Reflecting on a Remarkable Year: Blessings, Milestones, and Family Adventures in 2025

2025 was a year filled with unforgettable moments and meaningful milestones for our family. From welcoming a new member to making life-changing decisions, this year brought a mix of joy, growth, and challenges that shaped us in profound ways. Looking back, it’s clear how many blessings we experienced, and how each event contributed to the story of our family’s journey.

Welcoming Kennedy: Our Greatest Blessing

The most beautiful blessing of 2025 was the birth of our daughter, Kennedy. Her arrival brought new light and energy into our lives. Watching her grow and reach important milestones was a constant source of joy. This year, Kennedy learned to roll over, crawl, and explore the world around her. She tried a variety of foods, expanding her tastes and curiosity.

Navigating life with two big brothers was another adventure for her. The boys showed her love and protection, and Kennedy’s presence brought a new dynamic to our family. Each day with her was a reminder of how precious these early moments are.

A New Chapter: Buying Land in Missouri

In March, we took a big step by driving the kids to Missouri to look at land for sale. After exploring several options, we found a perfect five-acre plot and decided to purchase it almost immediately. This land represents the foundation for our dream home and a fresh start in a new place.

The excitement of planning and preparing to build our home has been a motivating force. It’s not just about the house but about creating a space where our family can grow, make memories, and feel rooted.

Family Milestones and Spiritual Growth

March was also a month of spiritual milestones. Kennedy was blessed, Ben became an Elder, Emereth received his Endowment in the temple. (My dad was also sealed to his parents and brothers later in the year) These times really brought our family together and reminded us how important faith in God is.

At the same time, we faced the sadness of losing Grandpa Squire. His legacy lives on in our family, and we honor his memory by carrying forward the values and love he shared with us.

Summer Adventures and New Skills

Swimming became a favorite activity for the boys this year. They gained confidence in the water, enjoying the freedom and fun it brought. These moments of play helped build their strength and courage.

Camping at Elkhorn Campground and exploring Fishlake National Forest created lasting memories. Lincoln caught his first fish, a proud moment that sparked his love for fishing. Elijah also enjoyed fishing for the first time and reached big milestones like learning his first words and mastering his balance bike.

Celebrating a Decade of Growth

This year marked ten years since Travis, and I left on our missions and since we graduated from high school. These milestones gave us a chance to reflect on how far we’ve come and the experiences that shaped us. It’s incredible to see how much has changed and how much we’ve grown as individuals and as a family.

Travis’s Dream Hunting Experience

One of the highlights of the year was Travis shooting his Elk. This was a monumental first for him and a dream come true. We are grateful he had this experience before we moved away from Utah. It was a reminder of the importance of pursuing passions and making time for personal growth.

Rekindling Our Relationship

Travis and I also found time to bring some life back to our dating experience. We went go-carting together, enjoying the thrill and laughter. As well as had a memorable ice cream date at Handels where we had them pick eight random flavors for us to share and guess. These moments helped us reconnect and reminded us of the importance of nurturing our relationship amid busy family life.

Wrapping Up the Year with Big Changes

November was a whirlwind as we sold our townhouse and moved into Travis's parents' house. We couldn't be more grateful for the help we had from friends and family!

December flew by as we traveled to Disneyland with the entire Squire family. The trip was filled with joy and excitement, providing a perfect way to celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.

Moving into our new home in Missouri has been an emotional experience, with the boys thrilled about their new yard but also missing our family in Utah. Nevertheless, the Christmas spirit filled our home with laughter and play.

A significant blessing came when Travis secured a new job just when we needed it most. This opportunity brought relief and hope for the future.

Looking Back with Gratitude

2025 brought its share of challenges, but reflecting on the year reveals the many miracles and blessings that carried us through. From Kennedy’s firsts to family milestones, new adventures, and unexpected opportunities, this year has been remarkable.

As we move forward, we carry these memories and lessons with us. They remind us to appreciate the small moments, embrace change, and trust in the journey ahead.

Love, McKinley