Happy New Year 2024!

Julia is en route to Martin's Peninsula. Unfortunately, Starlink is not available on the ship, :( so she is relying on spotty Wi-Fi. She isn't able to send pictures, videos, or check Snapchat; thankfully, we still get text messages. She said she feels good, although they've gone through many time changes--initially 18 hours ahead, they experienced 2 Saturdays, and now are in the Alaska Time Zone. I'm not sure how she is keeping her days straight or how any of this may be affecting her circadian rhythms. Pictured below is the helicopter stored on the ship and a couple of her meals (not bad!). 

Here in DC, we spent quality time with friends and family, walking the dogs, puzzling, and lots of good food. Don, Laura, and Skyler came to celebrate. I went to a bubble party with Vera, Maggie, and Vickie. We had a chance to catch up with the Breens too. 

Christmas and On the Ship

Julia is on the South Korean ship! You can track the boat here (https://live.kopri.re.kr/araon/). She is sharing a room with 3 other girls. Below is a picture of the boat, a view from her room, a picture of the library (all books in Korean--haha), and a Christmas tree in Christchurch. We are so thankful for technology; staying in contact with her daily has been reassuring.

Check out Mom with her pickleball friends. We had the gingerbread decorating party, Christmas Eve dinner at Fogo de Chao, a visit to the Capitol Christmas tree, and Christmas at the Sarrges. We miss Chad. Thankfully, we have each other. 

Celebrations & Goodbyes

Sadly, we had to say goodbye to our oldest cat, Quiet. He lived to be 18 years old and will be missed, 9/29/05 - 12/10/23. The next day, Julia arrived home, and it was good to be together. Mom came with us to Ford's Theater for A Christmas Carol; we opened presents Saturday morning (16th) and then had a goodbye party Saturday night with the family. Steven's dad has been in the hospital, so we are hoping it gets sorted out in the best interest of Richard and where he will be cared for in the future. :(

Julia left Monday mid-day. She flew from DC to Houston, Houston to Auckland, and then Auckland to Christchurch. But... she made it--33 hours or so of travel! Check out her red Antarctica jacket. Now that she is in New Zealand (awaiting to board the boat on Dec. 26th with the South Koreans), she is super excited. Praying for her safety, health, and good weather. 

December Friends

Julia's high school friend, Maya, came to St. Paul. She spent time with Benjamin and Julia and also some other friends--of which Benjamin bonded with their baby boy and Julia bonded with their dog. LOL

I had the pleasure of bumping into my favorite Georgetown girl, Elizabeth, at Wawa before she went back to Michigan for the holiday break.