Happy Holidays from the Bayles Family!
As 2025 comes to an end, we're especially grateful for friends and family like you! Wishing you a joyful holiday season and an amazing start to 2026.
With Love,
Ben, Julia, and Hazel
Quick Life Updates...
The real question: Should I bring the stache back??
This Year in Review...
If 2025 could be captured in one word, what would it be?
Ben: Focus. I’ve found myself getting spread thin, so 2025 was about learning to say no, so I can start to do fewer things, better. Lot to learn on this front…. lol excited to see how things progress in 2026.
Julia: Rebalance. I was extremely burnt out with my job around mid-year and needed to make a change. Enter the "4-Cs": Creativity, Community, Centeredness, and Competition. Each week, I need to do at least one activity in each category. This led to me getting back into painting (we have a surplus of painted tissue boxes if you would like one!), going to weekly mindfulness classes at 3rd Eye Meditation, playing more Padel / Tennis / Pickleball / Games, and going to more community events around Austin!
What were the most common conversation topics of 2025?
Most likely philosophy, startup ideas, AI, family values, how cute Hazel is, and deciding on what furniture to buy for the house!
Favorite book of 2025?
Ben: Red Rising (best page turner out there!)
Julia: The Women.
What is something new that you learned in the last 12 months?
Ben: I re-learned that I love running and exercise. These fell a bit behind in the past year, but areas I’m looking to re-invest in for 2026.
Julia: How to play Padel (and beat Ben 50% of the time)!
Hazel: That I'm allergic to Texas nature and hot spots are no fun!
Top trips from 2025?
Croatia: Family bike trip starting in Split and ending in Dubrovnik! Especially loved the quality family time, the slower pace of life on the islands, and ocean dips after sweaty bike rides.
Bhutan: Ben took a spontaneous trip to Bhutan this September and was blown away by the people, natural beauty, and unique culture.
London: Our old stomping grounds! Got the chance to visit friends, see a musical, experience the Christmas markets, and visit Angel to walk down memory lane for a long weekend.
Looking ahead, what are you most excited for in 2026?
More time with loved ones and making moves on expanding the fam!
