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Welcomed back to Clayton, NY

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After visiting friends in Virginia, we headed to Clayton, New York for the annual Tracey/Viglucci/Yuhas family trip. Alex, Linley and I couldn’t attend last year because we took two weeks off work for our honeymoon, but it was great to be part of the family trip for my second time.

In 2024, us three had a whole extra home to ourselves; this year, we shared with more family members because over 20 of us made the trip this time! We were greeted with a surprise on our bedroom door, hugs from family, and sunshine on Washington Island. It felt so good to be back.

We didn’t see the baby swan we saw two years ago (aka: the Baby Lin swan!), but it’s probably because he’s all grown up now. But we did see our two favorite swans swimming around the island.

After getting settled in, we wanted to head into downtown Clayton for some ice cream, long walks on the waterfront and a nice dinner at Channelside. It felt like yesterday since we were back, and the views, kindness and comfort were just as memorable as last time. Linley was the talk of the town as we strolled around before dinner, and even got attention (and free food!) during our meal.

Cheers!

After dinner, we enjoyed a cozy night in so we could grab coffee in town again the next morning. Linley wanted some of Alex’s breakfast sandwich, and was lucky enough to get some while we chatted with Aunt Maryann.

I miss Clayton already, and will share more posts from our lovely time there. 💛

Media taken Sunday, July 5 – Monday, July 6, 2026 in Clayton, New York.

Old Friends, Old City

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We started our east coast drive on Friday, July 3. Of course, we had to stop in Virginia to see the Corrigan family! We wanted a chill Friday night after a 10+ hour drive; however, Alex ran over a nail and had to get it fixed once we got to our AirBnB. We grabbed food at a restaurant within walking distance from where we stayed, turned on Love Island, and quickly went to bed.

Start of our roadtrip

On the Fourth, we had a great day with my best friend, Carolyn. Carolyn and her husband Ryan have been integral parts of my life for the past 12 years. I’m close with both of them, their families and their family now that they have two daughters and three fur babies. I wouldn’t have gotten through some of my darkest times if it weren’t for Carolyn’s love, support and humor – so seeing her again recently was wonderful.

We spent the entire day at their home in Leesburg. We enjoyed breakfast and lunch before Ryan went to work, enjoyed time with the girls and Sully, and we laughed throughout the entire day. While Carolyn’s and my quality time isn’t the girls trips and travels like we used to have, I value that we’ve brought each other into our lives as much as we have with over this decade worth of friendship.

Linley and Sully
Watching the “fireworks” in the neighborhood
Linley does well with the sounds of he can actually see what’s going on 🙂

Before leaving Virginia, we wanted to check out Georgetown’s waterfront while we were in the area. Linley was a smiley boy and we loved strolling through the cobblestone streets.

…and then we were on the road again!

Photos taken Friday, July 3 – Sunday, July 5, 2026.

Rest easy, sweet Ellie

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My next post was supposed to be about the amazing weekend we’d be having with Ellie, and how another Thing 1 & Thing 2 puppy party was taking place. But the truth is we lost sweet Ellie last night before we could see each other again, and we’re completely devastated. 🌈

Ellie will always be Linley’s best friend and our sweet girl. She was Lin’s partner in crime, and her smile and strut turned the heads of many neighbors and friends of my pawrents. And she’s one of the only pups Linley was willing to share anything with, including me on morning walks and his favorite snuggle spot on the couch. 

We always made Ellie and Linley take silly photos together, and I’m so grateful we did. We all shared so many memories together and our shenanigans during sleepovers and holidays are moments we’ll never forget. 

We’ve been emotional because we wish Ellie were here with us this weekend. I’ll never forget all the weekends and holidays we shared. I know Ellie is bumping into other dogs up there and is zooming toward all the good food with her tongue out. 

We love you forever, Miss Elle Belle!

Comparisons

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We all do it: we compare ourselves to others, we compare present day to the past… it’s human. And last weekend I couldn’t help but compare where I’m at now vs. where I was at in 2022.

Linley and me hiking in Asheville (2022)

On my trip back at Chicago from Asheville in 2022, Linley was by my side through some hard times. One of my best friends called me on my drive to tell me that she was expecting her first child, meanwhile I was telling her that a divorce was in my foreseeable future. I was so excited for all my close friends going through such amazing milestones in their lives, meanwhile I was at the loneliest point in my marriage and physical location of Chicago.

