The Parrillo Family

2025 - Our Year In Review

2025-12-16T10:51:00.016-06:00

"To thy happy children of the future (i.e. Those of you who turned over our Christmas card and were curious enough to arrive here), those of the past (us Parrillos in 2025) send greetings."

2025 was good to the Parrillo family. And, we were busy. Hard to believe another year has come-and-gone.

However, before we get to our annual Year in Review, I'd like to call attention to an important detail on our Christmas Card. While the photo is lovely, it certainly won't top our Griswold-family-inspired card from 2022. But, after a long, difficult two-year hiatus, I'm happy to share that this year, "Leadership" allowed for the inclusion of a special greeting to all of our friends and family who celebrate Festivus. Here's to pinning your father and the lack of tinsel this season.

With that out of the way, now...on to our Year in Review.

Activities and Events

From the stage to the field, the Parrillo kids got out there and participated.

Eloise continued in her theatre and choir performances including both on-stage roles and behind-the scenes ones as well. On a happy note, she also played as a Sophomore on the DGN tennis team, but on a less-happy one.... it was her last year at Camp this Summer (sad trombone). She also went to see Conan Gray live, which...if you ask her...was a personal highlight for her.

SD also hit the stage doing (despite my eye rolls) the bend-and-snap. As an 8th grader, she's living her best junior high life with a big group of friends. Ask her about YouTube shorts. This Summer, she also went to camp where we had to drag her out at the end of her time. And in athletics this year, after years of beating up her brother, she decided to put that ferocity to work outside the house and tried lacrosse.

Frankie went hard in sports. Flag football, two seasons of baseball, basketball and even agility classes. Frankie was awarded the "sportsmanship award" from Little League. Pretty great. And, of course, we had a great time watching our Illini play in historic Memorial Stadium this Fall. Ask him about his jersey collection?

Milestones and Birthdays

Two teenagers? Yep. SD turned 13th. And Eloise is now 16. And, that means she's (eek) driving. Frankie hit 11 this year. We also celebrated birthdays with Great Grampy (99!) and Papa (83).

A milestone to note: SD learned how to water ski this year. First in the family.

Travel and Visits

Let's start with family trips because we went by land, air and sea this year. We started the year with our first family cruise - a Disney Cruise. And, we can't wait to get back on-board another one. For Spring Break, we had the great joy of sharing a house down on 30A with the kid's cousins.

Sadie went solo with her 8th grade classmates on a once-in-a-lifetime class trip to Washington D.C.

And, we celebrated Charlie's 70th birthday with a multi-generational trip to his homeland: Ireland. We experienced pub culture and Wild Ireland. We rode horses, drank Guinness straight from the factory, slept next to a castle and had too much fun on a big bus.

Work and Such

Beyond our family travel above, there were a number of other trips this year. Why? Because as you know, we have an expert in the family when it comes to travel: Natalie.

In 2025, Nat's travel business continued to grow in big ways. As a travel advisor for Connections Luxury Travel, she was able to hit three continents, attend big travel industry events, book a ton of travel for families making memories on land and sea and experience first-hand new destinations to learn all about them. As you might expect, she's *REALLY GOOD* at crafting thoughtful family vacations.

Click here to learn more about Natalie and Connections Luxury Travel.
Click here to book a call with Natalie to plan your next trip.
Click here to subscribe to her travel email newsletter.
Click here to follow her travel handle on Instagram.

In 2025, (in addition to our family trips) Nat's work travel took her to Florida, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Las Vegas, Aspen, Portugal and southern France. Along the way, she played golf, polo and tennis. She swam in oceans, cenotes and pools. Ask her about the cenote.

For me, 2025 has been a "fine" year. At work, there continues to be ups-and-downs. Strikes-and-gutters. The rough patch continues for my firm, but I'm still here where I wake up and focus on two goals every day: inform and persuade. This coming April will mark 13 years at Edelman. Been a good run.

Holidays

Frankie was the Lorax for Halloween and I fear this might be the last year that I get to go out and trick-or-treat with him. Sadie lead the way as we celebrated 4th of July up in Twin Lakes, carved pumpkins and cut down our Christmas Tree.

