This weekend we celebrated two birthdays that mean a lot to us — Max’s and our sweet dog Lucy’s! Their birthdays fall just a few days apart, so it’s become a fun yearly tradition to celebrate them together.

We kicked off the morning with good coffee, a big breakfast, and a playlist full of favorites. Lucy got her own “pup cake” — peanut butter and banana, of course — complete with a tiny candle. She wagged her tail through the whole song, clearly thrilled to be the center of attention.

Later in the day, a few friends joined us for a small backyard gathering. The weather couldn’t have been better — sunny with a light breeze, perfect for grilling and relaxing outside. We decorated with bright balloons and a few playful touches for Lucy, including a dog-friendly treat bar that turned out to be a big hit.

Max’s cake was chocolate with layers of ganache (Lucy definitely didn’t get a piece of that one), and we ended the night with laughter, music, and the kind of easy joy that comes from being surrounded by people — and pets — you love.

Celebrations like this remind us how special it is to pause and appreciate life’s small milestones. We’re grateful for every shared moment, wagging tail, and reason to celebrate together.

#BirthdayWeekend #DogBirthday #LifeTogether #SimpleJoys

This past weekend was one for the books — I had the incredible opportunity to perform on a big stage in front of more than 7,000 people at a major music festival. Even after years of performing, walking out under those bright lights and seeing a sea of faces cheering back was absolutely breathtaking.

The energy in the crowd was electric. From the first note to the final bow, it felt like everyone in the audience was part of the same heartbeat — clapping, singing, and swaying together. It’s a rare and humbling thing to feel that much connection with so many people at once.

Max was in the audience, camera in hand, smiling from ear to ear. Knowing he was out there made it all the more special. When the set ended, the applause seemed to last forever — one of those surreal moments where time slows down just long enough for you to take it all in.

Afterward, a few of us from the group grabbed a late dinner to wind down. The adrenaline was still high, but mostly I just felt grateful — for the music, the team that made it possible, and the community that came together to celebrate.

It’s easy to get caught up in the nerves and logistics leading up to an event like this, but standing on that stage reminded me why I do it — for the joy, the connection, and the shared experience that music brings to people’s lives.