Merry CHRISTmas!

In February, we took Colleen’s Brittany and D.J. on their first cruise and first flight. It was a marvelous way to get to spend time with our oldest grandchildren. Cliff continues with the Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans, where he is Program Manager. After four years at the Minnesota Correctional Facility-Lino Lakes Sex Offender Treatment Program, Peg accepted a position at the Minnesota Sex Offender Program in Moose Lake and moved home in March. Slowly but surely, we are settling back in and unpacking the accumulation of “stuff.” We miss the opportunities available in the Twin Cities and our friends there, but it is good to be home with each other. In May, Peg went to visit Megan and Brian Hardy in Virginia Beach and got to catch up on her family there. Brian made Chief this year! They are moving to Hawaii after Christmas. Devin and Chelsie and Jude are expecting and due in early Spring. They are between Georgia and the Twin Cities, with homes in both places. An August highlight was Cliff, Sean, Connor, D.J, Jim, and Devin going camping. Connor refers to them as “my camping buddies!” In September, Colleen’s D.J. and Brittany were baptized at the Cathedral in Superior. It was a wonderful day! Cliff and Colleen made a trip to Niles to see Aunt Klara, who is in hospice, followed by a quick trip to Pennsylvania to see Sean and family. Colleen continues as sales and service manager for U. S. Bank. It was wonderful father daughter time, but Becca is still missing a pillow! In October, Peg was in Dallas for a conference and got to go to the Book Depository. November was back to back cruises on Caribbean Princess and Adventure of the Seas in the Southern Caribbean, the first time ever with two weeks off in a row! We used the cruise to mark our 39th wedding anniversary, which often gets lost in the Christmas shuffle. Peg actually got a tan and Cliff fulfilled a lifelong dream of snorkeling in St. Croix. In December, Connor and Caitlin (and “the people they live with” ) as Cliff refers to Sean and Becca, came to visit and we made a gingerbread house. PJ continues at the Pickwick in Duluth as the business manager. He loves snowmobiling. He got to go to a Packers game at Lambeau field, and even called Cliff from there. Peg has begun doing Communion Services at the Federal Prison and enjoys the opportunity to proclaim the Gospel and preach. She is back throwing pots at the studio in Duluth, with some nice successes. We are off to St. John’s Abbey for Christmas Eve and will hold you all in our prayers. Until then,

The Lord bless you and keep you.
May He show His face to you and have mercy.
May He turn His countenance to you and give you peace.

Happy New Year to you and yours from us and all of ours!