January 2024

Hello dear friends and family!

I've combed through hundreds of pictures to refresh my memory of the year's events, and I'm happy to send a few along.

Patty & Mike

After three years of pandemic "sheltering," we finally set out on several trips this year (and ironically got Covid during one). That aside, we have had a blast visiting family and friends in California (twice), seeing a volcano eruption for the first time on the Big Island of Hawaii, watching humpback whales jumping in Maui, and taking the family for a return visit to Estes Park for a white Christmas (refer to the 2011 newsletter for our first visit there). The family also celebrated Mike's 60th birthday in November by surprising him at a camping trip.

Allen, Kathy, & August (AJ)

Kathy turned 30 this year and we were excited to host her family for a joint "Taskmaster" themed birthday for her (complete with lots of game challenges), and a "Two-tti Frutti" second birthday for AJ (with lots of fruit themed treats). This year she also earned her "Advanced Level" board certification in American Sign Language interpretation, which entitled her to a raise! Allen has been working on a new design for an industrial iced tea dispensing machine which hopefully will eventually be rolled out in convenience store locations across the country. AJ is a happy, playful toddler whose language skills (verbal and signing) are taking off. When he wants us to be quiet he tells us... "Shhh! Dinosaurs sleeping!" LOL.

Megan

Meggy has started volunteering at her local library. She and Patty sold their rent house. Although the business was a success, they agreed it was not worth the duress that was brought on by renters. She, Andy, and Patty took a trip to Puerto Rico mostly on a whim, which included snorkeling with turtles, ziplining through a rainforest, and kayaking in a bioluminescent bay. While in Estes Park, she tried her hand (and feet) at snow skiing. I think she might still be sore! BTW, it was also Allen's first try at skiing. Kathy (the experienced one) gleefully skied circles around them.

Andy

After almost ten years at his previous job, Andy is venturing out with some long-time friends to form their own company, which is currently in development. It was another great year of baseball and he now has only four stadiums left to go (having visited Pittsburgh, the new Rangers stadium, Miami, and Phoenix this year). He also spent a lot of time in New England this year, visiting Rhode Island for some summer beachside vibes, New Hampshire and Maine for fall foliage, and Vermont for white winter scenery.

We also were pleased to host many friends and family for visits this year. We look forward to spending time with all of you again soon.

Love,
Patty, Mike, Andy, Megan, Allen, Kathy, & AJ