It was the year of adventure for our family. As long as the kids say yes, we will continue to plan family trips and explore the world together. Many happy memories were created while skiing in knee-deep powder in Jackson Hole, Wyoming last February and having an extreme adventure-a-day holiday in Norway in August. I am counting the days until we are all together again for the Christmas holidays.

2017 was a big year for Lexi, as she moved into her own place in downtown Toronto, closer to her office, her friends and social scene. In January Lexi was recognized at work with The Founders Award for her dedication, work ethic and enthusiasm. In the New Year, Lexi will graduate from her role as Team Lead and Business Development Rep at Lookbook HQ and move into a Sales position.  Lean-in Lexi!

Five months from now, Jack will graduate from Acadia University with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree. We are so proud of Jack’s achieving this milestone! With his eye on his future, Jack is continuing his education starting in June, fine-tuning his technical and coding software skills at BrainStation in Toronto, before he enters the workforce in January 2019. Dig deep Jack!

Ross is in second year at Queen’s University studying Computer Science. Ross moved into a house in the student ghetto with five guys, including three buddies he has known since nursery school.  What the house lacks in décor and cleanliness, it oozes in camaraderie, school spirit and location. Ross worked at an Artificial Intelligence software-company, called Nudge.ai last summer where he learned a lot and even got a selfie with Justin Trudeau when he paid them a visit! Ross, you are lit!

Paul is back at it, working hard, travelling a lot and making a difference at Verafin, a Newfoundland software-company. Paul is enjoying the challenges and stimulation of being back in the thick of things, yet makes time for the important stuff- family, hiking and travel.

A very rewarding experience for me has been my participation in sponsoring a Syrian family. I see them weekly to tutor the children, drive them to appointments and help fill the gap of their family who are now scattered all over the world. I am so grateful to my friends who have contributed so much to this family. My motto of the year has been, “It takes a village to welcome a refugee family”.  I hope I have made a difference in this family’s life, as they have certainly made a difference in mine!

On August 8^th, Paul and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. Where did the time go?  We took an epic trip to Patagonia for two weeks in November. We hiked the majestic Torres del Paine Towers Trek, stayed in remote and stunning lodges, rode horses on the windswept plains, cuddled newborn lambs, ate delicious Argentinian beef and Chilean lamb, drank local Malbec, and were awestruck by the beauty of this vast South American region. It was spectacular!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May your 2018 be filled with love, laughter and lots of adventure!