Merry Christmas, dear friends and family!

This photo was to have been made into a Christmas card for 2023, but I worried that it wasn’t a very Christmasy picture.  And not exactly holiday worthy.

But I love it and wanted to share.  Banjo Man and I are in our happy place, holding hands, enjoying life.  It’s what we do best.

2023 was quite a year.  Radiation, recovery, the Gee’s Bend quilt retreat, two road trips totally over 6000 miles, the building of the “bunkhouse”, Cabinfest, special guests at the lake, and now?  A trip to Austin to reconnect with the much-loved Texans.

Nancy is recovering nicely from her surgery, but unfortunately not enough to board a plane for Austin for the holidays.  She loves her job as a CNA and a Med Tech and is so happy she made the switch to a different company.

Will is teaching 4th grade in south Austin and loving it.  His stories are hilarious, especially since he can’t resist teasing his kids.  I visited his classroom in September and saw “Mr. R” in action teaching writing.

Ben is still the best AP History teacher ever (and has the stats to prove it), and Amber remains head librarian at her elementary school.  I’m so grateful for a daughter-in-law who loves to come to Idaho!!!  She and Ben, along with the FG, hit the road in early June and head west to the lake every year.  How lucky are we?!?

The Funny Grandson is now 13 and in 7th grade.  As you know, he played football this year, with pads and tackling and helmets.  The joy was real.  His parents say he has been counting the days until we arrive in Texas, so I’m so happy he isn’t too old for Party Grandma’s games, movies and root beer floats at the condo.

So as we get ready to celebrate Christmas and close out 2023, we wish  you all a Merry Christmas and a joyful and healthy New Year.

Our love to you all.