FLORIDA

Florida has always been more than just a vacation spot for us; it is a landscape marked by the major milestones of our family. From weddings to first birthdays and "first-ever" adventures, our trips to the Sunshine State have become the chapters of a growing family story.

Our connection to Florida began in Fort Lauderdale, tied to a very special first memory: traveling with Raja to attend my cousin’s wedding reception. It was a beautiful introduction to the state, celebrating her new life as she settled there. Not long after, we found ourselves returning—this time to celebrate her son Rajan’s very first birthday.

As our own family grew, Florida became the backdrop for even more "firsts." One of our most cherished memories is Shiv’s first international trip, where we stopped by the magic of Disney World before heading off to the Bahamas. It was a whirlwind of excitement that eventually led us back for a fourth visit—a full family getaway where we balanced the high energy of Disney World with the white sands and calm waters of Clearwater Beach.

Whether we are visiting my cousin in her new home in Orlando or retracing our steps through the places she lived before, Florida is a place of sun, celebration, and the joy of watching the next generation experience the magic for the first time.