October has brought more positive changes than I’d expected it would. I accepted a job offer at a new company, I was able to see one of my best friends get married, found out that one of my best friends is expecting her second daughter, and a birthday that could’ve felt lonely didn’t — thanks to Alex’s family and our friends here in Atlanta.
I hope that the rest of 2024 brings positivity, calmness and reflection for all of us. 💛
Exploring new places in Atlanta
Volunteering with animals
Enjoying another Atlanta United game
Apple picking and wineries in North Georgia
Courtney’s and Chris’s wedding!
Quality time with Alex’s family
Quality time with Lin and good friends during my birthday weekend
A few weeks ago, we celebrated our safety during the tropical storm that hit Atlanta — and we hit the Georgia Aquarium for a private wine-centered event. The aquarium hosts Aqua Vino events where guests can dress up, sample wine and see all the animals… with no crowds or kids to worry about! It was the perfect excuse to dress up, sample some wine, listen to live music and explore the aquarium. I felt like a classy adult and a kind again all in one! We even got our picture with a beluga whale within the first half hour.
I bid on a silent auction painting from a sea lion named Finnian (spoiler alert: I ended up winning it!) and pet some sting rays along the way. I felt like I was reclaiming my not-so-fond childhood memories during vacations and such… so it felt special in more ways than one. I also found the Alex and me “in another universe” with these koi fish!
We continued exploring the different areas of the aquarium — including the tunnel and massive viewing room — to see some really impressive sharks. We wandered through different exhibits and joked about the fish and their names along the way. Laughing with Alex is my favorite thing to do and I had a blast. I can’t wait for more adventures like this to come!
And of course, I had to stop by the penguin exhibit before I saw one of my favorite animals…
The otters were actually awake! I was so surprised and happy, so Alex and I spent a good deal of time watching them play and swim around. The same employee who helped when I pet the sting rays was also there to tell us more about these cuties. I was so excited I had to take a video!
Alex and I had a wonderful time getting dolled up and enjoyed a near-private walkthrough of a typically chaotic and popular place. It’s great that the aquarium hosts fundraisers like this, and I hope to attend many more!
My mom visited Alex, Linley and me last weekend — and we had a blast exploring north Georgia! I’d been to some of the wineries before, but actually staying in a cabin in Ellijay and walking around Blue Ridge was so much fun with my mom, too.
The four of us enjoyed a beautiful cabin with a view of the mountains, and it didn’t disappoint. We made s’mores in the oven (because it rained both evenings we were there), played cards, watched the Olympics, drank coffee outside on the wrap-around porch and laughed until we cried. It was the perfect stay and I’d recommend for anyone who wants to escape city life for a weekend.
Prior to even seeing the cabin in the woods, we stopped by Roo Mountain Vineyards — which is now my new favorite winery in Georgia! The drinks were delicious, the view was incredible and the quality time was priceless.
Blue Ridge was another cute town we stopped in since it was super dog friendly! We checked out some shops, took Linley to Blue Ridge Adventure Dog for a good run, some photos and toys, and had good coffee under a patio during some rain. We had great food for lunch and dinner, too!
It was great having my mom here in Atlanta and up in north Georgia, and we can’t wait for next time!
Have you ever had those days where you never want it to end? Where everything is perfect and almost dream-like? That’s how Sunday was for me. Our friends Ariel and Pardon – along with their sweet pup, Tater – joined our family of three for a day full of hiking along Sweetwater Creek in the Atlanta area. Although Linley and I enjoy hiking very much, we haven’t done too much of it since moving down here — and it felt great to hit some new trails with Alex and our close friends!
After some epic hiking, we went back to Ariel’s and Pardon’s place for some delicious espresso martinis (my new favorite!). We kept the afternoon going at our favorite spot for brunch/lunch and dinner, where Linley continued to soak up the sunshine.
I look forward to many more days like this — full of laughter, smiles, good views, great conversation and nice weather.
You heard me; I believe this place and the people here are magical! And here’s why…
December gave me a new love for the holidays and Christmas spirit — one I hadn’t felt in a few years. Alex and I had so much fun before and during the holidays that I’m genuinely sad they’re over!
