Looking back on 2024 and all the things you can do when you’re knocking around

We are now well into 2025 and the memories always seem to pop up on the phone, on social media, there are constant reminders of the wonderful and adventurous year we had knocking around.

January

The year actually began with the end of 2023 during our California trip. We began with a tour of San Francisco and then hiked five of the state’s National Parks in 10 days – Pinnacles National Park, Sequoia National Park, King’s Canyon National Park, Death Valley National Park, and Joshua Tree National Park

February

We ventured out to Colorado and spent time exploring the city of Denver. We ventured to the town of Estes Park where we found the Stanley Hotel and visited Rocky Mountain National Park, before heading to Colorado Springs and experiencing the Garden of the Gods.

March

We made our first trip of the year to Chicago to celebrate Melissa’s birthday with Erin and Nick. We enjoyed more Chicago deep dish pizza, and visited the Chicago Art Institute.

Melissa and I saw the opera Madame Butterfly at Lincoln Center for some culture. And we did some bike riding along Sandy Hook at Gateway National Recreation Center.

Then it was opening day for the New York Mets at Citifield with Dad and Lili and her family from the Philipines.

April

Melissa made plans for a trip in April to a wellness retreat in the old Borscht Belt region that would be more agitating than calming.

We did a bike ride at Allaire State Park along the Capital to Coast Trail.

And we were treated to some fine dining at Heirloom Kitchen in Old Bridge. Thanks Carrie!

Of course there was a Hike and Slice™ on the D&R Canal and then DeLorenzo’s in Robbinsville.

May

We roughed it with a camping trip in our first RV trip to Hickory Run State Park in Pennsylvania.

The annual Parascandola Family Reunion at Merrill Park in Edison is always a great time to catch up with family.

During Memorial Day Weekend we did an Amtrak trip to Boston walking the Freedom Trail and taking in a game at Fenway Park.

June

We got the family together to do a Hike and Slice™ at Cheesequake Park.

We decided to ride another section of the Henry Hudson Trail and MELISSA wanted to do a day (ended up being less than hour) on the beach on the hottest day of the year on Sandy Hook.

A few days in our favorite cabin in the Poconos was a fun time with Lauren and Maja.

July

Fourth of July Weekend would be exciting and adventurous and we would get to meet Nick’s parents for the first time. But first…

PNC Park for the first time to see the Pittsburgh Pirates play and I would get to meet one of my favorite players from when I was a kid – Manny Sanguillen.

A quick stop in Cleveland and a visit to the house from A Christmas Story.

Then it was on to Wrigley Field for a Cubs game with the Bartlesons on July 4. And a picture opportunity down on the field. Thanks Shel!!!

Indiana Dunes was a National Park that would be on the way back but would also be a huge disappointment compared to all of the other National Parks we have visited.

A new Indian Temple was built in Robbinsville, New Jersey and it’s been attracting a lot of visitors. The architecture is amazing. But in New Jersey?

We managed to get in a Hike and Slice™ in Staten Island that was not exactly all that spectacular.

August

It was fun kayaking with the Clees on the Monksville Reservoir courtesy of Flatwater Paddle.

Bill’s Bike Shop in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania was an amazing place. It takes a while to get there, and a while to experience it, but the nostalgia is so worth it.

Of all the things we did all year, the trip up to Niagara Falls and the locations for Schitt’s Creek ranks right up there.

The home of the Buffalo wing in Buffalo, New York…eh

Greenwood Gardens in Short Hills was peaceful and serene and a real hidden gem.

September

We took Iris to Holmdel Park for a picnic and to see the animals on the farm.

And then a trip to Sandy Hook to see the lighthouse.

Then it was the Utah Mighty Five!

October

We got family and friends to join us for a nice Hike and Slice™ at Cheesequake State Park and Strawberry’s Pizza.

It was time for the annual WVUM reunion lunch and we did it all in one day…flying down and back.

November

We celebrated Iris’ FIRST birthday at Mezza Luna.

And we completed Henry Hudson Trail!

A fall Hike and Slice™ in Neptune and the Squan Tavern.

Wo Hop in Chinatown is one of the oldest restaurants and a real throwback.

Thanksgiving with the fam!

Road trip from one side of New Jersey to the other on US 46.

December

We love to cut down the Christmas tree.

Getting ready for the next chapter from our new home in Longmont.

Take a look at all we’ve done KNOCKING AROUND!