[Previous years in review: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2014, 2013]
This year, we continued the theme of this blog with quite a number of crafts and home improvements. A big craft/design focus of this year was 3D printing thanks to the printer that Ivan gave Chase for Christmas last year. We learned how to use Fusion 360, acquired up to 10 different filament colors, and printed many, many things. I continued my embroidery, Chase did some sewing, and we once again crafted a unique Halloween costume. In terms of home improvements, we fixed our own fence, installed mini-splits, and bought a fancy keyboard/electric piano. Our goal for next year is to get a new couch for our TV room that can fit all three of us. We have a love seat and previously had a treadmill but with us going to the gym regularly, it made sense to give away the treadmill to make more room for seating so we could actually watch a movie together.
early April: Chase and I went to San Diego with my parents
late April: I went to Tampa (FL) for a conference
May: I went to New Hampshire with Olga to hike Mt. Chocorua
June-July: Barcelona, Paris, and Switzerland
August: Rhode Island with my parents and Olga
early October: Corn maze with Boris and Laura
late November: Omaha for Thanksgiving
late December: Nashville for Christmas
Chase just slightly added to his state count with Tennessee, bringing it to 13 (MA, CT, RI, NY, NE, CA, NV, IA, IL, PA, NJ, MD [& DC], TN). Unfortunately, our Europe trip didn't add anything to his count as he'd been to all those places before, so he stands at 13 countries (and 3 continents). Also Chase turned 9. Other than 3D printing, he is very into collecting coins (specifically pennies), solving Rubik's cubes, and knowing esoteric facts. He has enjoyed playing violin at school this year, along with piano and French lessons during the week. He is also still doing chess and Tae Kwon Do. Not shown here are the many, many play dates and trips he has taken with his friends throughout this year.
Finally, we took some updated family photos. 2023 was a very full year -- let's see what 2024 has in store.
Here is an Instagram collage of photos from the year:
