Merry Christmas
Reflecting on a Year of Connection and Celebration
Welcome to the second digital edition of The Hilltop Review! As we wrap up another memorable year and enter this season of gratitude and celebration, we’re reflecting on the many moments that made 2025 so meaningful. This year was filled with travel, laughter, and connection as we explored new places along the East Coast and in Europe. Each trip reminded us of the joy found in discovery and the beauty of sharing experiences with family and friends. We reconnected with familiar faces, made new friendships, and celebrated the simple gift of time together.
Some of our favorite memories, though, came from the everyday moments—cooking together, cheering at performances, and enjoying quiet nights at home. These experiences reminded us that life’s greatest treasures often come from slowing down and savoring the present. As you read through this edition, we hope our reflections bring a smile, spark a few memories of your own, and remind you of the importance of connection and gratitude. From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful holiday season and hope you enjoy reading the rest of The Hilltop Review.
Sofia Alyse
Wicked Superfan
Sofia is 11 now and officially a middle schooler. She’s settled into 6th grade with confidence and can usually be found at the kitchen table working through the bigger homework load that comes with this new season. One of the sweetest shifts this year has been watching her join the older students in the main sanctuary at church. She listens closely, asks great questions, and loves talking through the message with us on the ride home.
This summer brought a major milestone as she underwent spine surgery to correct her scoliosis. She came out one inch taller—something she proudly reminds us of—and she has handled her recovery with so much strength and grace.
She’s continuing piano and swim lessons and is making steady progress in both. At home, she is our resident Wicked and Wizard of Oz expert and is rarely without one of the books tucked under her arm. The release of the second part of Wicked: The Movie was a full event in our house and one of her favorite moments of the year.
Sofia is growing into a thoughtful, creative young lady, and we’re excited to see how she continues to shine.
Ava Gabrielle
Bright Eyed Performer
Ava is 9 and thriving in 4th grade. She continues to excel in her classes and has declared Math as her favorite subject this year. Her teachers often note how dependable and helpful she is, and she’s the student they rely on when a substitute is in the classroom.
This year, Ava continued her theater training at our local Children’s Theater. Her bright smile, contagious laugh, and sparkling personality make her a natural on stage. At home, she can often be found singing and dancing along to her favorite songs and movie soundtracks.
She’s making impressive progress in swim and has even hinted at the possibility of competing one day—we’re excited to see where her dedication takes her! Week by week, she’s improving her strokes and growing more confident in the water.
Ava brings boundless energy, joy, and creativity to everything she does, and it has been a true delight to watch her talents and confidence blossom this year.
Lydia Grace
Foodie Extraordinaire
Lydia is 6 and shining in first grade. She continues in her Spanish immersion program, splitting her day between Spanish and English instruction. While we don’t hear her speaking much Spanish at home, she’s quick to share the meanings of what she hears at school. Her teachers report that she’s making excellent progress and is always eager to help both teachers and classmates.
Lydia remains our ultimate foodie—she’s drawing foods, talking about foods, and even offering her own critiques of her meals. Her parents have learned to develop a "thicker skin" as she confidently shares her opinions!
She’s also continuing to develop her swimming skills and recently began piano lessons, which she’s enjoying immensely. Lydia’s wit, humor, and clever observations keep us all on our toes, and she’s often heard giving her sisters (solicited or not!) advice on how they could be doing things better.
Her bright, playful personality brings laughter and energy to every day, and it’s a joy to watch her curiosity, confidence, and talents grow.
Dawny
Smart Moves
Dawny is officially a doctoral candidate and fully immersed in “dissertation mode.” She can see the light at the end of the tunnel and is excited about graduating in May 2026. Alongside her studies, she’s also starting to explore new opportunities for what’s next after graduation.
In addition to her studies, Dawny continues her meaningful work as a speech-language pathologist, supporting students in private and public school settings as well as through contracted opportunities. She works with a diverse range of students, helping them develop essential communication & literacy skills and gain confidence in their abilities. Her dedication, creativity, and patience make a lasting impact on every student she works with, and she finds great fulfillment in seeing their progress and successes.
