Fall Catch Up & Sky Diving

Kolya's first smile

In a serious mood, he's a real redhead like his father and
Uncle Sean.

Well Scott did not become State Senator from Rutland! But he ran a great race and campaign. For a relative newcomer to the area, he came in quite close to the winners. And we replaced a previously long held Republican seat with a Democrat Progressive, Cheryl Hooker. That means we've heading back to Scott Free in Guatemala on 12/31. 
Our new grandson Kolya (born 8/1) is thriving and such a happy handsome boy.  Heather went down for a week in October and then we both went down for a week at Thanksgiving. James and Morgen are such relaxed parents that it's no surprise that Kolya is an easy baby. His laughing fits are so contagious! And they put on a great Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. Sean & Will flew down from Boston for the week too.
Heather has been very involved in the Living in Place group here in Shrewsbury. Formerly Aging in Place, we changed the name to reflect the reality that it sometimes involves younger persons that face temporary or permanent disabilities.  "Aging in place" is a term used to describe a person living in the residence of their choice, for as long as they are able, as they age. This includes being able to have any services (or other support) they might need over time as their needs change. Heather has organized cooking groups that meet in her kitchen once or twice a week to cook meals for needy neighbors. Four farms in our community and lots of individuals have donated vegetables and meat to our cause.  We've filled several freezers with food, ready for anyone that needs it. Other teams have collected medical equipment and volunteers to do work around the house and yards. It's very satisfying work.

Sean, Kolya, Will, Julie and Gary (Will's Aunt & Father) at
the National Museum of Art.

James and Morgen and Kolya

We're very excited about Christmas this year as hopefully all our family will be here. Josh, Michal and five of our grandchildren are flying in from London (where they are now living). Zoë, George and two more of our grandchildren fly from California. Sean & Will are coming and hopefully James, Morgen and Kolya. We've had snow on the ground for weeks now and the skiing is excellent - a real White Christmas!
Oh and to celebrate their respective Birthdays, Heather and Sean went sky diving at Jumptown, Orange, MA. See the photos below!

We visited the National Arboretum, beautifully decorated
for the holidays. 

Heather and Sean celebrated their respective birthdays this year by Sky
Diving at Jumptown in Orange, MA

And it was FUN!