It had been a whirlwind year! We have done so much, met so many new friends, had memorable adventures, and saw some amazing places. During this year we visited 13 different States of the United States. We lived in two different countries. Our adventures took us to 11 countries (France, India, United States, Germany, Malaysia, Nepal, Maldives, Singapore, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, and Thailand). Dust changed jobs and the kids went to five different schools between them both.
As a family we celebrated birthdays and milestones, we braved new jobs and schools, we made new friends, we faced cancer and other medical situations, we climbed up to Mount Everest, we swam with sharks, we rode in a helicopter, we raced dolphins, we fed elephants, we tried new things, ate different food, we had cooking classes, we went to Disney World twice, been to Disneyland Paris, had leeches on us, danced in large performances, learned new instruments, survived an earthquake, we prayed with monks in monsateries, at Sikh and Hindu temples and in cathedrals, and made many, many memories.
We ate New York Pizza and cheesecake in New York City. We had baguettes and macarons in Paris. We had mango sticky rice, curry, and Pad Thai in Thailand. We had pancakes and fresh maple syrup in Vermont. We had breakfast with Mickey and Minnie, lunch with Cinderella, and dinner with the Evil Queen and the Seven Dwarves in Florida. We sipped Pina Coladas (virgin) on the beach in Maldives. We ate potatoes in many forms in Nepal. We eat butter chicken and dal as much as possible in India. We had brats in German Christmas Markets and tried Black Forest Gateau at the Black Forest. We had dumplings and ramen in Singapore.
We have so much to be thankful for. It was a year to remember and makes us happy that we are all together.
We are excited for the adventures that this new year will bring!
A review by month:
JANUARY
- Started the year in Florida at one of our favorite places--Disney World!
- Moved to Washington DC
- Started a new job.
- Started new schools.
- Celebrated Koala Bear!
FEBRUARY
- Explored Washington DC and all it has to offer.
- Work announced we are moving to India in a few months!
- A quick trip to Hawaii to renew driver's licenses and see family.
MARCH
- Lady Hiva wanted to celebrate her birthday in Walt Disney World. So we went back for a quick weekend.
- Enjoyed the Spring flowers and Cherry Blossoms.
- Saw and experienced more history of the DC area.
APRIL
- Tried to go to Hawaii, but flights were canceled. So we went on a surprise trip around the US Northeast.
- Ate chocolate at Hersey Pennsylvania.
- Saw New York City, Boston, and Philadelphia.
- Saw Niagra Falls.
- Went to Church historic sites in New York State.
- Took the kids back to see parts of my mission.
MAY
- Papa and Pluba came to visit!
- Stopped in Paris for our trip to India.
- Did Paris Disneyland.
- Moved to Mumbai
- Started new work and new schools.
JUNE
- Lived in a hotel for a month and finally moved into our new house.
- Saw Elephanta caves and several other iconic places in Mumbai.
- Went with friends to Gujarat and saw ancient temples.
- Visited the largest statue in the world.
JULY
- Celebrated the Birth of our Nation!
- Saw a large Pagoda dedicated to peace and mindfulness.
- Went with work friends to a nature retreat a two hour train ride from Mumbai.
- Climbed up to Mount Everest.
- Celebrated Lucky Dragon's birthday at 12,000 feet in elevation.
- Survived and earthquake and had to be helicoptered off the mountain.
AUGUST
- Took tour of slums in Mumbai and were so thankful for all we have.
- Participated in Indian Independence day and religious celebrations.
- Celebrated 14 years of being a family!
- Celebrated Dust's birthday.
SEPTEMBER
- Made a beach trip to Thailand.
- Swam with Elephants.
- Did a family cooking class.
OCTOBER
- Went to Maldives!
- Swam with sharks, snorkled, and ate delicious food.
- Finally...after a year of not having it and it being lost twice, we received our stuff!
- Celebrated Diwali.
- Went all out for Halloween!
NOVEMBER
- Koala Bear danced on stage in Incredible India.
- Dressed up in sparkles for the Marine Ball.
- Had two different Thanksgiving meals with some wonderful friends.
- Dust gets shingles (0/10 stars --DO NOT RECOMMEND! )
DECEMBER
- Trip to Singapore for treatment for Dust's skin cancer.
- Universal Studios Singapore.
- Adventures and food in Singapore.
- Christmas in Mumbai!
- Trip to Germany via Saudi Arabia.
- Christmas Markets in Germany and Luxembourg.
- New Years with Cousins in Germany!
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