2018 - A Year to Remember

Each year I think it's been the most exciting, event filled year ever....until the next year.  I do think this one may have the others beat if just because of one major event in our lives: Ethan Scott Maloney.

Yes, we are now grandparents!  Ethan graced us with his presence on September 27th just a little before midnight.   Jason and Alexa are much more relaxed about parenting than we were almost 30 years ago. They are also advancing in their careers with both recently receiving promotions.  And finally, they moved into a new house that should accommodate their growing family.  Lots of changes in that household!

Traveling figured into 2018 as it has in the past few years, mainly with a camera in hand.  David went solo for a return trip to Iceland hoping to have another crack at spectacular northern lights at night and  waterfalls during the day.  He was not disappointed.  The group had one fantastic night with some of the most amazing dancing lights I have ever seen.  The days weren't too shabby either, and it left Tammie wishing she had chosen a career that didn't involve something called 'tax season'.

Nice, France, served as homebase for a photography trip in June.  Talk about stunning waters, this is the place for fun in the sun!   Our assignment for this trip was a little different than the others.  Tasked with telling a story with our photos, our group struggled during the week but pulled together an awesome show by Saturday night.

Colorado always fills much of our summer months, and this year we were able to host several different groups of friends.  As many of you know, Tammie drives a Mini Cooper, which has a little bit of a cult fan base.  Every two years, avid Mini drivers take out across the country for a 10 day drive full of fun and adventure.  Ending in Keystone this year, we had just a hop and jump to the final activities.  Perhaps our favorite was the 'silent disco' on the final night.  You haven't lived until you try this take on a dance party that says 'no' to sound pollution but 'yes' to fun.

Striking out on his own once more, David joined two couples and a photography leader for a trip to Tanzania.  The photo for our Christmas card is a result of thousands of photos he shot over ten days in the savannah.  He capped off the trip with stays in Budapest and Bratislava, trying to one up Tammie on stamps in the old passport.  Meeting in Prague and continuing to Vienna, Tammie and David joined their usual group for one last photography trip of the year.

In other family news, Brandon and his girlfriend, Alex, ventured forth to Oz (Australia to most of us) to both work(have internet, will travel) and see a different part of the world.  Adventures have been plentiful for them, traveling all over Australia and Asia seeking good wine, food and fun. Alex continues her sommelier work and has had some great experiences down under.   We're looking forward to their permanent return in February.

Well, I'm out of room, so I won't mention milestone birthdays or the gentle process of aging.  Merry Christmas to all!
                                                                                                        Tammie & David

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