As this year slowly comes to a close (I know we still have a little bit of time left in 2025), I’d like to share some of my fave memories from 2025. Mostly due to Thanksgiving being next week and wanting to share memories I am thankful for, with people I am also thankful for. :)

1: Going to a Charley Crockett concert !!🎤🎶

This year I was able to attend a Charley Crockett concert in Austin, TX. He is my favorite artist & so it was a blessing being able to see him perform live. His music touches my soul and makes me feel all them feelings. I really hope to see him perform live again at some point in my life.

My one concert photo taken! I was busy jamming out!!

2: Adventuring in abandoned mines !! 🦇⛏️

I was given the opportunity to explore some abandoned mines & an abandoned town in Lordsburg, NM area. It was a really cool adventure and was neat being able to see places former humans had explored at one point in time. And for me, being a collector of rocks, it brought me joy finding some gems along the way. This day was a reminder for me that there are many adventures to be had in life.

Inside one of the old mines we came across!!

Part of an abandoned mining town!!

3: Spending time with family in Oregon & watching my cousin get married !! 🏡💍

Oregon will forever be home for me. I am blessed with such a wonderful family and friend group, and being able to visit home brought me so much happiness and comfort this year. One of my cousins got married this August as well which was a beautiful experience to be apart of.

A friendly reunion with a few of my Oregon pals!!

The best crab shack !!

A beautiful bride !!

Sparkly grandma ready to attend a wedding!!

Lake day with the family !!

4: Driving to Colorado & adventuring with my brother !! 🚗🥳

I’ve never driven a far distance by myself, but was able to change that this year. I drove about 8 hours from Las Cruces, NM to Colorado Springs, CO to spend time with my brother (and some time with my dad too). There I was able to go on lots of hikes, go to the Denver botanical garden, see some trees and wildlife, eat yummy food, and spend wholesome time with my family.

On the road!! I left my house at 3am!!

Garden of the Gods!!

The gorgeous botanical garden!!

A very magical hike!!

Exploring with my brother!!

Dad died on this hike!!

5: Hiked the Organ Needle with my roommate !! 🥾🏔️

My roommate & I hiked the Organ Needle (the highest point in the Organ mountains) which is located in Las Cruces, NM. It took about 7 hours and was a very hard hike, but was rewarding in the end. I am very proud of myself for completing this hike as it was one of the hardest hikes I’ve done. It was a testament that I can push myself to do things I’ve never thought possible.

Mid hike lunch!!

A little rock climbing in order to reach the top!!

We made it to the peak!!

6: Visited Austin, TX for the first time to celebrate my roommate’s sister’s birthday !! 🌆🎊

Prior to attending the Charley Crockett concert, I went to Austin for the first time in May to celebrate my roommate’s sister’s 21st birthday! We only stayed for a couple days, but it was a blast exploring part of the city & exploring a new area in general! And Alaina (the birthday girl) was glowing! Again, a reminder that there are so many adventures to be had in this world!

What a neat city!!

Birthday princess!!

Visited a cool art museum!!

7: Snow in the desert!!🌵❄️

I am a sunshine girl, but I enjoy some snow from time to time. And it actually snowed in Las Cruces for a single day this year & it was breathtaking. My roommate and I were able to go out hiking & we throughly enjoyed the desert snow!!

All bundled up!!

Beautiful Britta in the midst of the snow!!

I love spending time with Britta!!

I am thankful for so many memories and moments from this past year & I continue to be thankful for all the people in my life as well! I hope you enjoy reading/seeing a glimpse into some of my favorite memories from 2025!

Love, Sam! 💛