January 2026

Hello and Happy New Year!

We hope this newsletter finds you well (did you just cringe and think I was A.I.?) - worse - it's the real me! We just want to share the highlights of our eventful year. As always, click a picture thumbnail to enlarge, and then scroll through.

Patty & Mike

Starting with the biggest change, after 36 years, Mike retired from NASA this year. Perhaps a bit earlier than he would have chosen, but nonetheless he has embraced his newfound freedom. The jury is out on whether Patty will lose her new handyman because he might start doing some contract work in the new year. Mike also hopped across the Gulf of Mexico with Patty for a visit with her sister Judy & family in Florida.

Patty took a trip with Meggy to Alaska in the hopes of seeing the Northern Lights, but they also got adventurous by mushing a dog sled, riding horses (Meg was a pro - Patty fell off but got back on), and driving on snowy roads to visit Denali. They also saw a bald eagle soaring in the wild. It was a blast! Patty turned 60 this year, and was treated to a weekend of celebration playing tourist at home in Austin with "The Whole Fam." Best birthday ever.

Megan

In addition to the Alaska trip, Meggy and friends took a trip to Nashville for her birthday this year. Dubbed "Donut Fest," there was much delicious food and donuts consumed, and of course fabulous music. Meggy has also learned to crochet this year and continues to volunteer at the library.

Andy

Andy did it! He visited his 30th and final baseball park with a trip to Milwaukee, joined by Mike. His next quest is to visit all 50 states, and he made trips this year to cross off Connecticut and West Virginia. 39 down, 11 to go! He also hopped across the Atlantic for a visit to Amsterdam. He continues to work on building his occupational health software company, so if you or anyone you know needs respirator medical clearances or training, make sure to get in touch!

Allen, Kathy, August, & Bo

Allen and Kathy welcomed a new addition this year. No, not a baby - they got a camper trailer. They have already taken it for a spin to Eisenhower park. There was also a trip to Maine where a friend took them sailing. Think of Allen anytime you get iced tea from the newly designed machines at QuikTrip - that's his handiwork! And Kathy is working reduced hours so she can be a Bo-buddy. Brennan (Bo) is 1, and has started walking and climbing on everything he can. August (AJ) is 4, and becoming a great reader and puzzle-solver.

This year was "Cookie Christmas," since no less than 10 different batches of cookies were baked and consumed. We hope the New Year is just as sweet, and we welcome visits anytime!

Love,
Bo, August, Kathy, Allen, Meggy, Andy, Patty, & Mike