Linley, Alex and me hiking at the same spot in 2026

Last weekend I took Alex and some of our friends to the same spot Linley and I enjoyed four years ago. Although it was rainy, we made the most of it. And it’s really similar to my life right now: it’s a literal and metaphorical rainy season, but I’m making the most of every moment and am enjoying the rain as it comes.

To think in 2022 I was struggling in my family dynamics, certain friendships, my marriage, location and career. Now my biggest worry is that I won’t be able to make it as a solopreneur, but have never felt more loved and supported.

Photos taken in 2022 and 2026 in Asheville, North Carolina

Celebrating Alex in North Georgia

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Alex’s birthday was Saturday, and we had a great time in the mountains of North Georgia! We started our morning with a hike on Blood Mountain where we had stunning views all around us. It was a nice spot to rest, and we even saw a blue lizard scurry nearby.

After our hike, we grabbed lunch at a local spot in downtown Dahlonega that we love so much. We sat outside, enjoyed some sweet tea and seafood, and Linley got even more attention than our birthday boy.

After realizing that Linley had a tick on him in the car (we’re all good, thank goodness!), we enjoyed more stunning views at a winery Alex loves. I’m doing an alcohol-free year but I enjoyed a Sprite while Alex enjoyed a glass of red wine. All three of us were basking in the sun and enjoying the moment together.

Before we knew it, it was time to head home. We look forward to next time!

Photos taken Saturday, May 16, 2026

April Appreciation for Atlanta

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Between 404 Day and now, it’s been a solid month here in Atlanta. We’ve explored new places, revisited some favorites and felt a sense of community with our neighbors (especially Amy because we got to watch her sweet girl, Larkin, this month!) 

I look forward to what the rest of April and beyond has in store!

Sweetwater Creek + 404 Day

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On Friday, I wasn’t feeling the best, but I knew a hike with Linley would help me sweat out my cold in addition to making my heart feel good. We revisited Sweetwater Creek State Park for some light hiking and beautiful views. My mom also had the day off, so we talked on the phone like the good ole days. And as usual, Linley got lots of attention and four young women were adoring him, so I gave them each a treat to give to Linley. He was in heaven!

Being with Linley always makes my day, especially when we can be outdoors together.

And yesterday’s 404 Day celebration in Atlanta was a ton of fun! We strolled through our favorite neighborhood in the city, watched Linley play at Piedmont Park, picked up some plants at Flora and Fauna, and enjoyed an afternoon in our own neighborhood.

I’ve been beating myself up all week about random sh*t, and honestly, I need to stop because I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

Media taken Friday, April 3 & Saturday, April 4, 2026 in Atlanta, GA.

Rock Lobsters game in Athens

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Alex took Linley and me to Athens, Georgia for our first visit yesterday! We walked around town and UGA’s campus before going to the game where Linley, and other dogs, were part of the main event. Everyone at the game and involved in the game were amazing and we’ll definitely be back for another fun day of hockey!

Linley was basically a celebrity and everyone was taking photos of AND with him all day! A woman we met at a brewery before the game even came up and said hello again. Seeing Linley love and get love back always melts my heart.

Alex signed Linley up for a race on the ice after the first period, and since Lin had been a daddy’s boy all day, I held Linley on the ice so he would run to Alex. However, Linley got cold paws, literally and figuratively, and didn’t want to leave my side! Although Lin didn’t win the race, he won in everyone’s hearts. Going backstage and on the ice was really cool (pun intended) for all three of us in the Tracey Trio! 

Life is good and Linley was fast asleep in the stands and on the ride home.

Media taken Sunday, March 29, 2026 in Athens, Georgia 🦞

Loving spring in Atlanta 🌸

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Don’t get me wrong: I love our roadtrips and weekends away. But there’s something extra special about being home in Atlanta this time of year. It’s not nearly as drastic as Michigan’s winter-to-spring transition, but laying out in the sun, listening to soul music in the park nearby is something I don’t take for granted here.

The last couple weekends have been so much fun, and I know this weekend will be no exception. We’ve even stayed busy during the week, because there’s no point in living for the weekend (in my humble opinion 😉).

Here’s some highlights that have brought me sheer enjoyment and smiles from ear to ear:

Enjoying some beautiful sunrises and sunsets

An afternoon with Linley

My first Atlanta United game of the season

Another fun dog mom social club event (and checking out a new trail!)

