I had my newsletter all ready to print, but on Saturday, December 14th, my father passed away and I felt I needed to add that.
Typically, each year starts with Bella’s birthday. I cannot believe she turned 10 years old this year (really, she did, last year I said she turned 10 but had only turned 9). She had a ‘big’ girl party vs a family one where she and her friends went to an animal shelter for her birthday. They did crafts, got to visit with the animals and had fun.
Aubre traveled quite a bit this past year! Once again, she spent time in January at the Grand Canyon. She hiked from the rim down into the floor and back out with a group of her running buddies. She made several trips to Moab Utah (I think one of her favorite places). She took to international travel when she flew to Switzerland (alone) meeting up with a friend who was staying over there.
In February, Tyler turned 28 and in March Aubre turned 31! Where did the time go?
Tyler spent last Christmas in Florida visiting a friend from high school and enjoying the beautiful Florida sun during the cold dark winter days we were experiencing. Later that winter he and a couple friends went to California for a vacation from the cold and snow we were experiencing. In addition to seeing the Hollywood sign (photo is a view from the sign), the Pacific Ocean, they even went to a taping of “The Price is Right”!
In April, Dale & I volunteered for Save the Storks with Kirk Cameron, and got a chance to meet him after the event.
In May, we went to WDW for my birthday. We wanted to really enjoy the benefits of the Club level so we opted to only do ONE park day (this is so unlike me)! But to make it more interesting, we set out to visit all four parks in that one day! We accomplished that goal! Riding at least one ride that we enjoy in each park and getting a snack in each park! We put a lot of steps in that day but had a blast!
Shortly after returning from Disney our Bella (fur-child) declined very quickly. On May 18th, six years from the day we first met Bella she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My heart was completely broken.
Just two days after this grief-stricken day, I celebrated the END of school! I finally graduated with my BSN from Wilmington University.
I could not have survived this very long, slow journey without this the love and support of Dale! I am so blessed to have such a supportive husband.
On July 14th, so very shortly after losing Bella, a blind elderly pug, BeBe fell into our arms (and hearts). I didn’t expect to adopt at this point, as we have a big trip coming up and didn’t want to have to worry about a fur-child while away. Needless to say, our hearts were filled so very quickly!
The rest of the summer flew by as we anticipated vacation coming up. Cullen turned eight the beginning of September. A couple days later Dale & I celebrated our 36th anniversary with a nice dinner out.
Mid-September Dale & I took our first trans-Atlantic flight to London.
We spent a couple days sightseeing before boarding the Disney Magic for a cruise back to the USA! We had a day at Stonehenge. The next day we were in Ireland. Photo at the top is from there. There were a lot of sea days (and some rough ones) and we made some amazing new friends due to having so many days on the ship.
In October Dale-Ross & Sam took the kids to WDW for an amazing trip with lots of fun. They celebrated McKenzie turning two. They are due to have another baby girl before Christmas.
As we are awaiting the arrival of the new baby, we are planning the final services for my father. It’s a bittersweet time.
Love,
Patty & Dale
Aubre & Tyler
pjstev222@yahoo.com
