April Beginnings

 As the song goes:  Time keeps on slipping into the future.

I can never seem to stand still in one place for very long before I find myself a little older and things keep changing!  At the current moment, I find myself in the middle of Spring Break!  We are truly enjoying a lot of down time, and decided to not travel this time around.  The kids seem to be savoring the break in their own little ways.  Audrey continues to keep busy by playing numerous recitals and is constantly practicing and working on her craft.  She is gifted, but seems to view it as a chore at the moment...although what teenager doesn't?  It is still too difficult to comprehend that she will be 18 a little later this year.  The original intent of this blog was to communicate and share in the life of Audrey, really.  Sunrise, sunset....

Violet has been visiting with friends, updating her bedroom layout, and even getting a chance to attend her first Hamilton performance in Chicago earlier this week with Kim!  Again, time has put Violet at the doorsteps of high school next year!  It will be quite the thing to have both Violet and Audrey in high school for a year.  Violet has already mentioned driving a couple times, so I am looking forward to getting her behind the wheel and beginning her driving instruction.  I have found driving to be one of my favorite activities and essential to a lot of my life.  It has allowed me to travel great distances across this country and the miles along the way have profoundly impacted who I am as a person.  

Sam loves intervals between playing with the dogs, some screen time, movies, and bike rides around the subdivisions with me.  I finally got around to snagging a new bike, and it has been enjoyable spending time outside with Sam on the trails and just getting to ride a bike like a kid again with him.  We saw the Super Mario sequel yesterday at our favorite, Hollywood Palms Theater.  Maybe we will find out way to the Field Museum or Science and Industry...still some time to manifest a few more spring break adventures.  

For now, everyone is asleep upstairs and a rainy Thursday presents itself, with the possibility of storms later in the evening....so not really a great night for the White Sox home opener!  Glad we got to see the Cubs earlier this week when the weather was nice!  Coffee calls from the kitchen, and the daunting task of cleaning out the basement awaits.  I guess a day downstairs with movies and organizing doesn't sound so bad.  After all, as long as time keeps on slipping, I may as well find my footing for now and be productive in the present.  

-a

We had great seats at the Friendly Confines of Wrigley Field to see the Cubs play the Washington Nationals!  

It was a special to enjoy time together with my children.  

Go, Cubs, go!  Cubs WIN!  

Sam and Dad and Hollywood Palms, ready to enjoy Mario!  

Rosie, Oskar, and Luna...always watching.

Oskar

Kim and Violet about to take-in Hamilton in downtown Chicago!  Violet loved it!  Kim's third viewing!

Audrey and Sam:  Time keeps on slipping

A Quiet Evening

 It has been a long, peaceful Sunday.  The dogs were up early, and the daylight savings had all of us a little jilted ad unsure of what time it really was all day!  Lots of cleaning including laundry and dishes has me feeling prepared for the week ahead.  Haircuts, a drop-off to Goodwill, and a grocery run added to the feelings of accomplishment!  The highlight of the day for me was a long 8 mile walk with the dogs before the house was awake, but I had already had coffee and the dogs were ready for some exercise!  There is something about walking with them that, after a short while, they call into a rhythm and we all just have a good runaround and an excellent rest on the couch after we return.  

The entire day was filled with warm sunshine once the morning winds died down.  There is something about the sunshine and increase in temperature that lifts the spirit, especially after such a bitter winter.  The day was filled with warm breezes and often I felt a little too warm when standing in the direct sunlight once the light winds die down.  The days give promises of spring (...and summer) break just a few short weeks away.  

It is a bitter-sweet time in that we are starting to talk more and more with Audrey about plans after high school, which are often difficult for me to even comprehend.  I see a few close friends who have already sent their children off to college and beyond...but there really isn't anything that can prepare ultimately for her first true steps away from her first home.  Sigh.  I am just so proud of her...of Violet, and Sam, too.  

Watching them find success in their own lives is just so special to observe.  Getting to watch Sam swim each week and get a little faster and a little stronger when he had a broken leg just a few years ago...

Seeing Violet perform amazing solo and duet pieces, earn high honors, and continue to be just such a unique person outside of school....

Sitting as I watch Kim direct meetings of significance for her company, and knowing that she loves what she is doing, and is superbly qualified at it...

I am just so proud of my family.  They will do so many things in their lives that will add value and beauty and kindness to the world.  I love them so much.  What a lucky man I am.

-a

Early Morning March

 This past February seemed to take much longer than the calendar would suggest.  I don't know if it's the darkness of the winter, the extended plateau of bitter cold days, the waves of flu and colds that worked their way through our family....but February was a long month for us.  There is something about reaching the month of March that is refreshing and invigorating in terms of planning and looking ahead towards warmer days, more sunlight, and appreciating the little things like birds chirping in the morning and Spring Break is officially later "this month"!

Speaking of adventures...some possible rough outlines of plans to return to Juneau this summer are beginning to emerge, so that is something to truly savor and begin to look forward to!  There are many possibilities and dreams, and we are fortunate to be able to choose our own adventures for the most part.  I hope that dreaming of adventures and looking forward to events and experiences is something my children continue to do all of their own lives.  It is important to seek the next experience and find the fun.  It gives hope and provides purpose.  

