the beach and getting coffee and sweat treats at Muddy Waters. There’s something simple and grounding about being by the water—no schedule, no pressure, just sitting together, talking, laughing, and letting time pass without noticing. The kids played, we wandered, and every now and then I’d stop and think, this is exactly how I wanted to spend this milestone.

One of my favorite parts of the trip was the evenings. As the sun dipped behind the mountains, we gathered by the beach and lit a fire. There’s something about a fire that pulls everyone in a little closer.

Turning 40 didn’t feel like a big, dramatic shift. It felt more like a gentle checkpoint—a moment to appreciate where life is right now. Sitting there by the fire, surrounded by family, I realized I wasn’t thinking about what’s next or what’s been. I was just happy to be right there in that moment.

If this is what 40 looks like, I’m more than okay with it.