We are cherishing these remaining days and the time together with family over the holidays.

Here's to an even better 2026.

-30-

Oh...you made it all the way down here? Here's a little peek at the latest state of our backyard pizza oven. Is it done? No. But, two years-in, I've been able to build the enclosure, it has a roof on it and we had a soapstone landing installed out front. It is totally operational and weather-proof. Now, it just comes down to cosmetics and finishes. This Spring we'll get the exterior done (brick) and get the roof done (composite tile you can see in one of the photos below).

2024 - Our Year in Review

2024-12-13T11:51:00.004-06:00

Hi there. By now, you've received our annual Christmas card and were curious enough to come visit this here spot on the Web to see what's doing. Good news for you: plenty was 'doin' with the Parrillo family this past year.

But, before we get into our Year in Review, I'd first like call attention to a couple things with our 2024 Christmas card. While we will always have a hard time topping our Griswold-family-inspired card from 2022, this year's card includes something novel: artificial intelligence.

And that's fitting, right? 2024 sure seems like the "Year of AI".

The AI at play here is courtesy of Google Photos and their AI Magic Eraser. Say goodbye, trampoline in the background. Replaced with grass and trees. Magic, indeed.

Secondly....related to this year's card, I'd like to acknowledge an omission. For the second year in a row, I've been told by "Leadership" that there simply isn't room to include a greeting for our friends and family that celebrate Festivus. Fortunately, the digital version has been annotated and is posted below.

Now...on to the Year in Review for The Parrillo Family:

Activities and Such

Despite my best-efforts to become a 'sports family', it appears that we're well on our way to being a 'theater family'. All of the kids took to the stage in 2024. Eloise played the role of 'Penelope' in the Ghostlight production of "13". While she did great on stage, the best part was having all of her family come support her after the show:

Frankie took a turn as "Uncle Henry" in The Wizard of Oz. "Oh, she bit her dog, eh?"

And, SD was one of the princesses in The Little Mermaid. Three kids, lots of stage time.

Nat and the kids found time to take in the eclipse this past April:

And...for the first time...all three kids went off to Camp Techumseh. Nothing better for the kids and the parents than good ole' fashioned camp.

And, has Eloise talked to you about Harry Potter and the Cursed Child? It opened in Chicago this Fall and we suspect that Eloise is the #1 fan. She's been a handful of times and is desperate to go even more before it closes in early 2025.

Eloise made the DGN Tennis team:

Frankie fell in love with Football - and attended ALL of the DGN home games with Friday Night Lights:

We found time to get down to Champaign for a couple of Illini football games this season. What a treat - good weather and a good team!

Milestones and Birthdays

We have a high schooler. That's right, Eloise graduated from Eighth Grade at Herrick Junior High and enrolled as a Freshman at Downers Grove North High School. The photos above are from her graduation.

Another trip around the sun for all of us.

Sadie turned twelve. (But...it sure feels like we have a second teenager living with us now...)

Frankie turned 10.

And...Eloise is about to turn 15. Yes...15. STOP.

Travel and Visits

We spent Spring Break down with the Country Bears (and Mickey the Mouse, of course) in the most Magical Place in the world: the Vacation Kingdom.

And, while that was the *only* family Disney parks trip, Nat went to both coasts a couple of times including some "work trips" - where she was one of the very first to ride Tiana's Bayou Adventure. (Which...if we're being honest...is a *fine* name. But...they *had* a BETTER name right in front of them. "Princess and the Log", people. "Princess and the LOG!". Oh, well...)

We also gathered for Camp Moranimal in Twin Lakes in August - where the kids hung with their cousins and aunts and uncles. And avoided Nat and I as best they could. Nat and her sister Elise also are now boat owners - the Mazda Miata of Lake Elizabeth - that is fast and fun. The kids were whipped around pretty good.

Eloise was treated to an experience of HER LIFETIME courtesy of her 'cool' aunt in Los Angeles - where Eloise was able to be her "Plus one" at the Emmy's. THE EMMY'!?!?

