This year is a bit different, I haven’t had much time to sit down and write a year end review so Amber jumped at the opportunity and poured her love into this post for us all to enjoy. Thank you, Amber.
2024 was a year of adventure, change, and new beginnings.
As the year comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on a whirlwind of experiences, transformations, and unforgettable memories. It’s hard to believe how much life can change in just 12 months.
January: Baja Bliss
We kicked off the year with a house swap in Baja with our dear friend Ken, trading our space for a chance to soak up everything this sun-drenched peninsula has to offer. From pristine beaches and breathtaking landscapes to delicious seafood and laid-back living, Baja offered us a much-needed pause before the big transitions that lay ahead. It was the perfect way to start the year — slow, warm, and full of adventure.
February: Farewell, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico
February brought with it a season of goodbyes and new beginnings. After a year and half of calling the beautiful town of San Miguel de Allende home, we made the heart-wrenching decision to pack up our lives and head toward a new adventure. We sold nearly everything we owned, keeping only a few personal belongings. Ben drove over the border to Texas to sell our car at and then hopped on a plane that night to head back to NH to start preparing for our new adventure. Amber stayed behind in Mexico with the boys for their final school week, closing the last chapter of our life in San Miguel.
Saying goodbye was far more difficult than we had imagined. We had built a beautiful community of friends and shared so many meaningful moments with people who had become like family. But change was calling, and we knew it was time to answer.
March: Back to New Hampshire, Back to Family
After a bittersweet goodbye to San Miguel, we headed back to New Hampshire to spend a few precious weeks with family. It was a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare for the next big leap. The comfort of being around loved ones helped us process the emotional weight of our move, and it gave us the grounding we needed before our next big adventure.
Mid-March, the real work began. We gathered all of our bicycle touring gear – tent, sleeping bags, panniers, cooking supplies, the children’s baby dolls, a few toy cars and some legos – and carefully packed everything into bike boxes, ready for the next chapter. It was a big effort to condense our new “life essentials” down to the contents of just a few bags. This was more than just a packing process; it was the symbolic start of a new way of living. Our hope was to embrace adventure, spend meaningful time with our boys, and teach them about new cultures through slow, intentional travel.
The decision to cycle through South Korea and Japan with two young kids was bold, but it felt right. We knew it wouldn’t be easy, but we also knew it would be worth it.
On April 1st, we set off from Seoul, full of excitement and nerves. Pedaling as a family, carrying everything we needed on our bicycles, we embraced a slower, more intentional way of traveling. The journey from Seoul to Busan was one of the most extraordinary experiences of our lives. Cycling together, we witnessed the natural beauty of Korea’s riverside paths, the warmth and hospitality of strangers, and the resilience of our own little family unit. Every mile felt like an accomplishment, and every day brought a new lesson in patience, strength, and joy. Our children were troopers, embracing the adventure with a spirit that inspired us daily.
The cycling infrastructure in South Korea made the journey smooth and mostly enjoyable. With a network of dedicated bike trails connecting Seoul to Busan, it was a dream route for cyclists especially families. Our 5 year old, in particular, embraced the challenge, riding nearly 80% of the route on his own two wheels — an incredible feat for someone so young. Watching his confidence and independence grow with each passing mile was one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Our 4 year old loved being hooked on the back of daddy and enjoyed having cute conversations all day as he occasionally assisted with pedaling. 😂 We all loved seeing the beautiful cherry blossoms in full bloom. It was an unforgettable experience being able to witness the beauty.
It took us three weeks to cycle the length of South Korea, covering more than 700 kilometers together as a family. We had weekly Spanish tutoring sessions along the way, determined to maintain the boys’ hard-earned language skills from our time in Mexico. Anytime the boys watched an occasional video, we made sure it was in Spanish too — a small but meaningful effort to keep them connected to Mexico and their learning.
At the end of April, we rolled into Busan the end of cycling in Korea, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. After taking a week to rest off the bikes, we boarded a ferry to Japan, ready for the next chapter.
