Thursday, December 31, 2020
Jack’s 16th Birthday & NYE | New Orleans, LA
ODOMETER: 81,630 | MILES TRAVELED: 3,685
by Grant
It is New Years Eve, but more importantly it is Jack’s Birthday! He is 16 today and Jana and I could not be more proud of the fine young man he has grown into. He is kind, generous and caring. He is athletic and creative. He is just an all round wonderful human being.
We have plans to take a walk around the French Quarter early, before it gets busy, and spend the day together hanging out and celebrating Jack’s birthday.
Having your birthday on New Years Eve, Christmas Day or other such major event days can be a bummer, but even though we are all looking forward to 2021 today is about Jack. We are so excited to celebrate his 16th birthday with him.
Jack is a suprfan of “The Office,” so we opened the day with “The Office” themed party. This involved a whole RV set redesign with signs, deflated balloons, “The Office”
paraphernalia and more Office backdrops and it is a wonderful start bto Jack’s big day.
After celebrating Jack’s birthday and opening his presents, we headed to Downtown New Orleans. It was raining off and on and started raining really hard which freed up the streets significantly and allowed us to roam a little more than we had planned. Cheap rain ponchos came in handy and it was warm enough for us to have fun in spite of the rain.
In our wanderings we came by Felix’s, a restaurant and oyster bar Jana and I had frequented pre-kids and we grabbed take out there.
Bourbon Street, Canal Street, New Orleans is alive in spite of COVID, so we avoid them as much as possible.
We returned to the bus and spent the afternoon hanging out and having fun. Jana cooked her famous chicken noodle soup and a vegetarian version for Stellie and everyone had a great time.
Jack watched “The Office” series finale, which marked his 16th time watching the show! A great way to finish our his 16th birthday.
We are all looking forward to 2021 and the adventures it will bring.
It is New Years Eve, but more importantly it is Jack’s 16th Birthday!
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Happy 20th Birthday, Jack!
Grant’s built homes, companies, and communities, but the most beautiful thing he’s built is the life we’ve gotten to share for more than 21 years now. It’s a life grounded in love, kindness, and deep gratitude for our family and all the experiences we get to have together, thanks to him.
I love Grant’s integrity, purpose, passion, and his heart-centered generosity of spirit — whether he’s working on visionary wellness communities or transforming an abandoned shack into our next family home.
Right now, I’m so grateful for Grant’s support during the hardest health challenge of my life, whether it be helping me walk down the stairs, dressing me, driving me to endless appointments, or reminding me of my own strength when things get scary. He holds space for all of who I am, supporting the choices I make for my healing, and supporting my dreams with unwavering belief in me, in sickness and in health.
At the same time, Grant is the best dad to Jack and Ellie. Watching him with them, celebrating their gifts, supporting their journeys, and being their safe harbor is a blessing and a joy. He parents with empathy, kindness, an open mind and endless patience, and show them, every day, what it means to be a man who leads with his heart.
At work, Grant is a force of nature. He inspires positive change, connection, and makes the world better, one project at a time. But beyond his impressive accomplishments, it’s his humility, his servant leadership, and his genuine care for people that truly set him apart. Grant doesn’t just work to improve businesses, he works to improve lives.
He’s taught me that true success is measured not by what we achieve but by how much we care. And Grant cares so much; about his family, his friends, his community, and this planet we all share.
Grantly, thank you for being wild and free, for embracing life’s chaos with open arms, and for loving me and our family unconditionally.
Happy Birthday!
Today, as you begin your twenties, we want to pause and celebrate the beautiful human you are. Your authenticity is a light, shining through in everything you do. You live your truth with a courage that inspires all of us. Your creativity is captivating, lifting the spirits of those who witness it. We admire your dedication to your own art and your profound connection to music, film and art in all forms.
Your unwavering selflessness, kindness and compassion are strengths that move quietly but profoundly, touching lives in ways you don’t always realize. The warmth and care you extend to others is a true reflection of your being. It’s a gift to watch you uplift those around you, always consciously mindful, always compassionate.
As you continue on your artistic journey, know that we are with you, supporting you always. We believe in your art, unlimited by commercial constraints and free from the mainstream’s narrow definitions of success. Your authentic vision, your voice, and your perspective are important and needed in this world.
Keep following your passions. Keep being you—because who you are is truly a gift to this world. Here’s to more years of creativity, joy, and the pure expression of your true self.
We love you so much, Jack. Happy 20th Birthday!
With all our love and admiration,
Mum & Dad
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