We took a road trip and made a couple of stops at Buccee's, of course. I'm partial to the sammies. That's SD above with the Beaver:

We also spent plenty of time outdoors - with nature. Including to one of Nat's favorite places: The Spruce Plot:

Work and Such

Speaking of travel, Nat's business has continued to grow in 2024 - where she worked with families to create unique experiences to Disney theme parks, Europe, Disney theme parks in Europe, cruises, the mountains, the ocean, and everywhere in between. As we all expected, she's *really* good at it and has found a real calling. There's so much more coming in 2025 from Natalie - including a broader focus on even more destinations, a bunch of new travel and more. So... if you're looking to travel anywhere...drop her a line, give her a follow or fill out her form.

For me...2024 has been a year. At work, there's been ups-and-downs. Strikes-and-gutters. Despite a rough recent patch for the firm, I'm still here at Edelman working on promoting brands, protecting reputations and building trust. I'm fortunate to be looking at coming up on my twelve-year-anniversary at Edelman.

That about wraps up the year for us. We're sure hoping you and yours had a good year, too.

You made it this far? Holy cow. Here's a little treat:

Below is Frankie with Bears great Olin Kreutz down in Champaign for the Illini game:

Here's to an even better 2025.

###

2023 - Our Year In Review

2023-12-08T08:54:00.011-06:00

Well, hello there. By now, you've received our holiday card, spotted the url on the back and decided to come check out what's doin' on here. Before, I get into the Year In Review, I'd like to acknowledge one item and call attention to an omission on our (giant) card. First, they can't all be 'bangers' as the kids say. Our Griswold-inspired Paris card last year that was art directed, costumed and created by Nat is pretty hard to beat. This year, we stuck with the full-family photo on the front, but in a much less funny way. And, second, the omission. I was told (by leadership) that there "wasn't room" - on the back of the card - to offer our kind regards to those who celebrate Festivus. That oversight has been made right with the ~~amended~~ corrected back-side of our card you can see below:

Now, on to the 2023 Year in Review for the Parrillos.

Milestones and Birthdays

We have, somehow, a teenager (8th grade), an 11-year-old (6th grade) and 9-year-old. They're amazing kids that are growing up all together too fast. Here they are on their first day of school this Fall:

Eloise's birthday is coming up in a couple of weeks (so no photo...yet), but we celebrated Sadie this Summer and Frankie this Fall:

This Spring, Frankie celebrated his First Communion at St. Mary's of Gostyn. He was surrounded by family and love (and the Kentucky Derby) while wearing his brand new suit.

Travel and Visits

For Spring Break, we returned to a place we've enjoyed in the past: Blue Mountain Beach, Florida. The house was *just right*, the beach was *just right*, the ice cream was *just right* and the pickleball (with friends!!) was *just right*. Of course, both down-and-back, we stopped at Buc-ees and woof'd down tacos, treats and nuggets.

Also in Spring, Nat and Eloise snuck down to Walt Disney World with some good friends and ran a couple of races. Eloise made sure to cross the finish line just a little/bit in front of her mom. Spoiler Alert: this wouldn't be the last time the Parrillos were in a theme park in 2023.

This Summer marked my ten-year anniversary at Edelman. That meant that I was granted a sabbatical that took us to Cape Cod and New York City. We were fortunate to be joined by Noonie on the Cape - where we visited old friends, ate a bunch of lobstah'. The kids walked the Brewster Flats, played Monopoly with Noonie and walked to the Brewster General Store each morning to buy penny candy. In NYC (first time for the kids), we walked from 83rd and 3rd down to 25th and 7th. And everywhere in-between. We also took in The Cursed Child - a life-altering experience for Eloise. Frankie discovered and lead us all to a couple of hot spots - including the Chinatown Ice Cream Factory.

At the end of the Summer, we gathered with the full Moran clan in Southern California where we (of course) spent some time at Disneyland, visited the new Super Nintendo World, had plenty of pool time and the kids were able to meet their new cousin (another girl!!).

Work and Such

All that travel with the family lead to a new career for Natalie: as a certified travel consultant with The Magic For Less Travel. The reviews from her clients are coming in and you are probably NOT surprised to find out that she's incredible at it - professional, detailed and of course...smart.

