Nanooks for the Win

It's hard to complain about our weather when you consider how much colder it is in Fairbanks. Julia has been busy with work, cross-country skiing, creating art, and attending a University of Alaska hockey game, the Nanooks versus the Sharks (Long Island University). The Nanooks won! She experienced a boiler pipe leak and continues to deal with the joys and responsibilities of renting and managing a home in Alaska. 

Mom went to New Hampshire to visit Julie and her family. :) Here in DC, our car's battery died after sitting unused in the cold. AAA was quick and thorough.  

Northern Lights

Julia and Benjamin went skiing, attended the Ice Dogs vs. Minnesota Wilderness hockey game (which Minnesota won), and spent time with Megan, J's roommate, before Benjamin headed to training outside Spokane, WA. There are more pictures of Megan and Julia cross-country skiing. The picture of her ring with the northern lights is for the jeweler here in DC. He mentioned that Alaska was the farthest one of his rings had ever traveled, so they promised to send him a picture. 

I had an uneventful day at DC Courts—time served. In Rochester, Mom spent time with her Cortland friends. Also, check out the most adorable picture of Mom and Aunt Linda. :)

Mom just made it back to DC in time before the snowstorm hit. We had 6.9" of snow/ice. Steven and neighbors spent a lot of time digging out the cars, sidewalks, and even our street. I spent a lot of time inside working on puzzles. LOL.

Back to Alaska

Julia and Benjamin are in Fairbanks--where the fun and skiing have continued. They went downhill skiing at Ski Land, home of North America's farthest north chair lift. :) They also cross-country skied at Birch Hill. 

In the DMV, Lisa, Tony, and Kathryn went skiing at Wisp. We had a farewell dinner with Kathryn on Monday before she left for her semester abroad in Madrid. Exciting! The deep-fried turkey was so good.

Mom is in Rochester with her besties.

Surprise Proposal and Marvelous Marriage

Our hearts are overflowing with happiness for Julia and Benjamin. On January 8, 2026, they got engaged and married at the Georgetown Waterfront in DC. It was the most special day, filled with such touching and heartwarming moments. There were all kinds of surprises for Julia, along with a lot of effort and coordination from Benjamin to make it extra special and exactly what this wonderful couple deserved. Close friends and family surprised Julia with an "engagement" party, where they shared that they had gotten married as well. Thank you to all of our friends and family who have supported them for the past eight years. They are currently honeymooning in Park City, UT, skiing with the Hines, then heading to Denver for more skiing and quality time with friends and family.

Happy New Year

Julia and Benjamin returned from New Hampshire, and we opened some presents— including salmon jerky, smoked salmon, reindeer sausage, elk sticks, moose meat, and salt! Yum! 

In DC, we rang in the new year with Mom, Tony & Lisa, Maureen, Chuck & Terry, and Bill & Larissa. We had a delicious meal at the Capital Grille (thank you, Sarrges!). 

Lisa and Tony went to Deep Creek to ski and pick up our half cow! 

We had the pleasure of meeting Benji, Benjamin's pilot roommate, when he was stationed in Enterprise, AL. Benji will now be at Andrews Air Force Base—a great guy, so fun to get to know him and hear their stories.