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Simanek Family Christmas Letter – 2025
Simanek Family Christmas Letter – 2025
If there’s one word to describe 2025 for the Simanek family, it would be full—full of love, celebrations, milestones, travel, happy tears, a few exhausted weekends, and one very adorable new family member. As we look back on the year, we are so grateful for the moments that brought us together, kept us busy, and reminded us just how lucky we are. So grab a cup of something warm, settle in, and enjoy a look back at our very full year.
January 2025 brought us the most incredible joy as the Simanek family welcomed our first grandbaby into the world. Luke Anthony Simanek was born at 1:38 a.m. on January 26th, weighing 7 pounds 7 ounces and measuring 19.5 inches long. We are so blessed to have a healthy baby boy. Mama was an absolute rock star, and although Dada wasn’t feeling his best, he rallied like a champ. The grown-up kids also decided on our grandparent names: Larry is now proudly known as “Pawpaw,” and I am “Bubby.”
In February, we celebrated my niece’s little girl Emme’s second birthday. It was also the first time much of the family got to meet little Luke. Emme received lots of clothes (per Mom’s request—no toys!), so Elmo and Padres gear were the obvious choices.
On March 1st, my mom surprised me with an early birthday gift: tickets to see Wicked—my first time seeing the play. My sister Lisa and her daughter-in-law Kelsey joined us, and it was an absolutely amazing production. Naturally, this meant I had to see the movie next.
March 9th was a special day for all the women in our family. Grandma, Bubby, Sierra, Chloe, Kelsey, Kelly, and Jolene gathered together to celebrate International Women’s Day. It also turned out to be the perfect time to get everyone together for some wedding prep.
On March 22nd, my baby turned 23. Later that month, we celebrated the upcoming arrival of twin girls at the baby shower for our close friend’s daughter, Nicole Nigh. It was wonderful to see her again since her move to Oklahoma.
April 5th brought the much-anticipated Dolly Disco Bridal Shower. We hosted the event at a local brewery and transformed the space into a pink, sparkly celebration. Sierra’s bridesmaids, some amazing high school helpers, Larry, and a few family friends—including the Newberts—all pitched in to make it truly special. That same weekend, Sierra’s Maid of Honor, Kiya, flew in from Washington State, making for a very busy few days filled with bridal shower festivities and bachelor and bachelorette activities.
Needless to say, from January on, there were many working weekends. Sierra and I made wedding flowers, crafted decorations, went dress shopping, toured venues, and tackled all the details that come with planning a wedding.
As if wedding planning and welcoming a new grandbaby weren’t enough, Luke was nearing completion of his Civil Engineering degree at SDSU. He decided to walk with his classmates in May rather than waiting until 2026. The weekend before Sierra’s wedding, we attended Luke’s graduation ceremony. It was such an exciting and proud day. Luke also
graduated alongside his childhood friend Justin Hanson, who earned his Mechanical Engineering degree. The entire family was able to attend—Larry and Linda came down from Arizona, and Chloe’s parents and brother Ryan were there as well. Balancing school and caring for a newborn was no small feat, especially since Chloe returned to work in April. We are so incredibly proud of this young family and all they’ve accomplished.
Then it was time to shift gears back to the wedding—deep breath!
The week leading up to the big day was filled with family and friends arriving in town. Jeff and Tina Stanley stayed with us and were an enormous help—Tina made sure we were always well fed. My sister and her family traveled in from North Carolina, and we spent the weekend in Ramona at the San Vicente Resort. Friday included the rehearsal and a lovely rehearsal dinner at The Barn.
Saturday, May 24th, was the big day. Sierra wanted everyone at the venue by 9:00 a.m. for a 4:00 p.m. wedding, so we arrived prepared with breakfast and all the essentials. It’s hard to put into words just how incredible the day was. Sierra was absolutely beautiful. There were countless photos, many tears, and more than a little “ugly crying”—all of it filled with love and joy.