Are you thinking of booking a trip to Disney World or Universal Studios? Or a cruise to the Carribean? Or a European River Cruise? Or just about any travel you want to do in 2024. Reach out to Nat to find out how she can help. You can keep up with her at her Skipper Natalie Travel Instagram handle or via her Magic For Less Page.

Activities and Experiences

All of our kids are readers. Everybody says that. But, we really mean it. Eloise and Sadie and Frankie all went to meet their favorite authors this year. Eloise was able to meet Dana Schwartz and Frankie hung out with Nathan Hale.

Fall was full of family. And Halloween. And pumpkins. And, even a little Taylor Swift. While, we didn't get to the actual concerts, doesn't mean the Swifites in our house were shut out.

We went camping as a family - for the very first time - to Kettle Moraine up in Wisconsin. Thankfully, we were with some good friends who are experienced campers. It rained on us, but that won't keep us from going back.

Speaking of camping, the girls did their annual week-long stays at Camp Tecumseh in Indiana this Summer. Although it is hard to say goodbye to them when we drop them off, the photos sure help smooth over those feelings. This place is special and our kids are fortunate for the experience. Horseback riding to friendship bracelet making. And everything in between.

In September, we went down to Champaign to watch our favorites: The Fighting Illini. They might have lost to Penn State, but we still had fun. The kids were able to get down on the field and we all were amazed by the size of these athletes. I was able to show the kids one of the team photos that I'm in that is hung in Memorial Stadium. And, of course, we had to give our warm regards to the Greatest College Football Player Ever (there's no debate): Red Grange.

Eloise continued to lead from the front. She always wants to 'go one more time around' in the tube up in Twin Lakes. Country sourdough loafs were churned out by the dozen this year. At school, her continued academic focus was felt all across the Junior High - particularly by her preferred peer set (the teachers). And, she overcame her life-long phobia of Santa. (She even sat *right* next to him this year.

Sadie kept on swimming. And loving it. She also was the only Parrillo under the age of 21 to actually run and finish the entire course of the Downers Grove Turkey Trot this year on Thanksgiving. I'm pretty proud that she also was elected as Student Council President for Whittier School this year.

Frankie spent the spring playing little league baseball. Caught some fish up in Twin Lakes, rode his soapbox car in the neighborhood derby and went as Dick Butkus - in his Illini Jersey #50 - not his Bears 51 Jersey - for Halloween. How awesome is that. Earlier this Spring, Frankie and I attended his first-ever Long Snapping Camp up in Rosemont. Gotta get on the Earl Woods/Richard Williams program if we expect Frankie to make that Big Ten Roster down in Champaign as a long snapper, right? (A Dad can dream, can't he???)

Everybody is into the theater in our house. Sadie took a star turn in High School Musical the Musical The Series The Musical. Eloise was a Zombie baker in The Adams Family. And just this week, Frankie made his debut as "Security Guard #2" in Elf Jr.

And, of course, they spent some time with their older, Parrillo cousins.

You made it this far? Holy cow.

Your reward? How about a peek at the Original Trader Joe's. Store #1. Nat and I stopped by there in California this Fall:

Here's to an even better 2024.

###

2022 - Our Year In Review

2022-12-13T09:53:00.098-06:00

Well...hello there. 2022 was a banner year in the Parrillo household. We had new experiences. New growth. New emotions. And new fun. Together as a family. There's nothing more a guy like me could want: three strong, independent and kind kids. And the best leader-of-the-pack in Nat anyone could imagine.

Now...on to that Christmas card. By now, you've already received it in the mail and that's why you're here. I'm sure you saw the photo. And, you either laughed. Or....wondered what the heck is going on?

I'm certain that *some* of you are in on the joke, right? This was a little moment of joy in 2022 when Nat surprised us all with these embroidered berets right on the spot in Paris this Summer. What's the inspiration? None other than Clark and Ellen and family on their trip to Europe in the 1980's.

Alright...now with the yucks out of the way, let's talk about 2022. Despite my best efforts, the three kids continue to grow up. And, I continue to be amazed at how they navigate the world. Here's the three of them - along with Lizzie - in front of our Christmas tree this year:

As I've done in previous years, here's a rundown of some of our most memorable milestones, moments and experiences from the Parrillo family in 2022.

