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This year, Jamie and Tyler celebrated their 20th anniversary since marrying in Baghdad by taking the whole family on a tour of Japan!. This was a bucket-list item for all of us. We saw Tokyo, Osaka and Fukui. Shibuya and Akihabara, Tokyo Disneyland, Universal Studios and Super Nintendo World, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Fukui Prefectural Dinosaur Museum, and so much more!
We have also adopted a new family member, Storm the barn cat! Storm is very cuddly when she feels safe, but prefers the safety of dark corners and is cautious around humans. She and Violet are slowing getting used to one another. Storm is a mouser, and we hope she takes well to the indoor/outdoor life of a country cat. She's certainly comfortable with the outdoor part!
Frances has been baking cakes and cooking her own meals this year, and is quite good at it already! Tyler and Frances made new Christmas ornaments this year using a pyrograph, and continues with her arts and maths studies at home.
Pascale achieved 8 As on her Scottish National 5 qualifications. Pascale is about to start preparing for her driving exams (after her next birthday)!
Jamie volunteers two days per week at The Hive, a local community craft and second-hand shop in the village of Moniaive. She did all the work to prepare our new house in Moniaive - from sanding, staining, and varnishing the floors, to registering us as Scottish landlords, to sourcing our lovely new tenants! She has also been teaching a gentle movement class for elderly people in the area, and walking with Violet.
Tyler has been busy with projects around the home and property, and has been more involved among the Scottish Burners (our regional Burning Man community). We hosted three events for the Burners this year. Organising fun adventures for fun people is one of Tyler's favourite things.
And Violet? Everybody loves Violet. She's our little ambassador; the reason we have so many repeat visitors. Now age four, she cuddles us and our guests at every opportunity. You should come cuddle her.
Love,
Jamie, Tyler, Pascale, and Frances
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