The wedding itself went off without a hitch. Sierra’s organization truly paid off, and the day flew by. I danced the night away, so if I didn’t get to chat much, please forgive me.
As if the wedding weren’t enough, the kids hosted an after-party at their Airbnb, while the rest of the family relaxed back at the resort. The celebration continued the next day with an amazing family gathering hosted by Isaiah’s Aunt Heidi and Uncle Archie. The birria tacos were unforgettable, and we are so grateful to have welcomed Isaiah into our family.
June included a day trip to Sycuan with the Johnsons on the 14th, followed by Larry and me celebrating our 29th wedding anniversary on June 21st and 22nd—also at Sycuan. Lazy river time, lots of rest, and much-needed relaxation were just what we needed after such a busy spring.
We spent the Fourth of July at our dear friends Lenny and Dina D’Angelo’s home, which became a frequent summer gathering spot. Many of those days included our “Holy Trinity” crew—the Milliums and Haddads. During one of those swim days, a cruise was planned for July 2026 to the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, and Turks and Caicos. We’re already looking forward to it.
In July, we traveled to Prescott, Arizona, to spend time with Larry’s mom and dad. Around the same time, my friend Kim and I started taking Hot Hula exercise classes—challenging but so much fun.
Over Labor Day weekend, on August 29th, we attended a fantastic luau at Viejas Casino, complete with the most incredible fireworks display I’ve ever seen.
August 31st brought another unforgettable moment: Luke planned a beautiful proposal for Chloe. Despite the 100-degree heat, the plan went perfectly. With help from his Nani, who repurposed her vintage rings, Luke created a stunning engagement ring. At Seltzer Park, Chloe followed signs made by her brothers, leading her to Luke—baby in hand—who got down on one knee. Her answer was an enthusiastic, “Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!”
Less than four months after Sierra’s wedding, we’re back in planning mode. Luke and Chloe will be married on June 6, 2026, in Lakeside, California. Here we go again!
On September 7th, I completed my first 5K—the Aloha Run—with my friend Kim. I walked it, and that counts! Luke, Chloe, and baby Luke came along to cheer.
September was filled with football gatherings at either our house or Sierra and Isaiah’s, along with the occasional Dancing with the Stars night with Luke and Chloe.
October 12th marked Luke and Chloe’s engagement party, a wonderful celebration surrounded by family and friends. Larry and Linda traveled in from Arizona, and little Luke is already lucky enough to have great-grandparents and even great-great-grandparents.
Later in October, the Bettis women headed to Vegas to celebrate my niece Rachel’s 21st birthday. With dress-up nights, disco karaoke, and a party bus, fun was definitely had by all. We may be planning another girls’ trip in 2027—possibly meeting halfway in Texas.
In November, we returned to Lake Cuyamaca for our fifth annual Veterans Day campout with Larry’s submarine buddies and family. Fishing, games, campfires, and Navy stories made for another memorable weekend.
On November 15th, Lenny D’Angelo threw a surprise birthday party for Dina, complete with her favorite band, Rock of Ages. It was a night filled with laughter, music, and reconnecting with old friends from Holy Trinity and Santana High School.
Thanksgiving was spent in several ways. Sierra and Isaiah traveled to South Carolina to be with family. Luke and Chloe ran a Turkey Trot before celebrating with family and heading out to the desert. Larry and I began our day with brunch at my mom’s, followed by a quiet dinner together with family—including my nephew Jake, home from Marine deployment.
As we head into Christmas, excitement is in the air. Luke set up the Christmas train shortly after Halloween, continuing a cherished family tradition started by my dad. Baby Luke will also experience Disneyland for the first time, and we have many festive activities planned. Larry and I will ring in the New Year with his parents in Mesa, Arizona.
As we close out this unforgettable year, our hearts are full of gratitude for family, friends, and all the moments—big and small—that made 2025 so special. Thank you for being part of our story and for sharing life’s joys with us along the way.
Wishing you a cozy Christmas, a joyful New Year, and a year ahead brimming with good health, happiness, and wonderful new memories in 2026.
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