Milestones and Moments

Despite my protests, our Eloise (who...is trusted) got her first phone. That's a big deal in the life of a 12-year-old.
We celebrated Easter at home this year with baskets and fun.
Sadie turned 10 and celebrated her Golden Birthday in Paris. What a treat!
Frankie turned 8 and is ALL boy. And all electronics. All the time.
We took all three kids to meet Santa and kicked off the Christmas Season in November.

Activities

Travel

###

This is the tenth one of these family blog "Year in Review" posts that I've done as part of our annual sending of the Christmas cards.

Here's our year-in-review from 2021.
Here's our year-in-review from 2020.
Here's our year-in-review from 2019.
Here's our year-in-review from 2018.
Here's our year-in-review from 2017.
Here's the year-in-review from 2016.
Here's the year-in-review from 2015.
I don't seem to have posted one in 2014.
Here's the year-in-review from 2013.
And here's the first one of these from 2012.

SD Hobbies & Activities - Environmental Club, Animals, Scouts and a 5K

2022-11-28T10:13:00.000-06:00

Sadie continues to get involved in making the world a better place. This year, she was a leader in the school Environmental Club where they learned about the impacts on the Earth of our behaviors and how to best recycle.

She also continues to be our animal lover. All sorts of animals. She DESPERATELY wants a ferret. Not going to happen. But, she does love her Lizzie.

And, she's still involved with Girl Scouts. Here she is (below) sorting her Cookie orders to get them ready for delivery.

And, 2022 marked the first ever FULL 5K that Sadie ran with Nat. They ran 'the whole thing' during the Downers Grove Turkey Trot this month.

Meeting Santa - 2022

2022-11-13T11:15:00.011-06:00

Every year, we try to get to see Santa at the annual Wannamaker's open house and this year was no different. The kids keep growing, but this tradition is a nice way to kick-off the Christmas season. All three - Eloise, Sadie and Frankie - gave the reindeer a little pet and then talked to (note...didn't sit on his lap. lol) to the big guy about what they want this year.

Here are some photos from this same visit to Santa in 2016 - six years prior.

Frankie Hobbies - kits, tools, drums

2022-11-01T11:20:00.011-05:00

What has Frankie been up to this year? Taking on new activities, staying busy and learning more things than I did when I was eight years old. He's taken to STEM/science kits. He's done experiments in chemistry and biology and even electricity this year. Here are a few photos showing some of his experiments he does at the kitchen table.

He also is interested in the workshop - taking things apart mostly. He was gifted a new workbench from Granddad this year and has been using it all the time.

He's even trying his hand at music - with a new set of electronic drums. Thankfully...they come with headphones.

Halloween Costumes - 2022

2022-10-31T12:04:00.010-05:00

Halloween is - for us - still full of costumes, candy and trick-or-treating. All three kids dressed up this year. Eloise went as Alligator Loki. (If you don't 'get it', she will gladly roll her eyes in your direction.)

Sadie went as one of her favorites; Eeyore. (One of Winnie the Pooh's pals)

And Frankie went as Owen Grady (Chris Pratt) from Jurassic World. He even had a little 'Blue' velociraptor in his pocket.

Here's a look back to Halloween 2016. And also to 2019.

This is Eight - Frankie

2022-10-21T10:23:00.011-05:00

Who is the best boy? Frankie. Or, as we still call him: Beef. He's now eight. That's one more than seven. But, it sure feels like he's packed in so much in just one year. Frankie is a delight of a child - most of the time. He's smart. And...I think he kinda knows it. That means, he tests his boundaries. But, he also is a pure lover. He gives good hugs and snuggles with his mom.

He handled the school transition this year the best of all the kids and has found new friends that have shared interests. He continues to be enamored with screens. He plays Minecraft. And Wordle. And, keeps trying new sports including soccer, baseball and basketball. He's recently started to work a little bit in the backyard on his longsnapping. Here's hoping I can 'Richard Williams' him into an All-Conference snapper!

