Trip to Orlando for Chase's 10th birthday

[Previous Chase updates: 9 years, 8 years, 7 years, 6 years, 2nd year of school, 5 years, starting school, 4 years, 3 years, 25-32 months, 2 years, 15-20 months, 1+ year, first four months in Cambridge, data analysis from first 2 months, first few months]

Since Chase turned 10(!!) this year, we decided we needed to celebrate in a big way: a trip to Orlando. We were able to go to the Kennedy Space Center, Magic Kingdom and Epcot, and to Gatorland. We were able to go on pretty much all the rides we wanted between waiting in a few lines and a couple well time standby spots (specifically Space Mountain and Guardians of the Galaxy for Nate and me -- Chase isn't into scary rides). We also stayed at a cool timeshare/resort (Orange Lake Resort in Kissimmee) that was huge and had 4 pools including lazy river and a place for fishing. It was a really fun vacation and even though Chase was not into Disney beforehand and still really isn't, he had a great time at the parks. 

Fishing at the resort and at Kennedy Space Center

At Magic Kingdom

More Magic Kingdom -- the castle during the day and at night

At Epcot (we took very few pictures there and although Chase loves countries, it was a bit disappointing as a park) and with his two pins for first time and birthday

At Gatorland with a turtle, a train ride around, and holding a small gator and snake 

Total Solar Eclipse!

Since the path of totality was close to us on the northeast, we took the day off work and traveled to see the eclipse. Originally, we were going to go to Syracuse, but with rain and cloud cover, that ended up being a bad choice. We quickly pivoted and ended up in Peru, NY -- very close to the Canadian border. It was such a surreal event! At totality, everything went cold and the streetlights turned on. I'm so happy that we got to experience it together -- something Chase will not forget for a long time! What hopefully he will forget is the 10 hour trip home (usually should only have been 3-3.5 hours). 

Easter in TN!

This year, we got to celebrate Easter with family in TN. We were able to have a long weekend together: play games, go to church, attend a Easter egg hunt, and spend time together out and about. So fun now that everyone in Nate's family lives around Nashville.

Winter crafts

Following up on last year, we did some more winter crafts this year. Chase designed Valentine's Day boxes which each had a key that would pop the heart out when inserted. Each key had the initials of each of his classmates. 

I also did a 3rd year of embroidery bingo from BonnahCo.. Still didn't win but a fun new theme this year and now I have three embroidery boards hanging at my cubicle. 

Chase designed these himself on Fusion360 and 3D printed them for his classmates.

3rd year of embroidery bingo in the books!

2023 in Review

[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. 

We also did a lot of traveling this year: 
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

July: Nate's parents visited us in CT
August: Rhode Island with my parents and Olga
early October: Corn maze with Boris and Laura

October-November: I went to San Diego twice, once with my parents and once for a conference
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: 

Christmas in TN

Nate's parents moved to TN this summer and then Nate's brother and his family followed in October. Nate's sister and her family was already living there. Therefore, it made sense for us to travel to TN to celebrate Christmas with all of them. We played lots of games and watched a lot of football together. Nate and I had some BBQ and went to the Country Music Hall of Fame Museum. We were able to go to Christmas Eve services at the church Nate's parents and brother attend. We also went to a play place and the Science Museum with all the kids. It was so fun to catch up with everyone for an extended time. Chase got to hang out with all his cousins together and had a great time!! We seemed to have escaped Covid this summer only to all come down with it during this trip, unfortunately. Even almost 4 years later, Covid still seems to be affecting our lives and get togethers. 

Thanksgiving in NE

[Previous trips to NE: 2022, 2021, 2020, 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015, 2013]

This year, we decided to join Nate's whole family in Nebraska for Thanksgiving to see his grandmother. It was very fun to see both sides of the family and celebrate Thanksgiving together. There was also some Nebraska football watching, peppernut making, and going to a jumping place together. It was really fun to catch up with family!