May-June: Japan’s Beauty and Challenges
Japan welcomed us with its iconic landscapes, rich culture, and a new set of challenges. Unlike South Korea, where cycling trails were abundant and smooth, Japan’s roads were steeper, narrower, and lacked dedicated bike paths. This shift made it harder all of us and especially for our fledging adventurer, who had loved the freedom of cycling solo in South Korea. Here, the roads demanded more caution and teamwork.
But despite the steeper hills and busy roads, we pressed on. Convenience stores became daily pit stops for snacks like onigiri (stuff rice triangles wrapped in roasted seaweed) and fresh sushi. Their clean bathrooms, cold drinks, ice cream, and ready-to-eat meals provided us with simple joys after long rides. Japan’s kindness and hospitality stood out. We were often surprised by the generosity of strangers, especially at onsen bathhouses, where we could soak our tired bodies after a long day of cycling. More than once, the owners of these bathhouses offered us a free dinner, touched by our journey as a cycling family.
Camping, however, was a different story. While it was easy to pitch a tent almost anywhere in South Korea, Japan required more discretion. We had to be more mindful about where we camped. But the joy of waking up in the fresh air, packing up our gear, and pedaling into a new day was always worth it.
Our boys embraced the cultural shift, learning how to say “hello” and “thank you” in Japanese. In South Korea, they had mastered how to ask, “Where is the bathroom?” — a phrase that served us well. Seeing them communicate in new languages was a beautiful reminder of the power of travel to shape young minds.
June: A Detour to China
While in Japan, an opportunity arose that we couldn’t resist. Since we were so close to China — a country Ben had spent so much time in and worked in — we decided to take a break from cycling and visit a few long time friends. We flew to China, swapping our bikes for planes and trains as we traveled from city to city.
It was hot, humid, and wildly different from the cool breezes of Japan. The boys were fascinated by the shift in scenery, flavors, and yet even a new language. We spent our time reconnecting with old friends, many of whom Ben had worked with during his time in China. Our friends welcomed us with open arms, and their kindness made the experience unforgettable. The boys explored street markets, tasted new foods, and marveled at the energy of China’s bustling cities.
Back to Japan — Closing the Chapter on Cycling
After China, we returned to Japan to pack up our bicycles and bring our cycling adventure to a close — at least for now. With our gear packed away, our hearts were full of gratitude for everything the past few months had given us. We had set out with hopes of adventure, learning, and family connection, and those hopes had been realized tenfold.
Our journey had been far from easy. From the simplicity of cycling and camping in South Korea to the steep climbs of Japan, from the bustling streets of China to the quiet moments of family dinners, we had grown as a family. We had embraced change, tested our limits, and discovered strength we didn’t know we had. We saw our children thrive in uncertainty, learning languages, riding bikes, and making friends wherever they went.
July: A New Place to Call Home in Spain
As if we hadn’t had enough adventure, we decided it was time for something new. This time, we weren’t just visiting. We were searching for a place to call home. After packing up our bikes in Japan, we boarded a flight to Spain.
Spain felt like a natural choice. It brought us back to a language we had worked so hard to learn in Mexico, and it gave us the chance to explore another rich culture. We spent several weeks exploring the lush, green landscapes of northern Spain, seeking a town that felt like home.
Ultimately, we found it in Asturias. It’s a hidden gem — stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, rich traditions, historic structure and a slower pace of life. The town isn’t a major hub for expats, but we felt an immediate sense of belonging.
September: A New School, A New Routine
In September, the boys started school in Asturias, diving headfirst into Spanish immersion. It was incredible to see them adjust so quickly, picking back up the language in a blink. They didn’t just survive the transition — they thrived.
After-school activities filled their days with joy and energy. Soccer, music, judo, basketball, robotics, and trials bike riding — it felt like there was always something happening. Life suddenly felt very full, and there were moments when I had to pause, take a deep breath, and remind myself to soak it all in. I know these days, with their small hands and endless questions, will be gone all too soon.