Annual Illini Football Game - October 2022

2022-10-06T11:43:00.020-05:00

We continue to be lucky to be able to immerse the kids in all things Fighting Illini football. Like every Fall, we packed the minivan and pointed towards Champaign for a Saturday football game in Memorial Stadium. We started the day with a Parrillo family tailgate in Grange Grove with all of the cousins - including a few new undergrads.

Here's a look-back to 2019 when we attended Homecoming at Memorial Stadium. And in 2016.

I have very fond memories of my time in Champaign and my time on the Illini football team, so I LOVE the chance to share that with all three kids. And, I'm grateful that Nat puts up with all the nonsense. Here's a few photos of the kids in their orange and blue.

Summer Camp - Overnight @ Tecumseh for Eloise and Sadie - 2022

2022-08-17T11:28:00.001-05:00

This is year two for Eloise at Camp Tecumseh in Indiana where she spends a week with her cousin in a cabin and gets to do all sorts of traditional camp things - like swimming in the lake, climbing trees and eating in a mess hall. This year, she was in Cayuga - and here's a photo below of them on their first day of camp this year:

But this year, she was also joined by Sadie. With her first camp year. And, this was something that SD was looking forward to ever since dropping Eloise off last year. I don't think there was anyone more amp'd up for Camp that SD this year. And, she was blown away.

What did the girls do? All of the things. Horseback riding. Chapel. Sign Language. Friendship bracelets. Swimming. And pickleball. With real pickles!

Staycation - And A New Firepit

2022-07-14T11:13:00.008-05:00

After we returned from our European Vacation, we took some time in our own backyard. With a little staycation. That also allowed us to take on a small DIY project with the building of a gravel firepit area that makes the BEST s'mores. Here I am enjoying some quiet time in the yard - one of my favorite places.

European Vacation - Tuscany, Italy and Paris, France

2022-06-24T11:24:00.071-05:00

We started in Tuscany with visits with the Parrillo family. In Italy of all places. What a treat. After puttering around Florence, we drove up to Lake Como for a weekend getaway. Pretty nice. From there, we took a train to Paris where we fell in love with the City all over again. A trip of a lifetime. Lucky kids.

This Is Ten - Sadie

2022-06-11T11:27:00.024-05:00

Could you imagine having your Golden Birthday in Paris?!? That's what Sadie was able to experience this year. Pretty good way to ring in your tenth birthday, right? Here she is...blowing out her candle on some french convenience store baked item.

Sadie is the middle child that continues to show us the way. She is - by far - the most adventurous of the three. She'll eat (or try) anything. She wants to try everything. She wants to experience everything. It is really quite inspiring to see her make the world her own as she learns what she likes and doesn't like along the way.

Sadie is kind. Sadie is smart. Sadie is creative. Sadie is the most in-tune with nature. And...Sadie is caring. She's there to help someone who is hurting. And there to celebrate with you when you succeed.

She's taken on so much this year and I can't wait to see what else she does in 2022.

Here she is one year ago - on her ninth birthday.

Eloise Got A Phone!

2022-06-01T11:21:00.011-05:00

Yep. We caved. Or...rather...Nat caved. I wanted to hold out for at least another year. But, our Eloise is now a phone-toting borderline teen. And (gasp!), she didn't follow my advice: she got an iPhone. (For shame.)

This feels like a big milestone for the family. The kid/teen border is approaching and I want to do EVERYTHING we can to keep her a kid. Time marches on.

Eloise is VERY trustworthy and has earned this access. Of all the kids, I have the least amount of concerns with getting into trouble online. I'm happy for her to be able to connect with her friends and see even more of the world. Just wish it was with an Android.

Broadway in Chicago - Six - Theater Kids

2022-05-18T11:10:00.012-05:00

Both of the girls continue to be stage play fans. From having roles in the productions this year at SMG and with Ghostlight to watching Broadway shows on YouTube and Disney+, the girls really enjoy live performances. This past week, Nat was able to snag a couple of last-minute tickets to see the musical Six - the Musical - at the CIBC Theater in the Loop. Here are SD and Eloise outside the theater:

Fun little girls day-trip to the City:

Eloise The Thespian - Frozen the Musical

2022-05-13T11:22:00.013-05:00

Eloise has had a hand in a couple of local theater productions - for her school and local theater companies. But, she has historically taken on a 'behind-the-scenes' role. Stage crew, production, etc. But that all changed this year with the annual SMG musical for the middle school kids. This year they produced the show Frozen (the Disney story) and Eloise joined her classmates and friends in an on-stage role. Yeah! She was on stage. And great! Here are a few photos of her in her costumes - she was on the stage for various numbers.

