I thought I’d join in with the tradition of looking back on some of the highlights and faves of the year.
We had a great year which began with a trip to Disney World with Sarah, Adam, Caleb and Hannah. Sarah had a week long conference to attend in January so it seemed like the perfect opportunity to take the kids to Disney World. We all had a fabulous time.
In April, I traveled to Washington, D.C. with a group of five others from our Presbytery for the Ecumenical Advocacy Days. It was five days of inspirational and motivating workshops and speakers. On our final day, we were able to meet with the staff of our legislators to advocate for two bills. A wonderful side benefit of the trip was meeting Honoré for dinner one evening. After several years of being blogging friends it was wonderful to discover how much in common we have---and how much fun we’d have if only we lived closer to one another.
Tracy’s mother celebrated her 90th birthday this summer. Her children hosted a wonderful party for her and about 75 of her family and friends. Here she is with her five children and two step-daughters.
We spent five days in Nantucket with Matt, Betsy, and the girls. It’s always a wonderful time. They live just a mile or so away from us so we see them frequently, but this is the only time in the year we get extended time with them which makes this trip even more special.
In August, we were invited by a friend to spend four days at the Chautauqua Institute. The theme of the week we were there was Grace: A Celebration of Extraordinary Gifts. Krista Tippet of On Being was the host of the morning lectures and we heard some thought-provoking and entertaining interviews, all of which were recorded for the On Being podcast. The afternoon speakers at the Hall of Philosophy were also extraordinary, including one of my favorite theological writers, Barbara Brown Taylor.
Our last big trip of the year was a three week road trip through Washington and Oregon. In the middle of the trip was the beautiful and moving wedding of our nephew, Mason, and his beautiful bride, Molly. And I had another opportunity to meet up with a blogging friend. Vicki and Jim Hein met us for coffee one morning as we drove from the Oregon coast to Ashland.
From top left: Overlooking Seattle, the Seattle waterfront, Atop Hurricane Ridge on the Olympic Peninsula, Heceta Lighthouse on the Oregon coast, Molly and Mason, the Hoh Rainforest, Jim & Vicki Hein & Tracy & me, Mt. Rainier, Diablo Lake in the North Cascade National Park.
And a year end review just wouldn’t be right without some photos of my grandchildren who grew so much this year. We made four trips to Wisconsin to visit Caleb and Hannah this year. We wish they were closer, but we’re grateful they’re within driving distance.
Top row: Caleb and Hannah
Second row: Madelyn, my one chance to capture all five together--a total fail, Ella and Skylar
Third row: Skylar, Madelyn, and Ella; Skylar; Caleb and Hannah
Happy New Year! May you be blessed with good health, time with family and friends, and wonderful adventures in 2020!