St. Louisa’s for organ karaoke
I haven’t sang or listened to karaoke in years, but our buddy Quinten told us about this old church-turned-bar with organ karaoke… and we couldn’t miss it! Alex and I have been twice now, and I’m sure 2024 will bring us more singing, dancing and laughing here — as well as pretending to be ping pong pros!
Botanical Garden for Christmas lights
We’d been to the Botanical Garden with our friend Emily in September, but visiting during the holidays was a completely different and unforgettable experience. Although the drinks weren’t cheap, they were good and the music, light variety and company were great. 💛 Alex and I were super impressed with the coordination of the lights with the Christmasy jazz playing.
Kat’s Cafe for jazz music
Sticking with the jazz theme, Alex and I enjoyed ourselves at this dive club in Midtown. This wasn’t as upscale as Cliff Bell’s in Detroit, but it didn’t need to be! The music, atmosphere and martinis were amazing.
Cirque du Soleil for an incredible show
Seldom am I speechless, but this show blew me away! The acrobatics, comedic bits and overall production took my breath away. I’m beyond grateful that Alex made my first show so special, and even though he’s been quite a few times, it was special for him too!
Christmas Market for a friend date
After Thanksgiving I made a new friend at the dog park, and we finally hung out before the holidays. Ariel, Alex and I had a blast drinking mulled wine, laughing our butts off and getting to know each other!
Roswell Mill for a family hike
On New Year’s Eve we took Linley on a hike just outside of Atlanta — which was just right for all of us! We look forward to more adventures and hikes as a trio. 🤗
To feel a true sense of belonging and welcoming from Alex and his family means more than I can’t put into words.
When I was living in the Midwest, I had to scramble to find alternate holiday plans. I don’t mean to be a Grinch with what I share below, but I do want to set the tone for how past holidays with my immediate family would go: There was absolutely no way that I would spend a day of gratitude and love with my brother and his wife who I’m estranged from, or parents who will never love me the way they love my brother, or family members who judged me for being with men who weren’t white, for my tattoos or for my willingness to go to therapy to break our toxic family cycles of generational trauma. Short story long: I always spent time with friends and their families to avoid what I would deem as nothing short of toxic.
The only cousin I’m close to and her fiancé Ben visited us a couple weekends ago, and it was a great way to kick off the holidays! We played games until midnight and had fun at some of our favorite local restaurants. I love Katy more than she’ll ever know. 💛
Last month, I made a new friend while taking Linley to the dog park on one of my days off. Ariel and I went on our first “friend date” of many, and even Alex loved how close we became! It was definitely fate. ✨
Alex’s and my first Christmas together was nothing short of amazing. And it’ll be the first of many. 🥰 Linley and I had so much fun with his family relaxing in the morning, eating great food throughout the day and enjoying some espresso martinis along the way. Alex and his family welcomed us and have made us feel a sense of belonging since the moment we moved down to Georgia in September. We couldn’t feel more lucky. 🥹
And just because I’m feeling this grateful and loved, here are some other fun December photos we took this month:
Although Halloween fell on a Tuesday this year, we made the most of last weekend and Halloween evening. It was a wonderful first Halloween in Atlanta and as a trio!
On Friday, we strolled the Beltline after work with some drinks in hand while wearing some epic family costumes. It was Alex’s idea for us to dress up as Krispy Kreme employees, and Lin be our doughnut! I loved the idea immediately and we ran with it. Linley wasn’t the happiest boy, but he made the most of his costume and everyone walking by enjoyed it! It makes my heart beyond happy and excited that Alex has fully leaned in and is embracing his dog dad-ness! 💛
On Saturday, we enjoyed another morning stroll before seeing Andy and Shawn. Our friends from South Africa have been in the states for two years or so, but haven’t experienced a true, American Halloween celebration — so we had to show them the ropes ☺️ Alex and I joined them in watching the rugby world championship on Saturday afternoon, where we were joined by other South African supporters and even some New Zealand fans. It was an intense game and South Africa only won by one point! The atmosphere while watching the game was something Alex and I loved and we’d be happy to watch rugby with Andy and Shawn again anytime!
After celebrating and enjoying great food and drinks, we headed back to both mine and Alex’s places to start the Halloween shenanigans! I dressed as a witch and Alex wore a shirt that said, “Pretend I’m a broom!” while Andy and Shawn got into their Star Wars outfits — and had the coolest lightsabers!
