As 2005 quickly approaches its conclusion, we can think about the photographs, souvenirs and memories from the family happenings and travels; and eagerly anticipate the promise of a wonderful new year.

After enjoying some time with the kids up at the cabin and on snowy Mt. Hood, we started our new year with a going-away party for Kyle - who left in mid-January for Army basic training. While Mike & I were incredibly proud of his choice to serve our country, we were also rather nervous, given the USA's involvement in the middle east. I had corrective eye surgery a few days later - the pain-killers were very helpful in easing the pain of missing Kyle!

We logged a lot of miles traveling to mostly warm places this year. In Jan/Feb Mike & I rented a wonderful home in Akumal, on the Carribean, where we had only to walk out of the house to what was practically our private bay. We snorkeled nearly every day, spent time swinging in the hammocks to read or nap, and explored - touring the Mayan ruins Tulum and Chitzen Itza, where I climbed to the top of the great pyramid! Mike did some ocean fly-fishing - and had a 6' bull shark swim by him!

We returned home in Feb. to hear that Kyle had a medical discharge because of his ADD/H, and was flying home the next day. We were thrilled to have him home again. He was disappointed that it didn't work out, but can be proud that he had enlisted, and had tried to overcome the ADD - a very tough thing in the military. It took some time and soul-searching to decide what to do next: he was able to match a skill and love of working with computers to the ‘tech school' he is now attending. It's an intense series of courses, and will result in hardware & software knowledge, and several certifications; so he'll be able to choose from a great field of options when he graduates this June.

In February we had to say goodbye to Jessica (Champion Dark Star's Uptown Girl, CGC, TDI). She was a wonderful companion, show dog, therapy dog, and mother, and she'd had a good life over her 14+ years. Yet, no matter how many years we have our furry companions as part of the family, it never seems to be enough.

For spring break Colin, Brittany & Sandra flew to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. (Mike & Kyle opted to stay home, silly guys!) We had fun in the sun, enjoying the all-inclusive resort, meeting new amigos, trying an ‘intro to SCUBA', and connecting with some Oregon friends for a boat & snorkel trip one day, and a sumptuous meal another evening. Brit ended up with a 2nd degree sunburn, so missed a few days, oops. I was glad we'd opted to use taxis, despite the tiny cars, as many of the drivers there are wild-n-crazy!

April brought Mike's 50th birthday and a party - at the West Linn Senior Center - to celebrate (or heckle) the milestone. We had a lot of fun with family, friends and colleagues, and he received some creative and appropriate presents, such as this walker -->

Other travels included Mike's week of fly-fishing in Alaska; this time to the Kenai River and area. He brought home a lot of salmon, which we've thoroughly enjoyed for many dinners: yummm! We were able to get to the cabin a few times, it's just about my favorite place in the world, and so rich with family history and flavor! In July we had a picnic at the cabin, with most of my extended family able to be there, including cousins and their families from North Carolina &Washington. We were up again in August, and we hope to go up there even more next year.

Family gatherings are always wonderful, and, as we've really enjoyed Brittany's boyfriend and Colin's & Kyle's girlfriends, have been happy to welcome them into the family. Halloween was fun - the ‘kids' carved some creative Jack 0'lanterns. Thanksgiving brought a large family gathering and, of course, wonderful food. There is so much for which to be thankful, the least of which is a fun and (dare I say it?) healthy family.

We had the interior of the house painted and re-carpeted, that was such a welcome change, wow. It was fun re-hanging pictures and the paintings done by his Grandad Sheehy many years ago.

I've feel very fortunate to have been able to spend so much time with my maternal grandfather, especially in the last few years, so it was a terrible blow to have lost him this summer. At 96 he'd had an incredible and full life; his natural curiosity and love of life fueled him. Despite his aphasia he was still very gregarious, and enjoyed walks (later in a wheelchair) around the Willamette View grounds. My brother, sister and I collaborated on a ‘movie' which we showed at Grandpa's memorial service; it was a short glimpse of his life, but captured the essence of the man. When my time comes, I can only hope to have lived as he did: with a full life, loved and respected by so many people!

In December Mike & I spent 10 days in Los Cabos Mexico with our friends Roger & LeeAnn. We swam, read, explored, walked and shopped, and enjoyed a varied cuisine (the shrimp tacos in Todos Santos were incredible!) It was fascinating watching the artisan glass-blowing, we even brought home a few choice pieces. We went on a couple of scenic boat/water taxi trips, snorkeled a couple of times (well, one time Mike read a book on the beach, while I snorkeled and took pix of the colorful fish), sampled tequila and Cuban cigars - yes, even I smoked!

Colin is now 22, and Kyle is 20, leaving Brit, at 18, as our only teenager (with my grey hairs to prove it). She informed us that she can excuse her own tardiness or absences at school. (hmm) She's not yet sure where she'll attend college after her June ‘06 graduation, but has a goal of being a physical therapist. With her myriad injuries over the years she has a lot of experience with PT, so will have plenty of empathy for patients. She's due for knee surgery sometime after winter ball; we can't miss our social engagements!

Colin is doing well at school, and is looking forward to transferring back to Portland State University, probably for spring term. The boys are still sharing an apartment here in West Linn, which has been really nice. When Colin transfers to PSU, though, he'll probably move downtown; darn - it's so far away! (Oh, and Colin has a kitty: "Kazi"!)

Mike is doing well with his offices (the Lake Oswego branch, and a new branch in Canby); keeping himself busy. There were a number of months that his agents sold over $50million in homes (wow!), and have set records with profitability and other accomplishments. He treated himself with a new toy this fall: a sparkly new pearlescent-white Expedition with bells & whistles - especially the GPS navigation system, a plus for the directionally challenged people! One fun goal is to continue with our traveling (by air and car), filling our own world map with as many ‘marks' for visited places as has the map from my grandparents' world travels. (and the part that Mike asked me to not include in the mailed letter was regarding his mid-November visit to the emergency room and his stay in the ICU & IMCU... Fortunately I can report that he is doing very well now, and the doctors expect no further medical problems!)

As for me? Well, I managed to get away for a few dog show weekends, and right now I'm having fun playing with our 4 week old Ruby and Black & Tan Cavalier puppies. I play on my computers quite a lot, trying to keep up with email, and creating web-pages (altho' my own pages are always needing attention!), and I play with my cameras - taking the pix and playing on the computer ‘darkroom'. I try to be active in the regional Cavalier club, the garden club, and the grad party committee for Brit's graduating class. Oh, and taking care of Mike!! :-)

Well, I'm sure I've missed a few happenings in our year, but that's the quickie version, and probably too long anyway... We all hope your past year was a good one, and that your upcoming year is filled with family and fun, memories and magic!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Mele Kalikimaka and Hauoli Makahiki Hou!

With love,
Sandra, Mike, Colin, Kyle & Brittany
and the Labradors, Cavaliers, fish, and parrot!