{"id":13705,"date":"2025-12-31T06:03:15","date_gmt":"2025-12-31T14:03:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/?p=13705"},"modified":"2026-03-15T10:11:16","modified_gmt":"2026-03-15T18:11:16","slug":"2025-in-review-family-furry-friends-and-focus","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/2025-in-review-family-furry-friends-and-focus\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 in Review: Furry Family, Fun, and Focus"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p>This year has been all about growth, joy, and choosing what really matters. Between new additions to our family, watching our older pets thrive, and focusing on work that aligns with my values, 2025 has been a year full of memorable moments and meaningful connections. Life felt busier, yes\u2014but in the best way, the way that reminds you to slow down, appreciate the little things, and invest your energy where it counts. From playful chaos at home to rewarding collaborations professionally, this year has been a reminder that quality\u2014of time, relationships, and work\u2014always wins over quantity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Home Life: Our Growing Family<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13707\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tigg-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tigg-2025.jpg 526w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Tigg-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br><strong>Tigg<\/strong> \u2013 Our 9-month-old whirlwind kitten. His curiosity knows no bounds, and he just loves his new life with all his new brothers and sisters. Tigg went from an on-the-streets ally cat, to a domesticated gentlekitty nearly overnight. We all love him so much!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13710\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bleu-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bleu-2025.jpg 526w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Bleu-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br><strong>Bleu<\/strong> \u2013 Our 8-year-old black panther of a cat. Calm, majestic, and hypnotic with her perfected slow blink. Bleu continues to be our steady who&#8217;s friendly with everyone in the house and VERY particular in her habits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13711\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Ella-Kevin-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Ella-Kevin-2025.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Ella-Kevin-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br><strong>Ella<\/strong> \u2013 Our 7-year-old tortoiseshell. The gentlest soul in the house with a knack for finding the softest, sunniest spots and loves to play with her wiggles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13716\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/JC-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/JC-2025.jpg 526w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/JC-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br><strong>JC<\/strong> \u2013 Our 12-year-old senior, still the coolest cat around. Loves \u201cpaling around\u201d with little brother Tigg\u2014always entertaining.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13715\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gracie-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gracie-2025.jpg 526w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Gracie-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br><strong>Gracie<\/strong> \u2013 Our 8-year-old canine. Thriving since adoption day alongside Bleu. Loyal, loving, and occasionally in charge of Finn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13717\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Finn-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Finn-2025.jpg 720w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Finn-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br><strong>Finn<\/strong> \u2013 Our nearly 5-year-old black lab, 72 pounds of pure, exuberant puppy energy. Once tried to \u201cherd\u201d Tigg off the couch like he was sheep\u2014classic Finn.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"526\" height=\"701\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Finn-Tigg-JC.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Finn-Tigg-JC.jpg 526w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Finn-Tigg-JC-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 526px) 100vw, 526px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Professional Highlights<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"87\" class=\"wp-image-13714\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/twAIn-Robotics-logo.png\" alt=\"\"><br>2025 also marked the successful execution of our <strong>third TWAIN Converge Conference<\/strong> in Safety Harbor, Florida. Preparing and running the event reaffirmed why I love what I do: creating spaces for people who truly \u201cget it\u201d and pushing the boundaries of technology innovation for the benefit of everyone&#8217;s careers and curiousity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>My work with the <strong>TWAIN Working Group<\/strong> continues to be incredibly rewarding. I\u2019m passionate about open source software and industry standards because it\u2019s simply the right thing to do to drive technology adoption. I\u2019ve intentionally chosen to work only with people I respect. It\u2019s fun because we share values,  debate topics openly without hostility, and surprisingly productive\u2014clarity, candor, and alignment make strategy and execution much smoother. Quality over quantity is my motto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Personal Reflections<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"200\" class=\"wp-image-13709\" style=\"width: 150px;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg 526w, https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025-225x300.jpg 225w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><br>Brandee and I are so happy as a family. This photo is of <strong>Buc-ee on Brandee\u2019s wrist<\/strong>. I had never heard of Buc-ee\u2019s before, but during a business trip to St. Augustine, Florida, the group suggested I visit for the experience. I did\u2026 and LOVED it! So I got this Buc-ee, and now Brandee loves having him on her wrist while she works.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Personally, I\u2019ve embraced the same \u201cquality over quantity\u201d philosophy in life. I focus on meaningful relationships, both personal and professional, and let go of chasing attention or responses that aren\u2019t reciprocated. More joy, less stress, and deeper connections\u2014priceless.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Helping others\u2014both professionally and personally\u2014feels like exactly what we were meant to do. We feel fortunate to live this way, and we hope it inspires others to focus on what truly matters too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Happy New Year 2026!<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>This year has been all about growth, joy, and choosing what really matters. Between new additions to our family, watching our older pets thrive, and focusing on work that aligns with my values, 2025 has been a year full of memorable moments and meaningful connections. Life felt busier, yes\u2014but in the best way, the way [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":13709,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[574,44,615,613,92,576,614,4,645],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-13705","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-bleu","category-business_and_finance","category-ella","category-finn","category-friends","category-gracie","category-j-c","category-life_and_family","category-tigg"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025-225x300.jpg",225,300,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false],"large":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false],"post-thumbnail":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025-526x288.jpg",210,115,true],"coral-dark-medium-large-2x":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false],"coral-dark-large-2x":["https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Brandee-Buckee-2025.jpg",526,701,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"Kevin","author_link":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/author\/kneal\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"This year has been all about growth, joy, and choosing what really matters. Between new additions to our family, watching our older pets thrive, and focusing on work that aligns with my values, 2025 has been a year full of memorable moments and meaningful connections. Life felt busier, yes\u2014but in the best way, the way&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13705","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13705"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13705\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13725,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13705\/revisions\/13725"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13709"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13705"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13705"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.kevinneal.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13705"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}