In July of 2025, Ripley eagerly attended the vibrant San Diego Comic Con, a hub of creativity and fandom. As he made his way through the bustling convention floor, he marveled at the kaleidoscope of colors and sounds that surrounded him. The air was infused with the enticing aroma of various snacks, from buttery popcorn to sweet cotton candy, but also body odor from the attendees. Ripley happily indulged in his snacks as he strolled.
Quick Trip to Las Vegas with Ripley
In June of 2024, Ripley found himself swept away in the vibrant heart of Las Vegas, a city that buzzed with life and excitement. Settling into the opulent Rio All-Suite Hotel and Casino, he marveled at the breathtaking views of the neon-lit Strip, where the energy pulsed like a living entity, filled with laughter and music.
First Waterpark -- Raging Waters
In May 2025, Ripley had the opportunity to visit Raging Waters, a popular water park filled with thrilling attractions. While he found that the overall experience didn’t completely capture his enthusiasm, he discovered a delightful fondness for the lazy river.
Trip to Visit Aunt Kate in San Francisco
In April of 2025, Ripley embarked on a delightful trip to San Francisco that went exceptionally smooth. Ripley stayed at Aunt Kate's charming home in the vibrant North Beach neighborhood. The area was alive with energy, and Ripley indulged in some of the best Italian food ever tasted, particularly at Tony’s, where the pizza was nothing short of divine, featuring a perfectly crispy crust and fresh, flavorful toppings.
Baltimore...And Other Fun Places including Delaware, NYC, Atlantic City
We embarked on our journey in Baltimore in September of 2024, where the charm of the city’s historic harbor and vibrant neighborhoods welcomed us. From there, we ventured over to Delaware, eagerly checking off another state from my travel list. Next, we hit Philadelphia, indulging in a couple of decent cheesesteaks that, while not the best I’d tasted, still satisfied our cravings.
Running His First 5k...and Sleeping Through Half of It
This year, Giang and Luke continued their new tradition of participating in the Pride 5K, an event that celebrates love and acceptance. Excited to join in on the fun, Ripley came along for the ride, and Luke pushed him in his stroller. Having Ripley with us added an extra layer of joy to the experience, especially as we sped downhill with the wind in our faces, laughter echoing between us. However, the uphill stretches were a fierce challenge, turning into a test of endurance asroller against gravity's pull. Despite the struggle, they managed to cross the finish line in under 35 minutes—definitely a personal victory worth celebrating!
First Trip to Texas Was a Success
Ripley's first adventure took place during our much-anticipated annual visit to Schlitterbahn in July 2024. It was a warm summer day, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the water slides.
Loving the Lights of Las Vegas
In July of 2024, Ripley made a memorable trip to Las Vegas to celebrate Emily’s birthday. The scorching heat was palpable, with temperatures soaring to a sweltering 120 degrees, leaving us feeling like we were melting under the relentless sun.
Tijuana to Mazatlan: Baby's First International Flight
Ripley has always had a deep love for water. In June 2024, we embarked on his first international adventure, traveling to the vibrant coastal city of Mazatlan, Mexico.