YEAR
what a
For the first time in 14 years, I didn't manage to get a physical holiday card together - that about sums up how things went in 2023.
The year had a typical slate of ups and downs, though they felt amplified as we worked through big changes after our move to Charlottesville at the end of 2022. We are finally feeling more settled, though we still miss our NoVA friends and family very much!
A 2023 highlight for us was family travel. We managed 2 family trips, one to the Outer Banks and the other to Europe over the holidays, and a Mom & Dad getaway to Las Vegas for a concert in October.
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brandon
pets
A year of transition for me - I officially started my art business and had to readjust to the self employed schedule. If you're curious, check out Jenn Heller Studio.
I'm spending my time these days in between the garden or the studio, trying to be patient (but generally failing) as I develop both at the same time.
In 2024 I am looking forward to finishing the projects we've started around the house, an artist retreat in England in September, and deep-diving into gluten free baking.
jenn
The professional photos of me and my work were taken by my friend Abby of Abby Grace Photography (thank you Abby!!!!!)
owen
jenn
After 12 years, Brandon parted ways with Amazon. Now a manager at Serco, he is leading a support team and bringing his decade of intense work experience to a calmer role.
Brandon is really enjoying having a yard to work in, and he and Jenn spend plenty of time scheming up new structures to join the playground he assembled for the kids this summer. He has passed his love of music on to the kids, which means Emma's favorite song is by Metallica.
In 2024 he is looking forward to more time spent relaxing in the hammock (preferably much of it without Dex) celebrating the big 4-0 in June, and maybe getting a few minutes of peace to play a video game or three.
Brandon
emma
brandon
Owen is now an amazing eight year old, who has settled into his school here and the third grade. He remains a voracious reader, with new favorite Percy Jackson edging out Harry Potter for top spot.
Some top moments from this year included learning to ride the waves at OBX, and making new friends on our trip to Europe.
2023 marked one whole year of Owen living with type-1 diabetes and celiac disease, and in general he continues to impress by handling the complications fairly well. Owen is now on an insulin pump, which has been a wonderful change for all of us versus many injections a day.
In 2024 Owen is excited for another year of soccer, outdoor adventures, and fun with friends, as well as the occasional video game.
Owen
pets
owen
Our firecracker of a daughter is now 4, and generally running our lives. Emma has quite a forceful personality underneath that winning smile, and she doesn't hesitate to deploy both to get her way.
Emma is halfway through year 2 of her Montessori primary classroom, and loves to paint and tell stories. She is into charming strangers, playing air piano, and tossing up her metal fingers when she hears "rock and roll."
In 2024 Emma is looking forward to giving soccer another try, starting dance/music lessons, and learning how to swing herself on the swings. We're hoping to survive her this year with our sanity intact.
Emma
Jenn
Emma
The only being in the house capable of matching Emma's chaos and inability to hear the word "no" is Dex, the "mini" bernedoodle who is now 2, and almost 70lbs.
Sadly 2023 was not the year Dex calmed down and learned some manners, but we see glimmers.
The cats are fine, and they would like to go back to napping now.