It's the end of a decade. We started 2000 with two little kids, a fairly new house, two good jobs serving good causes, one trip to New Zealand under our belts, and a rescue dog from Idaho.Today we have a tween and a high schooler, the same house (despite efforts to buy a short sale earlier this year), two good jobs with longer hours and new bosses (but still good causes), 14 countries in our collective passports, and a very old rescue dog from Idaho.
Despite some changes, things really are more 
the same than different and for that we are grateful. Having recently returned from a rip-roarin' Thanksgiving in Colorado with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents and no blizzards or flight delays, we are reminded again how blessed we are. Even in putting together our mailing list it's heartwarming to see how many of you we've been able to stay in touch with despite the years and miles. And while creakier and more sleep deprived, Courtney and Garin are still very grateful for their health (and health plans).
the same than different and for that we are grateful. Having recently returned from a rip-roarin' Thanksgiving in Colorado with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents and no blizzards or flight delays, we are reminded again how blessed we are. Even in putting together our mailing list it's heartwarming to see how many of you we've been able to stay in touch with despite the years and miles. And while creakier and more sleep deprived, Courtney and Garin are still very grateful for their health (and health plans).We know time is precious this time of year, so we will cut to the chase and give you a quick "year in review" for each of us Schrieves (knowing you've already done your time reading our Schrieve Standards through the years). So here goes...
GARIN: After several years of deteriorating health, G's wonderful Dad, Carl, passed away in August. Garin made it to CA in time to say good-bye though, and we all went back in October to remember Carl on Humboldt Bay with old fishing buddies and family. Garin learned his appreciation of the outdoors and nature from his Dad and hopefully that legacy lives on with our kids. Meanwhile, Garin enjoys getting outdoors whenever he can, reading the Wall Street Journal and getting up at 5 a.m. every day to take Hal to her zero-hour high school jazz band at 6:20 a.m. (OK maybe "enjoys" is a strong word on that one). In January he'll start a new job managing Washington State's environmental regulatory programs for heavy industries. COURTNEY: While she still hasn't found time to do yoga, Court got her 
family to partake in the final installment of her own "Eat, Pray, Love" adventure to Bali and various other parts of Indonesia in July. It was another amazing trip (see July blog posts for more) including a boat ride in Borneo and wild orangutans (just like Julia), one of whom chased the whole family down a dock with Court leading the way (survival of the fastest). It was truly the trip of a lifetime which she will always cherish -- especially during the rainy winters of the Northwest. Meanwhile, when not driving the kids around or launching a new website at work, she tries to stay active in Rotary and running Mr. Kirby who turned 12 in May. She also just signed up again to be a mentor for a 4th grade girl. It's the most rewarding part of the week.
family to partake in the final installment of her own "Eat, Pray, Love" adventure to Bali and various other parts of Indonesia in July. It was another amazing trip (see July blog posts for more) including a boat ride in Borneo and wild orangutans (just like Julia), one of whom chased the whole family down a dock with Court leading the way (survival of the fastest). It was truly the trip of a lifetime which she will always cherish -- especially during the rainy winters of the Northwest. Meanwhile, when not driving the kids around or launching a new website at work, she tries to stay active in Rotary and running Mr. Kirby who turned 12 in May. She also just signed up again to be a mentor for a 4th grade girl. It's the most rewarding part of the week.
HAL: Hard to believe this kid is now a freshman in high school. She jumped in feet first this semester and got a leading role in the school play, an Agatha Christie mystery titled, Witness to the Prosecution. Guess who played the prosecutor? Hal also plays saxophone in two bands -- jazz and concert -- plus takes weekly lessons. She's pulling all As, with special honors in World History, and is approaching a brown belt in karate. She still is a wicked artist with her own comics online who also likes to challenge her parents on occasion but hey, didn't we all at 14?ANNA: On the brink of middle school, Anna decided to switch schools in 6t
h grade and couldn't be happier with her old kindergarten buddies and soccer mates. She's a dancer (jazz this year), still playing piano (somewhat grudgingly at times) and has become the true jester in the family. While proving super smart on her latest report card, we still think she could supplement college with some Pantene commercials (Rapunzel has nothing on this girl's golden locks which she now straightens religiously each morning). If asked, she could also moonlight as junior publicist for the Justin Bieber fan club (if you don't know who he is go on You Tube). She loves her new teacher --who has helped get Anna more excited about school -- and math! All this and a broken arm too (which took three days for Mom to find out it was more than a sprain)!
h grade and couldn't be happier with her old kindergarten buddies and soccer mates. She's a dancer (jazz this year), still playing piano (somewhat grudgingly at times) and has become the true jester in the family. While proving super smart on her latest report card, we still think she could supplement college with some Pantene commercials (Rapunzel has nothing on this girl's golden locks which she now straightens religiously each morning). If asked, she could also moonlight as junior publicist for the Justin Bieber fan club (if you don't know who he is go on You Tube). She loves her new teacher --who has helped get Anna more excited about school -- and math! All this and a broken arm too (which took three days for Mom to find out it was more than a sprain)!
IN OTHER NEWS: The girls and Court had the honor in April of a wonderful walk through history in our nation's capital with Court's parents, Beth and Steve from Oklahoma. They rented an apartment in Columbia Heights and took the train to the city every day. Amazing place if you have never been...put it on your bucket list! Dad, a huge history buff (like his granddaughter) had never been and soaked it all up (though he did have to leave his pocket knife in the trash outside the Capitol). A late night hunt for an Ethiopian restaurant on the outskirts of D.C. with a clueless Courtney was one for the books too. THE FUTURE: Garin's Mom and brother Carlon will be out here for Christmas in a couple weeks -- the first time we'll be home in five years the girls remind us. So the tree is up, the stockings on order (we gave them away a couple years ago during our plans to go around the world and garage sale days) and this letter written.
We hope all of you have a wonderful holiday season and a healthy and very happy New Year!
And remember what the late John Lennon once said: "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans."
Be present. Be good. Be kind.
Garin, Court, Hallie and Anna (and KK)
1 comment:
I still cant believe how big your girls are. Im so glad you get the chance to travel and show your girls different cultures. You have a beautiful family.Happy Holidays!!
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