The Bucket List Family

We’re on our flight to Berry Island lodge and who is on our flight??! Manilla says, “Dad look it’s Donut Lord!!” Who?? I look and see, “Oh my! Jess look it’s cyclops!!” Who?? Jess looks and says, “He’s from the Notebook!!” Dorothy says, “No that’s that’s James Marsden from Jury Duty!!” Then Cali finally settles the argument and explains, “No Manilla is right..that’s for sure the Donut Lord from Sonic!” But next comes the crazy part : Manilla our middle child who never wants to talk to adults he doesn’t know asks for moms phone then approaches James and asks, “Excuse me Mr Marsden, may I please take a photo with you?” !!! THANK YOU James Marsden for being so kind and warm to our boys. You made their day. You truly are, THE DONUT LORD! :):):)

I FOUND IT!! Here’s the video from the exact same spot in Disneyland over 10 years later : Pregnancy announcement 2013

I need to share this powerful story with you! It’s about Wylde.photography and our amazing team of whale guides Mounu island ..

Last year in Tonga, a humpback whale got her tail tangled in a heavy chain that was anchored 70 meters to the seafloor. You can hear the heart breaking pain and struggle in her noises and breathing. 😖

When local boats radioed for help, Dickie.goddard Aaron_sydney_goddard Toby.goddard.94 and Wylde.photography rushed over with cutting tools. They could have easily cut the rope but then the whale would swim off with a chain forever stuck around it injured tail. They knew they needed to cut the chain.

It’s incredible to see how the whale remained calm, allowing the divers to work carefully and steadily. I imagine the whale was both exhausted but also stressed and in intense pain, but you can also sense her immense joy and relief when she is finally released from the chains!

When I first saw this footage it brought me to tears! Such a powerful reminder about our fragile relationship with wildlife and why we must keep our oceans free of human debris.

I am so very grateful that this amazing family are part of the Mounuisland team. I respect and admire them so much. They are my heroes! 💙🐳💙

UPDATED CAPTION : I originally had a caption about how I don't love to go to the dentist. But then I decided that's not an accurate description of what I'm feeling because the truth is I'm actually so grateful I can even go to the dentist. Especially this treatment I had done to get my root canals taken out was actually voluntary because I proactively wanted to have a more healthy mouth. Anyways, special thanks to dentists that go the extra mile to truly help people in need and do it the right way! Shoutout to my dentist Scott Chandler of Park City. 10/10 recommend him! - Jess

Did You Know You Can TOUCH WHALES IN MEXICO?! We’ve seen some incredible wildlife around the world, and this is one of our favorites 🐋

In Baja Mexico, these whales don’t just swim by... they come right up to the boats, introduce their babies, and actually interact with you. Getting to see Dorothy, Manilla, and Cali experience this up close was something we’ll never forget.

One of those bucket list moments that truly felt like a dream

That time Justin Bieber (of the Kendama world;) came to our home for dinner! 🤩🤯😭 We love kendamas and anything that isn’t a device in our kids hands! 👏🏽 Really tho, MASSIVE THANK YOU to Davidelleonardi for coordinating everything and making so many dreams come true (including a dad who simply wants to make his kids happy:)

Part 1 is just a teaser. Part 2 I’m excited to share the full story of this epic night! ✨ Do you know what a Kendama is?? This simple but totally addicting wooden toy!? Well, Manilla is OBSESSED and 1 magical evening, the best Kendama pros in the world showed up to our house!! 😱 FOLLOW FOR PART 2!!

“Lookie Lookie I got Hookie” ;)

Cali’s ocean transportation: Dad. 😂🌊🐢

Garrett and Cali swimming alongside sea turtles and making one pretty unforgettable memory.

You never know the difference a single choice can make. But you’ll never know unless you make it! ❤️💙💚 Aug 15, 2015 = 11 years ago we made the life changing decision to sell everything and leave home for “a little bit of travels” ..11 years and 100 countries later.. We wouldn’t trade these family memories together for anything! ✨