The year went by in a blink. I’m grateful for the photos and videos we captured to remember all that happens while we’re busy with life.
What Happened?
“What Happened?” Meme from Adam Bobrow.
The Wonder(ful) Years
Violet
Transitioned to a sophomore at the Arts and Communications Magnet Academy (ACMA), she continued to participate in the school advanced choir and a member of the Pacific Youth Choir.
Violet made her stage debut on the ensemble cast of Beauty and the Beast in the fall.
Otherwise, we found her with headphones listening to musicals while deeply focused on her digital art on the iPad. Or filling up her next sketchbook.
Bruce
Upgraded to teenage status, he started his seventh grade year at the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE) exploring the engineering and health science pathways.
He continued with soccer in the spring and fall.
His uncanny ability for impressions and imitations made us laugh whenever he’s around. He spent his free time playing video games or learning about video games, outdoor survival, animals on YouTube.
Kadie
She started her junior year in high school and furthered her studies in the biomedical pathway at the Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering (BASE). She is disciplined in her studies with several Advanced Placement (AP) courses and her college-level Mandarin Chinese course.
Outside of school, she has been crocheting gifts, tattooing her arms and legs, and learning jiu jitsu.
The Art of Lighting
The Portland Winter Light Festival is a beautiful local art event in the winter where artists showcase creations involving light. I’ve been attending the event as often as I can since 2018, when I first started vlogging. There were amazing displays and creativity to behold.
Though it was cold, there was no rain, so I joined in the illuminated bike ride with bubbles and lights on my bike. The ride was short and easy, but I enjoyed seeing how people decked out their rides with lights.
Goodbye Ninth Uncle
We were saddened to hear that my uncle in Hong Kong was in poor health when my parents visited in the fall of 2023. He was always beyond generous in his time and resources whenever any of us visited.
He was the last remaining sibling to my dad, out of eight other brothers and three sisters. His passing after losing the battle to cancer left a large hole where his heart, soul, and wit once filled our lives.
Our 19th Anniversary
Jenni and I tried van-camping to visit the Painted Hills. We had a lovely weekend away to ourselves and marveled at the gorgeous scenery. We played songs from our dating days and spent the hours on the road savoring our past and dreaming about our future.
Peter Pan
Jenni made her acting debut for Lovegood Company‘s spring production of Peter Pan, in the supporting roles of Mrs. Darling and Smee. She lit up the stage and reveled in playing roles that tested her dramatic and comedic muscles.
Pacific City 2024
Our annual trip to Pacific City during the Independence Day holiday was full of family time and Milky Way admiration. The sunsets and clear dark skies provided many amazing photo opportunities.
Beauty and the Beast
Jenni and Violet added their singing and dancing talents to Lovegood’s fall main stage production of Beauty and the Beast Musical. It was their largest production yet, with a cast larger than 60 people. They marathoned a three-weekend run with twelve shows and Jenni also had an understudy role as Monsieur D’Arque.
We’re so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of an amazing community and for our friends and family coming to support us.
Courage for Change
My workplace saw a significant change this year as a new CEO stepped in and many of previous leadership members retired. The most difficult transition for me was when my mentor and boss left the company in June. I’m hopeful that the new executive team will lead Vernier into a new era of success to help educators teach hands-on science.
I finished my first year as a member of the Trust Stewardship Committee, a group who ensures that Vernier executes within the mission of its trust. There were two employee-held at-large seats that serve a two-year term and I had the honor and privilege to hold one of those seats and help establish the foundation for Vernier’s perpetual purpose trust company structure.
Oahu
Our main trip for the year was to Hawaii with our family and the Sandersons. We’re so grateful to have our neighbors join and combine forces to take our six kids to one of our dream destinations.
Oahu’s wonders were several of Jenni’s core childhood memories and we created new memories together visiting both her favorites and new experiences. We saw a wild sea turtle while snorkeling, watched live performances at Disney’s Aulani resort and the Polynesian Cultural Center, and visited famous movie filming locations on the island.
See You Next Year!
