Advent 2022

 Dear Friends & Family,

We have been delighted to see life return to something a bit more like “normal” this year! It meant a return to international travel and more opportunities to be “social” with others.

We began the year with a fascinating trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. Mark got to celebrate his 70th birthday by snorkeling with sea lions, sharks, penguins, and millions of fish in clear Galapagos waters. Springtime took us on an excursion to Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Slovenia, beautiful countries still recovering from a tragic war not unlike what is happening now in Ukraine. And fall brought the opportunity to reunite with a couple of travel friends for a tour of Sicily – so much wine! All three were Overseas Adventure Travel trips.

In between these trips, we were able to visit Mark's mother in Des Moines, who continues to live independently at age 95, and to visit friends in Cedar Falls and Decorah. As we emerged from the pandemic, we joined a congregation with a huge pipe organ and we now sing with their large choir.

We were also able to visit daughter Sarah and her family in Overland Park, Kansas. Granddaughter Harper is now 10 and a 4th grader, grandson Corbin is eight and in 2nd grade, and grandson Malcolm is a preschooler who will turn five next month. Sarah continues in her supervisory position. Our son-in-law, Brandon, was able to transfer to a different government agency this year, meaning more time at home.

We are fortunate to have daughter Katherine and her family only about 25 minutes away from us here in the Twin Cities. As Katherine and Matt have had several events away this year, granddaughter Clara (who will remind you that she is now four and a HALF) spent a few overnights at grandpa's & grandma's house. Katherine continues to be successful as a composer and musician. 

In the year ahead, we pray that all may continue to enjoy greater adventures and more time with others, as we celebrate the birth of the Child who calls us together and sends us out into the world.

Mark & Mary