I couldn't be more proud of her. Very brave. And...if you know Eloise, you know: she was perfect.

Easter 2022

2022-04-21T11:21:00.005-05:00

The Easter Bunny didn't skip hopping right over to our house this year. Here's all three kids with big smiles on their faces and bunny ears on their heads on Easter morning.

30A Spring Break With Great Friends

2022-04-05T11:06:00.032-05:00

We packed up the minivan and headed south for Spring Break this year. Destination: Florida. By way of Birmingham Alabama. We rented a lovely house in Blue Mountain Beach right along 30A where the gulf meets the white sand beaches. And, we went with some family friends who made the vacation even better together. All three families share kids with the same ages and we've spent countless hours together as the kids have grown up.

The road trip down was easy. The trip back? Much harder. Traffic out of Florida up 65 on a Saturday during Spring Break season is tricky. We made it, but not without a bunch of stress and some Waze-directed detours.

What did we do in Florida? A lot of nothing. And it was grand. We swam in the pool. Played on the beach. Eat ice cream every night. Played Bingo. And drove a golf cart. What's not to love. These kids sure are lucky. The three moms who planned this trip delivered for all of us. I'd go back anytime.

Shamrock Shakes for SD and Frankie

2022-03-18T11:12:00.010-05:00

Are they mint flavored? Or, is your mind playing a trick on you with the green coloring? And they're just vanilla shakes? We had our two Shamrock Shake experts weigh in with this seasonal treat. Although a quick, passing everyday moment...I LOVE that we are bonded to our kids through this shared experience: we had Shamrock Shakes as kids. And they do, too.

The last time I posted about Shamrock Shakes was ten years ago when little tiny Eloise was enjoying her first ever. Time flies.

2021 - Our Year In Review

2021-12-02T11:57:00.001-06:00

Like it was for a lot of people, I think we can *confidently* say that 2021 was a better year than 2020 for the Parrillo family. There was, of course COVID-related things and changes and complaints, but we also were able to spend time doing A LOT of the things we love and seeing A LOT of the people we love. If you're here because of the link on our Christmas card, welcome. We're glad to have you peek into a little bit of what we've been up to this year.

A quick editor's note: By some cosmic miracle, I'm the guy who gets to spend his life with Natalie and our three incredible kids. I *know* how fortunate I am to be a part of all of this.

Our three kids are navigating this time (a once-in-a-generation global pandemic) in their lives incredibly well and are incredibly resilient. Despite what the world has thrown at them, they're thriving. And while COVID has take so much from so many, it has also given us something valuable: time together to make even more memories as a family. We're all so happy to be able to have spent time TOGETHER with all of you this year and want to share a few of the moments and milestones we posted here on the blog.

Milestones and Moments

We spent NYE where we have done so for a number of years: in Wisconsin. Eating ice cream sundaes and watching the ball drop on YouTube at like 10 pm.
Natalie worked her magic and created an amazing fundraiser for our kid's school despite COVID causing all sorts of issues.
Sadie turned nine with a Summer birthday party and lots of love.
Eloise went off to her first sleep-away camp with her cousin. What a treat for her, but we missed her like crazy.
Eloise started Middle School (eek!), SD went off to 4th grade and Frankie moved up to 1st Grade at SMG.
Frankie turned 7 in October. Screen time + boy stuff + (thankfully) still *our* baby (at times)

Travel

This is the ninth one of these family blog "Year in Review" posts that I've done as part of our annual sending of the Christmas cards.

Here's our year-in-review from 2020.
Here's our year-in-review from 2019.
Here's our year-in-review from 2018.
Here's our year-in-review from 2017.
Here's the year-in-review from 2016.
Here's the year-in-review from 2015.
I don't seem to have posted one in 2014.
Here's the year-in-review from 2013.
And here's the first one of these from 2012.

