Hey Friends, it’s Lisa here and today I thought it was time to share a little love on one of our favorite towns, Lake Havasu. It’s no secret we love this place and we’ve been coming here since Cole and Avery were just babies so I feel like this makes us the perfect hosts for your family-friendly Lake Havasu getaway! So, picture you out on the boat enjoying the crystal waters of Lake Havasu and experiencing a warm night out with your favorite people. There truly is nothing like bringing together people, whether it's friends, family, or that girl's trip you keep promising yourself you’re going to go on.
Whatever it is, it’s that feeling you get when you know you just had a top 10 day with your tribe. I think that what our entire family has loved about this short-term rental business is that we know we are creating memories for other people just like us. There is something special about that. I think there is something each of the four of us loves differently about being hosts for our short-term rentals. So because I know so many of our guests love to keep up with us and also our friends and family like to see what we are up to (and I use this as our own personal family journal) I wanted to stop and clock this moment in time and re-introduce you to the crew.
Meet Cole:
Our eldest, Cole, is 19 years old and currently in his sophomore year at Grand Canyon University in Arizona. How in the world did that even happen? He came home over the summer and got a job learning HVAC from my brother. It’s like he left the house that morning with my little boy and then came back a full man. (mom tears) He's passionate about his studies, and working to make money - he is his father’s son. Actually, the first day we moved him into college a month ago he ran off to a job interview that day! He’s so motivated and enjoys connecting with friends from all over the country At GCU.
Beyond academics, Cole loves indulging in hobbies like fantasy football, watching football games with friends, and staying active with intramural sports. He's also dedicated to his fitness routine and works at a local car dealership as a porter, assisting with various tasks and helping customers!
We have loved having Cole help be a part of our Real Estate Portfolio work these past few years. Matt and him have gotten to spend extra quality time together and the mom in me loves that he’s learning all the things when it comes to managing a home. He sees the hard work it takes but also all the communication and customer service it also takes. I can’t wait to see where his interests keep him soaring.
Parenting Journey: Making Sacrifices for Our Children:
Matt and I made significant sacrifices early in our parenting journey. I chose to be a stay-at-home mom when Cole came into our lives, and it was a decision that transformed our family dynamics into a one-income household. Matt, then working as a sales rep for Yellow Freight, took on the responsibility of providing for our family. Our commitment to our children's well-being led us to adapt our lifestyle and move away from our extended family, facing the challenges of parenthood as young parents in a new environment! To any young parents out there, it’s a struggle and a balance. There's no right or wrong way to do this delicate dance of parenting but I'm sending you all the love and grace.
Avery: The Aspiring Student-Athlete:
Avery, our youngest at 15 years old, is on the verge of her sweet 16, which she eagerly anticipates and reminds us of daily. She's currently a junior in high school, maintaining an impressive 4.0 GPA. Avery is dedicated to her routine, wellness, and studies, including daily devotionals, I’m constantly just in awe of her. Like, I made this little human, she’s just simply amazing. She's a member of the varsity cheer team, balancing practices and games with her studies. Matt and I love going to the Friday night football games to watch Avery do her thing on the field. Seeing her in her element and loving something since she was a little girl is just great to watch. Avery is known for her love of shopping, but her current obsession is getting her own car when she turns 16, preferably a Camaro if you were to ask her.
Avery has been able to jump into the family business by helping me with my social media game. She is always there to hype me up and help snap pictures. I think it’s fun for her to also see the impact her parents can make on social media and utilizing digital marketing as a business. See, we do know what we’re doing. She’s like her momma and loves those design elements. I love her taste and style so I can't wait to watch that evolve over time. Maybe on one of these next projects, I’ll tag her in and help me design a few rooms!
Parenting Challenges and Triumphs:
For Matt and me, parenting has been a journey filled with lessons and growth. We emphasize the importance of consistency in discipline and setting boundaries. Our commitment to schedules provided structure and stability during our children's formative years. Even now with us bouncing around everywhere managing properties and life, we try to create as much of a stable structure as possible. A key lesson we've also learned and lived by is the value of instilling a firm foundation in faith. We raised our children in the church, fostering a personal relationship with faith that has been pivotal in shaping their character and guiding them through life's challenges. Lastly, we stress the significance of showering our children with love and encouragement, celebrating their unique qualities and strengths.
Family Traditions and Bonding in Lake Havasu:
Our family shares a deep love for boating and Lake Havasu. These lake trips have become cherished family traditions, fostering lasting memories and connections. We’ve been coming with our family here for years and we even started to spend holidays out here. Since we have the properties now it’s always fun to get everyone under one roof! Making memories in this place is just the best!
COLE AND AVERY RECOMMENDATIONS IN HAVASU:
Avery:
The Best Food: The Red Onion - “It’s my all-time favorite place to eat”
You’ve Gotta See It: “If anyone were to come visit they should visit the “The Channel” and “The London Bridge!”
Cole:
The Best Food: “We definitely love Bad Miguel’s and Tavern 95. Bad Miguel’s is a hole in the wall you have to visit and Tavern 95 has the best Mac n Cheese Burger.
Weekend Trip with the Friends?: “I highly suggest visiting Copper Canyon or heading down to Pirates Cove is always fun! Copper Canyon has cliff jumping and well everyone knows about Pirates Cove, you have to go!”
We've learned valuable lessons along the way, and have created cherished family traditions that will last a lifetime. As hosts for your Lake Havasu getaway, we bring our warmth and commitment to ensuring your family has an unforgettable experience in this beautiful destination. Book your stay with us and create your own precious memories by the lake.