Year in Review - 2022

Happy New Year's Eve!

It's been an eventful year, one that we won't soon forget. And there's no way I can remember everything, but I can at least try to document some of the highlights (and lowlights) that made 2022 unique. And I can always add more items as I remember them. Hooray for blogs!

January:

Our oldest grandchild was ordained a deacon. We're not old enough for that, are we? However, he was more than ready when this happened in January, and he's only become more capable and experienced as he's matured throughout the year.

I got to play basketball in Michigan with this cute grandson! (Don't you love my makeshift hat/earmuffs?) I don't think it got above freezing during my entire stay, but at least we didn't have the -41 degree temperatures that our Montana grandchildren had this month.

We finished exploring John Prince Park by staying at their campground - one of the tiniest campsites we've ever had.

February:

This awesome grandson was my kayaking partner as we explored the estuary of MacArthur Beach State Park.

March:

We started a new tradition of having a picnic at the park each transfer (every six weeks) with the elders serving in our branch.

We finished the last section of the loop hike at Myakka State Park, and enjoyed our little camping getaway.

April:

We took a trip to Utah, where we enjoyed participating in a baby blessing, hiking with some grandchildren, and even flying in a small plane. Grandpa made sure at least some of his grandchildren didn't leave childhood without having their very own solid chocolate bunny for Easter. 

May:

The long-awaited family cruise to Bermuda finally happened, although not without some COVID drama. 

June:

Earlier in the year, my sister experienced a ketoacidosis episode and was hospitalized for several weeks before being moved to a long-term care facility. We finally had the opportunity to visit her (and my parents as well) just to see how they were really doing.

We started our assignment as ordinance workers for the Tuesday evening shift at the Fort Lauderdale temple, and then promptly took a break to escort the youth of the branch to a combination High Adventure/Girls Camp/Youth Conference in Tennessee.

July:

After managing to avoid the illness for over two years, my souvenir from youth camp was a case of COVID. Fortunately, it didn't last long so we were able to celebrate my birthday with a little beach staycation. We decided we're not necessarily fans of the "bed and breakfast" option, but we are fans of the beach. Later in the month we enjoyed a day trip to the Florida Keys.

There was a water leak at our son's house while they were on vacation. That was one of the lowlights of the year. At least we were available to help with the initial cleanup and restoration process. Unfortunately, it's still not finished, but hopefully they'll be back in their newly remodeled home sooner rather than later.

August:

A beautiful baby granddaughter joined our family! That's definitely a highlight of the year.

We celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary. That's definitely a highlight as well. Then I got to spend time with grandchildren in Utah so their parents could celebrate their own anniversary.

September:

We finally made it to Acadia National Park! Fresh Maine lobster lived up to its reputation. So did the Precipice Trail.

October:

Early in October my mom, who has been suffering from Alzheimer's for years, went into hospice. We had already decided to drive instead of fly to the planned baby blessing in Texas, so in the spirit of "I'm glad I did, not I wish I had" we added to our itinerary and went to Virginia first. We were able to say good-bye to Mom, and visit my sister's new home as well.

Then we were off to meet our new granddaughter in Texas.

We visited our newly-minted PhD in Arizona.

We saw family in Utah.

Driving up to Montana allowed us to visit all of our immediate family in one, very long, trip.

November:

On our way home we made a couple of quick stops - Mount Rushmore in South Dakota and the Lodge Factory Store in Tennessee. In between those two stops, we received word that Mom had passed away.

So, after a quick day at home to do laundry and mow the lawn, we headed out again, eventually putting 9,000 miles on our car in less than a month. (Just for the fun of it, let's throw in a couple of lowlights from that momentous trip - having to replace a water pump in Texas and repair a flat in Virginia. Oh, and having the worry of an approaching hurricane on our minds while heading north again.)

If I had to select a single highlight for the year, it would have to be having all of our children together for the first time since Michelle's wedding. We appreciate the sacrifice they (and their spouses) made in order for that to happen. Being able to honor Mom was a wonderful experience as well.

Because of the funeral trip, our original Thanksgiving plans were changed, and we stayed home for the holiday. However, trying several new recipes from Mom's cookbook created a memorable celebration. 

The fact that we walked away from being rear-ended by a Mack truck the day before Thanksgiving helped us feel especially grateful this year. (We did drive away from that accident, but because it was declared totaled, no longer having our faithful F-150 is a definite lowlight of the year.)

December:

Throughout the year we've enjoyed exploring the local parks and beaches, by ourselves and with others. Juno Park is our new favorite county park. We live in such a beautiful world!

December was also filled with our regular Christmas traditions.

We ended the year on a highlight - a family temple baptism trip! We hope you had a marvelous 2022. Best wishes for an even better 2023!!

Happy New Year!