Chumstock 2026 and Big Move

Julia attended Chumstock 2026, a climate solutions conference north of Seattle, Washington. Megan also participated. Lots of fun and beautiful photos. Meanwhile, Benjamin and Ricky traveled from Traverse City, MI, to Albuquerque, NM, with stops in Minneapolis (hi, Wes!), Denver (hi, Elizabeth and Chelsea), and other iconic Breaking Bad locations. They arrived safely, and Benjamin started his training yesterday. 

On the home front, most of the Sarrges aren't home. :) Lisa connected with Kathryn in London over the weekend. Ethan is in Japan. Tony, Mom, Steven, and I went to see, I Lay Awake, which was very good. 

Minneapolis Visit

Julia has left Fairbanks for somewhat better weather in Minneapolis. She is visiting friends, which of course includes an epic steak night with Sam and Hannah and many other good eats with Wes, Tatiana, Anne, Matt, Jerry, Sanath, and Ally (to mention a few)!

On the home front, Brenda has settled back in DC with her pets Abbey and Indy. It’s so nice to have her less than a mile away and working at the World Bank Group. Steven caught up with Aaron for coffee. We enjoyed a chill Valentine's Day and special cards from our GT daughter, Elizabeth!

 

Christmas in Quebec

We left for Montreal on December 22. In Montreal, we visited The Great Christmas Market. It was a little cold and snowy, but it radiated plenty of Christmas spirit. Carrie bought us all "ASSN" hats: Andreasen-Simpson-Saunders-Nieboer. Besides for warmth and being my favorite color, they were quite practical in finding members of the group in a crowd. :)

The next morning, we traveled to Quebec by train. Near our hotel in Old Quebec, we walked around a German Christmas Market. We completed part of the Old Quebec Scavenger Hunt and Highlights tour. We did it as long as we could handle the cold—very interesting with fun clues. We explored The Grand Christmas Market at the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac and attended the Christmas Eve service at the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. On Christmas morning, Benjamin, Julia, and Elizabeth went skiing at Le Massif. Mark, Steven, Carrie, Mom, and I explored the Citadelle of Quebec and the Plains of Abraham. After dinner, we gathered to exchange Christmas ornaments and play a game of charades. Carrie brought a miniature tree with her. It was a wonderful way to spend Christmas with those we love. 

On December 26, the adventurous members of the group went ice canoeing. Unfortunately, this gave Steven a migraine, so his time was cut short--but the experience was still incredible and memorable. In the afternoon, we visited Montmorency Falls. The next day, we took the train back to Montreal. Mark, Steven, Julia, Ricky, and Elizabeth went to the Sports de Combat for a weapon-throwing and archery lesson. Mom, Carrie, and I explored the Underground City (i.e., shopping!).

Benjamin turns 30 on January 10, so we celebrated a little early on our last night of the trip.

We returned to DC on Sunday, the 28th. We had a wonderful time full of great adventures, conversations, and memories.