Our celebrations were simple this year: dinner outside at Bantam and walking the Beltline to Ladybird for drinks and people watching. It was such a chill, fun night and I already can’t wait for next year! 🤗
Our day-of consisted of a long walk to Piedmont Park (drinks in hand and costumes on like Friday!) and watching Lin tear it up at the dog park. We even saw trick-or-treaters on our way back home, which was a nice surprise and made the Halloween festivities complete. 😌
Halloween is my favorite holiday, and not being able to spend it with my mom up in Michigan felt weird this year. The last couple halloweens (the actual day-of) haven’t been the greatest, but it was fun to feel in my element again and go out with best friends, my man and our stubborn dog! 😂
Media taken Friday, October 27, Saturday, October 28, & Tuesday, October 31, 2023.
On October 19, I turned 30. Unlike most people who have a “milestone birthday,” I couldn’t have been more excited to enter into a new decade of life. Last year I was in Germany with one of my best friends who made my day incredibly special, so Alex had some big shoes to fill, but made everything leading up to it, during and afterward better than I could’ve imagined.
Wednesday, October 18, I had a phone date with another one of my best friends as I walked Linley through Piedmont Park. It was such an awesome evening weather and conversation-wise. Alex came over and we played the War card game and drank spicy margs until midnight. And on my actual birthday, I took the day off and didn’t look at a single work email and I even had my personal phone text notifications off. I FaceTimed two of my best friends while I was in Target, buying things I didn’t need. I had the best evening with Alex and two of our friends (his longest friends who I’ve become closer with since moving down here) filled with good Latin American food, strong drinks and much-needed laughter. It was the first evening where I took a deep breath and thought, “I’m home.”
Justin’s birthday was the next day!
Alex planned an incredible weekend in Savannah for us (us including Linley!) and it was an amazing first family trip. I’d never been to Savannah but have always wanted to see the mosey trees, beautiful southern architecture and cobblestone streets. Alex and I enjoyed a lovely seafood dinner and awesome drinks that Friday night after our long drive and walk with Linley. Seriously everything was perfect: the Airbnb, Linley’s behavior, the company… I felt so much love the entire weekend.
Luckily we found out that Tybee Island Beach isn’t dog friendly the night before, so we traveled to Hilton Head, South Carolina. Seeing Alex and Lin on the beach together melted my heart, and it was Alex’s first time seeing Lin like that (and Linley’s first time in the Atlantic Ocean!). We all ran around and then enjoyed some delicious seafood and drinks on the dock. The highlight was someone walking up to us and saying, “He’s a daddy’s boy isn’t he?!” when seeing Alex and Lin together! It was the perfect ending to a perfect afternoon.
After finding a not-so-great bar after a much-needed lazy afternoon, we went back to our bar from the night before, then had a blast at our spooky bar crawl. We met some awesome strangers along the way, including none other than comedian and Impractical Joker Sal Vulcano! I couldn’t believe that we saw him at the end of the night! The hangover the next morning was SO worth it.
We enjoyed a morning walk, some attempted ghost photos, brunch and stopping at Buc-ee’s on the way home.
I fall in love with Alex more and more as the days go on, and I can’t wait for more adventures as a trio!
Atlanta is the most dog friendly place Linley and I could’ve landed in! We’ve been loving all the dog park and pool time adventures—and Alex has fully embraced being a dog dad. 💛
We all look forward to more family adventures together… and stay tuned for more October posts that I’m behind on! 😉🙈
September has been one of the most positive and transformative months I’ve had all year. I couldn’t be happier in my relationship with Alex, in my new Atlanta home, and with where the rest of 2023 is heading. Before I get too lost in the future, I wanted to reflect on the past month and how much has changed – and how much I’ve grown – in this short period of time.
Two of Alex’s closest friends got engaged earlier in September, and I was able to be part of their special day. I feel blessed to have a partner and best friend who makes me feel so included, and to have a dad who helped me move all the way from Michigan!
I haven’t laughed or celebrated this hard and this much in a long time! September brought many cherished memories with Alex, Emily (who visited me my second weekend of being a new Atlanta resident!) and people I’ve met along the way.
Alex and I also celebrated his best friend from high school as she married the love of her life last weekend. We look forward to many more weddings and milestone celebrations together!
We befriended a lovely couple at Amy’s and Danny’s welcome dinner!
Traveling with the Traceys 