October: Exploring Galicia by Campervan
With a long school weekend ahead, we rented an RV and set off for Galicia. Used to tent camping, we embraced the “glamping” experience of RV life. Spain’s camping culture is welcoming, with countless spots for RV travelers. We explored Galicia’s beauty, visiting skateparks, pump tracks, and soccer fields for the boys. It was a reminder of how much Spain has to offer.
November: Rain and Family Visits
November brought rain, but with it came the lush, green beauty of Asturias. It was the perfect time for family visits. Amber’s mom came for a quiet stay, savoring time with the boys and making memories together. Later, Ben’s mom visited, and we explored the fishing villages along the coast. These visits were filled with simple, special moments — ones that the boys will carry with them forever.
December: Growth, Gratitude, and Celebrations
As the year winds down, December has been a flurry of activity. We’ve been preparing for Maverick’s birthday and the excitement of Christmas. Watching the boys grow these past few months has been incredible. Their language skills have flourished, their independence is blossoming, and their unique little personalities continue to shine.
This year, I’ve tried to focus on being present. I’m mindful of how fleeting these moments are — the morning wrestling matches, the always hungry tummies, the “Mom, look at this!” moments. I know that one day, they’ll be teenagers who don’t need me as much. So I’m soaking it all in, both the hard and the beautiful moments.
We find ourselves filled with immense pride and gratitude for the positive impact our app SnapType has had on the lives of so many people around the world. What started as a simple yet powerful idea — to make worksheets and documents more accessible — has grown into a life-changing tool for students, educators, and individuals of all abilities.
This year more than ever, with all of Ben’s behind the scenes work with our engineering team we’ve seen SnapType change grow and evolve even more. It continues to be embraced in even more school districts, classrooms, therapy sessions, and homes worldwide. Teachers have shared stories of how students once unable to engage with written assignments are now actively participating in class. Therapists have celebrated the way SnapType supports occupational therapy goals, while parents have expressed relief at seeing their children empowered to learn without limits.
While we take pride in what we’ve accomplished, we know our work is far from over. Our mission remains the same: to remove barriers to learning and ensure that every individual, regardless of their abilities, has the tools they need to succeed.
As we move into the next year, we’re more motivated than ever to continue growing, learning, and supporting our community. Every worksheet completed, every student who smiles with newfound confidence, and every story shared reminds us why SnapType exists.
Reflections on a Year of Change
2024 was a year of growth, adventure, and profound change. We left behind the familiar and embraced the unknown, moving through countries, cultures, and challenges together as a family. We cycled across South Korea, climbed the hills of Japan, wandered the streets of China, and found a home in the green hills of Spain.
It wasn’t always easy. There were moments of exhaustion and doubt. But those moments were far outweighed by the joy, growth, and wonder we experienced together. Each challenge became a story we’ll tell for years to come. Every uphill climb, every rainy night in a tent, every language hurdle — they all became part of the fabric of this unforgettable year.
We said goodbye to old homes and old routines, but in doing so, we opened the door to new connections, new perspectives, and new possibilities. We watched our boys grow stronger, braver, and more curious with each passing month. They learned how to adapt to new schools, new friends, and new languages. They rode bikes across countries, slept under unfamiliar skies, and greeted strangers with courage and openness.
2024 was a year where we redefined what “home” means. It isn’t a place — it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of a sleeping bag after a long day of riding. It’s the kindness of strangers offering a meal in Japan. It’s seeing our kids thrive in a new school, speaking Spanish as if they never stopped. Home is wherever we are together.
As we close this chapter and look toward 2025, we carry with us the lessons of this year: to be brave in the face of uncertainty, to trust in the kindness of the world, and to savor the present moment.
Here’s to a new year filled with adventure, growth, and maybe just a little more “home.”
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our family to yours.
A Few More Miles 