Christmas Greetings 2021
Greetings,
2021 – Back to ... whatever is normal?
Even with the changes to our daily lives, thanks to COVID, things were changing enough on their own. 2021 felt less like we had to adapt to COVID realities and more like we were just ... adapting. Kids are a year older and maturing, Becky is no longer teaching remotely, and we added a fun new family member: Lucky the Irish (Setter) Doodle.
Lucky came our way from a breeder in Hammond, WI. We picked her up on a cold day in late February. The inspiration for her name was the lucky vibe we all feel as a family, after being able to manage so well after a tough 2020. Of course, it also helped that she’s Irish! Lucky loves to run, swim, fetch balls and catch frisbees; always. She won’t ever turn down a chance to play. Fortunately, she’s always ready to snuggle up on the couch as well.
Becky returned to teaching 3rd grade in Mt. Prospect this year, back in person. Now in her third year there, she is settling into a comfortable groove and continues to love teaching. Despite the commute time, she has time to volunteer on our neighborhood and school parent boards too. However, being the kids’ social event planner is her most favorite extracurricular activity.
Life was familiar for Patrick. He is still working for Insight from home while consulting on fun projects for Google and others this year. He enjoys the routine of walking the kids to and from school. Woodworking and other hobbies took a bit of a back seat this year due to rebuilding the front porch, and hanging with Lucky. However, there was still plenty of fermenting vegetables, cooking, gardening, and sourdough bread being made.
Patterson returned to school as a 2nd grader at Peirce Elementary. He wants to be a video game designer when he grows up, no doubt influenced by his love of Minecraft and Fortnite. Patrick would be lying if he said he didn’t enjoy matches of Fortnite with Patterson after work. Despite the screen time, Patterson also enjoys Cub Scouts, soccer, baseball, and School of Rock. This was the first year of camping with his Cub Scout troop and he loved it!
Delilah is in 4th grade at Peirce Elementary and entered a new classroom with new challenges. Delilah loves school and all the subjects! Currently, she has dreams of Hollywood after playing Mrs. Gloop in Charlie and the Chocolate factory this past fall. She loves being creative with art supplies and building estates in Minecraft. Additionally, she enjoys outdoor soccer and Girl Scouts with friends!
At 7 (Patterson) and 9 (Delilah), we did not take any moments of 2021 for granted. We are so grateful that everyone is healthy and happy. The kids are SO much fun at this age: whether it is during trips, extracurricular activities, or quiet moments around the house like movie nights or reading books.
Some choice moments of 2021:
- Developing skiing skills at Pine Mountain and Alpine Valley
- All-American family road trip in the minivan with the dog to Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills by way of stops to visit friends in Colorado and Wyoming
- Camping trips with friends in Devil’s Lake and Rock Cut State Park
- Enjoyed Brewers vs Cubs games at both the AmFam Clam and Wrigley Field
- Enjoyed time at the cabin exploring new waterfalls and pontoon boating around High Falls Flowage
- Two weekends spent “adulting” with Widespread Panic at the Chicago Theater and Riverside
- Enjoying the holiday festivities around Chicago: Christkindlmarket, Lincoln Park and Brookfield Zoo Lights
Wishing everyone health and happiness in 2022!
Much love,
Patrick, Becky, Delilah, Patterson and Lucky