This is Seven - Frankie

2021-10-21T09:58:00.044-05:00

Who is the best boy in the world? Frankie. That's who. He's now seven and wants everyone to know it. He's 65 pounds of 'rompin' stompin' dynamite' and is all boy. Loving, snuggly boy. And Nerf-gun wanting boy. He's carving his own path and doing incredibly well in first grade. He loves all forms of screentime including the Switch. He says he'll only eat cheeseburgers and tacos and has a best friend in his cousin across town.

He still is our most snuggly child but also is the one with the hottest temper (at times). He loves his Momma and his Sisters and I know how lucky I am to have a boy that loves me with all of his heart. I couldn't imagine a better gift than seeing Frankie continue to turn from a baby to a boy. And...(hold back the tears) at some point a man.

Here's a look at Sadie when she turned the same age of Seven in 2019.

We're so fortunate to have Frankie in our life and can't wait to see how we changes the world as he continues to grow and learn. Here he is with his birthday sign - as is tradition around here.

Cupcakes for breakfast. As is tradition around here.

I was able to surprise Frankie as his class "Secret Reader" on his birthday. And, of course, I read one of our favorite books: Secret Pizza Party.

And, Frankie was able to spend some time with some very important people like Great Grampy Ray, blow out candles with his best friend cousin and even mug it up with silly Papa Tom.

First Day of School @ SMG - 2021/2022 School Year

2021-08-23T09:50:00.018-05:00

This is what 6th grade, 4th grade and 1st grade looks like for Eloise, Sadie and Frankie. Look at those BIG smiles. This year, our kids are back in what I'm calling 'normal school'. And we're so grateful for that. We're grateful for being able to take the bus to/from school, staying a full, normal day, eating lunch with their friends and being kids. Sure, they're wearing masks and staying safe, but it feels so nice to have some normalcy in these three lives. We're also so happy that Nat is back at SMG working as a 2nd grade aide.

They've navigated this period of time incredibly well. That's thanks to Nat. But, these three kids are smarter, stronger and more resilient today than they were when COVID started. Hard to believe all three kids are on the same schedule. And that we have both a middle schooler (eek!) and a first grader (wow).

Oh...and they're not the only ones smiling today. So am I! So happy for them to LEARN SOMETHING this year.

A Trip To Big Bear Lake With the Morans - Summer Vacation 2021

2021-08-12T10:44:00.028-05:00

What's better than a trip to a National Forest? A trip to a National Forest with family that we haven't seen in a while. Nat and I packed the kids up and went out to southern California for a vacation this month with the full Moran Clan. Of course, we stopped at Disneyland (more on that later), but spent a full week up in the mountains of the San Bernardino National Forest on Big Bear Lake.

We had a full week of family and nature. And more nature. And swimming. And hiking and walking and exploring. It was such a nice break and a lovely way to spend a week together. On the lake, collecting world-record-breaking pinecones, finding geo-caches, spelling out J O Y in pinecones on the path, climbing trees, hiking in the hills, pondering life's great wonders, exploring town and riding the Alpine Slide. Memories to last a lifetime.

House Hunting in Southern California (Not Really)

2021-08-01T09:39:00.036-05:00

We spent some time touring some famous spots in Southern California that are from movies and shows that we love and thought that we'd share some of the stops we made.

Have a look at some of the sights we took in during one day in Los Angeles and Pasadena. Thinking this is our first "quiz" on our family blog. Why not, right?

There are three different houses below. Can you name them all? Answers below all the photos. Prize for the first person and the last person who answers correctly.

First stop was the Dragonfly Inn from Gilmore Girls. Loralei and Rory sure seem like some of Nat's pals based on how the DVDs were worn out over the years. This was a set.

Next is the Dr. Brown 1955 house from Back to the Future. This *was* a real house, but is now called The Gamble House and is a museum.

Third and fourth photos are the same house. The "Father of the Bride" house where Steve Martin and Diane Keaton hosted their daughter Annie's wedding.

Our trip wasn't all sight-seeing, but it was fun to tool around Pasadena seeing these landmarks that we love from Hollywood features.