Stories & Updates

It's like a Christmas Letter from years past... but on your little screen instead.  Read below for our family updates and a few highlights from 2023!

Happy New Year!

Well, it’s been a while, but we wanted to write a letter once again this year, because 2023 was such a memorable year for us.  And we're trying something new this year with the "digital" format so hopefully this is easy enough for everyone (and sure saves a lot of trees!)

2023 was a busy, eventful, and FUN year for us.  After moving to Austin, Texas in October 2019, this was the first time we really felt like "locals" and we were able to get out and about and explore Austin and the surrounding area more this year, and things felt a little more normal than they have in the past 3-4 years.  

Rowan (9) is in 3rd Grade and absolutely loves school and his teachers/class.  Several times this year, he has been “Caught Being a Leader” around the campus by the school staff, and according to his teachers, he is also quite a leader in the classroom, sharing with others, and often helping out when a volunteer is needed.  For the first time, this year Rowan participated in U.I.L. competition for Music Memory, where he placed 6th at the all-district competition!  He loves making and playing with slime, creating art, and all things Squishmallow, and has taken interest this year in cooking and baking. Quesadillas and any type of cookie are his specialties!

Archer (5) is growing up more every day and after a couple of unexpected changes to his preschool/daycare routine, ended up getting into the Pre-K program at Rowan’s Elementary school, so he is now a full-time bus rider(!) and is loving attending the same school as his big brother.  He played soccer this year for the first time and was so excited to get, what he called his "first medal". Archer's favorite things are Mario (movie, toys, video games, clothing, anything!), reading books, playing "the floor is lava" and doing anything his brother can do.

Both boys are doing great in school and they continue to amaze us with their talents and intelligence.  They are also amazing SWIMMERS and enjoy a dip in the pool any chance they get.  They are growing, physically and mentally every day and we are just trying to keep up, and appreciate the time we have with them while they're "little".

Erica works remotely from home for Advanced Flooring Solutions (AFS) in Denver, and enjoys daily walks along the greenbelt trails in our neighborhood, gardening in our backyard, and taking care of (keeping in line) the ALL MALE group of creatures in our home (1 husband, 2 boys, and 3 male pets!)  She still finds time to sew/stitch every once in a while, and often volunteers at the boys' school.

Alan  celebrated a 1 year work anniversary on December 1st with Kirksey Architecture, where he serves as a senior project architect/project manager, and leads a mentorship group of younger staff. He is an avid collector of skateboards from the 80's-90's era, loves music, podcasts, documentaries, and college football.  A highlight of this year for him was taking the day off of work to spend time at school with the boys as "Tiger Dad" on Rowan's birthday!

Pets  our friends Pico (Cat - 16), Kevin (Cat - 10) and Charlie (Dog - 7) keep it fun, furry, and always pretty interesting.

Alan & Erica celebrated 18 years of marriage in June...woohoo!

To all of you, our precious friends and family, we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. Merry Christmas, and have a happy, prosperous, and blessed New Year!

See you in 2024!

Erica | Alan | Rowan | Archer

Back in January, we wished upon a star (or was it a website?) and booked a trip to California, to take our first trip as a family of 4 to Disneyland.  

We spent a few days exploring and adventuring, taking in all the sights and sounds of the parks (Disneyland and California Adventure Park next door), and definitely achieved our fitness “steps” goals for that week!  

Some go to Disney to see Mickey and Minnie, but the boys were most excited to get a visit from the magical (Uncle) Tate Jennings and (Aunt) Victoria Cail! 

When Alan wasn’t drooling over the Star Wars rides and attractions, he could be found staring at the architecture on “Main Street” and Erica became an overnight expert at using the Disneyland app for grabbing Lightning Lane spots for rides and showtimes, and finding us the best options for meals and snacks during the day. 

We had such an amazing time, and all loved the rides, characters and attractions, and we’re already thinking about the next trip back. 

We are a family of Fall birthdays (Archer 10/12, Erica 11/09, Alan 11/29 and Rowan 12/12), and this year we decided to celebrate Erica’s on the beach.  

Our family loves the beach, and the boys have enjoyed every experience we've had the past few years visiting beaches in California and Texas.  Port Aransas has become a favorite destination for us, as it's only a few hours away from home in Austin and has truly some of the most beautiful beaches we've seen (in Texas!)

So in early November, we packed up and headed down to one of our favorite spots, Cinnamon Shore, to meet up with Erica’s mom (Nana), brothers (Beau & Tate) and sis-in-law (Sara) for a few nights of family, fun, puzzles, and beach time!  

Although the weather was a little on the chilly and wet side, that did not stop us from enjoying daily walks on the beach, seashell hunting, and sandcastle construction.  When it got too cold, the heated pools, campfires and s’mores kept everybody warm and happy.

A wonderful birthday was had by Erica, and a wonderful time had by all!