She also continues to teach Zumba at the YMCA and is grateful for her small but dedicated group of participants who join her Saturday and Sunday classes. Her love for movement recently led to an incredible opportunity—Dawny returned to Tampa, Florida, to take part in the 50th Anniversary Buccaneers Cheerleading halftime performance during the Buccaneers vs. Saints game in December. It was a thrilling experience and a fun way to celebrate both her passion for dance and this milestone event. Go Bucs!
Fred
Bold Steps and "Sweet" Moments
Fred’s 2025 has been a flavorful mix of family, faith, and fearless adventure—with plenty of laughter sprinkled in. Between work, travel, and time with his girls, he’s focused on making memories that matter—whether exploring new places, testing recipes together, or savoring cozy mornings at home. From trips “across the pond” to pancake breakfasts, Fred has discovered that life’s best moments often happen in the in-between.
This year also brought a new adventure: co-hosting the podcast Back 2 GoOD with a good friend. Fred has loved diving into practical discipleship and sharing conversations that inspire growth, reflection, and real-life faith.
The kitchen has reclaimed its spot as one of his favorite places. He’s rediscovered the joy of cooking—and, by his own admission, added far too many cookbooks. Dawny, ever the voice of reason, has agreed to this expansion—as long as he actually cooks from them!
At Truist, Fred continues to grow in leadership, investing in the people he’s privileged to lead. His word for the year, BOLDNESS, has shown up everywhere, making 2025 a year to remember.
By The Numbers
7 States/Countries Visited
7 States/Countries Visited
7 States/Countries Visited
Our family adventures took us from the sunny shores of Florida and the bustling streets of New York to the charm of Massachusetts, the warmth of Georgia, and the beauty of the Bahamas—all the way to the rich history and culture of Madrid, London, and Paris. We wandered lively streets, admired landmarks, and savored new foods that quickly became favorites. What made these trips truly special were the people we shared them with—new friends who became part of our story and old friends from the past who reminded us how far we’ve come. Laughing, reconnecting, and making memories together added warmth to every stop, reminding us that the best part of travel is the shared experiences and connections we carry home. Each journey deepened our love for exploring the world and strengthened the bond we share as a family.
3,000 Photos Taken
7 States/Countries Visited
7 States/Countries Visited
As we look back on this year, our camera roll tells the story of lives beautifully lived—filled with parties, concerts, celebrations, and unforgettable moments with family and friends. We’ve shared countless meals and spent time cooking together, creating memories as rich as the dishes themselves. Our adventures took us across several states and even overseas to Europe, where we soaked in the culture and beauty of Madrid, Paris, and London. Each snapshot captures laughter, connection, and the joy of being together—whether at home, on the road, or surrounded by music and celebration. Looking through these photos reminds us how blessed we’ve been to share such a year full of love, gratitude, and togetherness.
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
This year was full of unforgettable musical experiences. We were thrilled to see Samara Joy, Charlie Wilson, and Beyoncé, and the girls had their first concert experience at Kidz Bop Live, marking a special milestone. Elevation Worship brought powerful moments of praise and reflection that we’ll always cherish. Beyond concerts, we immersed ourselves in theater, enjoying productions like Journey to Oz, Wicked, and Schoolhouse Rock, along with the girls’ summer camp performances that showcased their growth and creativity. Each performance, whether being on stage or in the audience, brought joy, inspiration, and lasting memories for the whole family.
6 "Tiny Michelin" Stars Earned
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
15 Concerts and Theatrical Events Attended
Some of our favorite memories were made in the kitchen, cooking and baking alongside the girls. We had fun experimenting with recipes and making favorites like doughnuts, cookies, and 7-Up cake, along with chocolate cake and creamy cheesecake. Weekend breakfasts turned into mini celebrations with stacks of pancakes and waffles, while dinners were filled with comfort classics like macaroni and cheese and homemade lasagna. Every cooking session was a mix of laughter, teamwork, and proud smiles as we tasted our creations. These moments weren’t just about the food—they were about time together, learning, sharing, and creating memories we’ll always hold close.
Contact Us
Wishing You Joy in the Year Ahead
And with that, we wrap up another year! As we pause to reflect, we’re grateful for the laughter, lessons, and love that carried us through—and even more grateful for each of you who are part of our “village.” Your presence in our lives is truly one of our greatest gifts.
This Christmas, we wish you peace that warms your heart, joy that fills your home, and hope that carries you into the new year. May 2026 bring you good health, happiness, and countless moments worth celebrating.
The Hilltop Review