Painting Linley at Piedmont Park

Seeing Linley after his Two Chicks and a Pack hike

I can’t wait for more fun, but enjoying these moments has been exactly what I’ve needed!

Photography taken March 2026

The Tracey Trio takes Florida (Pt. II)

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It’s been a week and I’m still daydreaming of our time in Florida. I’m really missing the beach, the sand in my toes and the sea breeze this afternoon.

Last Friday, we attempted to see the sunrise with no luck. But it was still such a fun experience to be at the dog beach again with less people and pets running around. Linley, of course, had to mark his territory and say hello to strangers every chance he could. That’s one of many things about him that I love so much; he makes himself at home wherever we go.

Lin was in no mood for fetch!
Getting cleaned again!

After some fun in the sand, we hung out and had a pretty relaxing morning. You better believe we found another beach to hang out at in the afternoon though, and that was even more private than the dog beach in Panama City. St. Joe Beach, about 45 minutes from our AirBnB, was perfect; we enjoyed collecting shells, walking as a family along the water and the entire afternoon was the “pause button” I really needed.

Like I said in my previous post: I always get so emotional reflecting on all the times Lin and I have enjoyed the beach together. He used to be my little beach buddy when it was just the two of us, and Alex was that missing piece that we never knew we needed (but so badly wanted!)

After s’more fun in the sun, we grabbed lunch in St. Joe and had a relaxing afternoon of good food, conversation and laughs.

Lin loves to stick his tongue out!
See what I mean?! 😛

After lunch, we headed to this super cool brewery and cocktail bar before cooking at our place. I enjoyed some snacks and two mocktails while Alex had a beer and a cocktail afterward. Linley kept getting attention and we all had some fun with my heart glasses.

I’d imagine this is how Lin sees the world

Between our afternoon pit stop and heading back home for the evening, I wanted to see the sunset because our first night was such a flop due to the fog. And we got lucky because it was absolutely beautiful! Linley was a bit fussy haha, but we enjoyed it regardless.

Our first official sunset on the beach 🥹

I can’t wait for our next adventure!

Media taken Friday, March 6, 2026

The Tracey Trio takes Florida (Pt. I)

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Last weekend, the three of us had a great time in Florida. It was my first time in the panhandle and Linley’s first time in Florida altogether. Our roadtrips and long weekends away are something I’ll always cherish, and am already missing so much (we got back on Sunday!)

We started our day on Thursday by exploring a couple places for lunch and nice views in the afternoon. Then once our AirBnB was ready for check-in, we relaxed on the patio for a little while. We all enjoyed soaking up some sun!

Our first sunset wasn’t the most successful, given that it suddenly became extremely foggy as we drove to the dog-friendly beach nearby. It was such a bummer because we really wanted to see it, but we were able to enjoy a sliver of it.

When I look back at these photos and videos, I get emotional because I love these moments together more than I can put into words. And I’ve genuinely enjoyed soaking up every sunset and sunrise with Linley over these past eight years, and now we get to do the same with Alex.

On a lighter note, of course our boy had to sniff and dig around in the sand!

And as much as Linley enjoys the beach, he doesn’t enjoy his post-beach routine (but we do!)

Media taken Thursday, March 5, 2026 in Panama City Beach, Florida🌴

Just a really great weekend

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Do you ever have those weekends where you wish every weekend were like that? That’s how I felt on Friday the 13th (a holiday I love to celebrate), Valentine’s Day (a day a hardly celebrate) and the day after.

I’m grateful that I’m starting to feel at home in Atlanta again, that I finally have a truer sense of community and that I’m continuing to meet new people, try new things and experience true joy.

Dinner with Devin, Colin and Alex
Alex’s first time at Build a Bear
Our new stuffies!
Linley thinking the stuffie was his
Linley’s sweet bandana
The Alex’s cheering with sake
Twinning at the burlesque show
Linley watching himself get groomed
Lin sleeping with one of his actual stuffies

I also had a lovely dinner with a dear friend, coffee with another friend and her daughter, a fun Lunar New Year concert with Alex and a great dance class this week. Although I love staying busy, I’m excited for a lazy weekend!

Media taken Friday, March 13 – Sunday, March 15, 2026 🧧