The sun has now fully risen into the morning sky and there is a crisp bite to the morning air as some of the overnight frost retreats from the moving line of sun on the back lawn.  A fire is going in the fireplace and pushes a comforting blanket of warmth into the room.  The dogs are enjoying their full access to the couch, curled-up on blankets and pillows, dozing in their after-breakfast glory.  

The day lies before us...as does the new month...as does the rest of the year....and so on and so forth.  How lucky we are.  

-a

The last few weeks...

 ...have been filled with lots of adventure and packed with work and family life, and the daily grind.  I was lucky enough to be invited on the 8th grade field trip to Washington, DC as a chaperone.  It was a fantastic experience and we got to see A LOT in just three days!  

    Audrey and Violet continue to dedicate their time to their instruments, hobbies, academics, and friendships.  I could not be more proud.  We are looking forward to more adventures as the weather finally seems to be letting-up and spring may finally emerge.  We remain optimistic from under our layers of blankets as we watch the Winter Olympics!

The US Marine Corps War Memorial / Iwo Jima Memorial

The US Capitol

Audrey performing

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial

The Constitution

The Abraham Lincoln Memorial

One from Facebook Vault:  I love the look in Audrey's eyes.  

Doesn't get much cuter than these two as little kiddos!

Before 50

 So many goals and so little time.  A quiet and drizzly Saturday morning with dogs snoozing around me.  Time to think and contemplate.  Again, trying to envision how I will use my energy and where I will invest my time in the future.  I have always been a goal-oriented person.  Independence and discipline have never been my strong suit, but goals and projects and timelines truly help me structure my life and give it purpose and drive.  I hope living my life using some of these principles will help me find fulfillment and purpose in life moving forward.

With that in mind, I think ahead to the next few years.  Approaching my 46th birthday later this month, it makes me consider the goals and projects I can accomplish (and hope to do so) before I turn 50 in just a few short years:

-Another (and final) degree in my education and possibly a published book of some kind.

-Travel with my family including Ireland, Europe, Japan, New Zealand, Hawaii (again), and as many visits to my hometown of Juneau as possible.

-Visit national parks, museums, and places of education with my children.

-Adventures and experiences including interactions with animals, zip-lining, skydiving, hiking, hot air balloon.

-Experience more live music, sports, and entertainment, and promoting my family to seek-out more live experiences with the arts.

So many adventures, so little time.  These are some of the dreams and goals to invest my energy and time into moving forward for the next few years.  What a nice way to rise each morning, with such things to look forward to...

-a

Spending in 2026

 

2025 was a special year for our family, with many highlights.  Below are just a few pictures of what made it a year of growth and fun and adventure.  Traveling and exploring are so much fun, and I hope to set more dates and locations to enjoy moving forward!  One concept that is worth considering is how we spend our energy.  While the new year often brings resolutions, I now prefer to reflect on the previous year and then consider how I might better spend my time and energy in the year ahead.  More travel, more fun, more adventure, more laughter, more trying new things, more new places and experience, and be sure to revisit our favorites when we can!  How will you spend your energy in the next year?  

-a

A special meal at White Fence Farm with family to remember our Cousin, Carry.  A great meal with lots of laughs.  

Abel and Sam attend the traveling Broadway production of Clue!  So much fun!  

Our family traveled to New York in 2025 to watch Audrey perform in Central Park with her band!  What a fantastic time, and so many memories from the Big Apple!

2025 brought us Rosie, our newest family member!

Sam started 2025 playing in the snow.  How will 2026 start?

Violet and Abel attend the Chicago/Lakers game!  The shot of the year!

Baseball has a special place, not necessarily because of the game, but because we get to just be and enjoy together.  

Getting to visit Hook and Ladder was a thrill in 2025!

Audrey and family in Central Park!

Go, Cubs, Go!  A Cubs game with Uncle Fred is always a special treat, and 2025 delivered!

Hawaii in 2025 with my family was a highlight.  

Audrey and Sam, Oahu 2025.

I love this picture.  We are just returning from the luau and it is tradition to leave your lay on the Stitch totem for good luck!  

My family at Pearl Harbor on our last day in Hawaii.  

The single greatest experience of 2025 was seeing an erupting volcano in Hawaii.  This picture reminds me how special life is, and how fortunate I am.

Violet and Abel on Lemisure Island, Alaska, 2025.

Surprising Kim with Savannah Banana tickets in Pittsburgh!  2025 reminded me to always take the adventure!

At the Buddhist temple in Hawaii with my family.  A place of peace and inner reflection.

A special meal with family in Pittsburgh before the Savannah Bananas game!  The view only overshadowed by the company! 

Violet in Juneau holding a chunk of the Mendenhall Glacier!

I am so thankful for Kim and Audrey in 2025, and always.

Family Christmas photo, 2025.

Audrey in Flute Salad.  She is so talented!

2025 brought Sam's first swim competition!  We are so proud!

I am so thankful for Violet in 2025, and always.

Audrey and Violet playing for the first time together.  I am so proud of these two young ladies.  They work so hard and care so much.  I hope they know how much they are loved.

I am so thankful for Kim.  She is my rock and represents everything good that I have in my life.  I am so fortunate.  2025 was a good year because of Kim!

The final picture on my camera roll.  Our family (and Audrey's boyfriend) enjoyed bringing 2025 to a close at the Great Wolf Lodge in Wisconsin Dells!  2025 was a special year for our family.