Here we go again
Hello once again! 2021 has been a challenging year for so many, and we hope that you and your families are hanging in there as best as you can. We are very grateful that we have been doing pretty well. We have been mostly laying low, but also trying our best to stay in touch with family and friends.
In April, Mike, Mindy, and Kayla traveled to Boynton Beach, Florida to visit with our Aunt Michele and Uncle Michael. While there we also visited with Mindy’s brother Michael and partner Lynne. It was the first time we have traveled anywhere for a long time, and while it felt a little strange to do so, we made it with no issues. It is a very nice area of Florida, with beautiful weather and beaches, of course.
In May we also celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary (!!) with a long weekend trip to nearby Jim Thorpe, in Pennsylvania. We have never been there before. It is just north of Allentown in the Pocono Mountains, with beautiful scenery. In addition to some tasty meals, we rode on a scenic railway, hiked in Lehigh Gorge State Park, and took a tour of an old coal mine, which was very interesting.
We also took some day trips to our usual spots at the Jersey Shore, such as Ocean City (NJ), Atlantic City, Long Beach Island, and Margate. It is great being so close to beaches and surf.
Kayla
Kayla’s big news is that she and her boyfriend Shane are engaged! Shane proposed in a romantic setting on the beach in Long Beach Island. She happily said “yes!” They are planning to wait to get married until the fall of 2024. We are very happy for them!
Kayla is continuing with her Masters of Social Work program at Rutgers University in Camden. Her coursework is mostly online (unrelated of Covid). She loves her program, which includes a series of internships at Catholic Charities in Camden, NJ. Kayla was working there 3 days a week, and really loving it. Well, it looks like they like her too, because they asked her to interview for a full time position. She successfully interviewed and was offered that position in October! Very exciting for her! She is getting excellent experience, and providing significant assistance to her clients. We are so proud of her.
Kayla decided to leave her job at Uno Restaurant. She had worked there on and off for 3 years, and had some great experiences and fun times there.
Mindy
Mindy has been focusing more on her crafts this year, and exhibited her Polymer Clay art at a few local craft shows. She has also expanded her Etsy shop with many new items, and it has received quite a bit of attention during the holiday shopping season. (Link is below if you want to take a look.) Mindy has also been maintaining her private Speech Therapy practice, and enjoys helping younger children with a variety of speech delays.
Mindy has also been playing a lot of Mah Jongg, mostly virtually with a group of friends, but also sometimes in person when it is safe.
Mike
Mike is up to his usual hijinks with his photography, drone adventures, music, movies, socializing, reading, podcasts, and helping friends and family with their computer projects and issues. It all keeps him very busy, but he feels very lucky that he can now fully pursue some of his passions. You can see some of his recent drone photos in the gallery below.
In August, Mike finally made it to see the Springsteen on Broadway show in New York, in the last week of its run. In this one-man show Bruce tells the story of his life, interspersed with him performing on guitar and piano. It was a once in a lifetime event for him. For Mike, not Bruce.
Cookie
Lastly, but not least, we experienced what many have called a “Foster Fail,” which means that we have officially adopted our wonderful kitty Cookie into our family. He is so nice to have around, and is such a great companion. Some of you may have seen some of the many photos of him that Mike has posted on Facebook. He recently informed Mike that he will soon be getting an agent to represent him, lol.
Mindy’s Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/FoxHandmadeCreations
Her website: http://foxcreations.com
We wish you all a healthy and happy 2022!
With love, Mike, Mindy, and Kayla
Wow! You have made it to the end, thank you so much for reading!
Feel free to leave a comment below.
Short drone video (with audio)
Wow! Congrats on 50 years, Mike and Mindy!! And congrats on your engagement and your new job, Kayla! So much great news! Love, Jenn Singer
Thank you so much, Jenn! But oops, only married 30 years. We are old, but not that old, lol! Hope everyone on your end are doing well.
What do I see?? All happy faces going places. Even Cookie had a dream come true!
The audio/drone video was so beautifully created by Michael!!! I loved it.
Hope to get together soon.
Debbie
Great letter/update. I enjoyed reading it! Loved the drone video and thought the music choice was perfect. Thanks for sharing.
Always a joy to see your beautiful photos and drone shots! Congrats to Kayla! What a wonderful time you will have planning the wedding! ❤️ Glad you hear the family is doing well. Happy New Year 🎉
Hi, Mike! Nice work. You’re getting really good with the drone videos.
Your holiday letter was so delightful! We loved reading the news of everyone…..Congrats on Kayla’s engagement…she looks so happy! We will definitely check out Mindy’s Etsy page…..the beautiful pen you gave us still works and sits right by our phone (landline LOL)…Thanks for keeping in touch and wishing you a great new year! Love, Sharon and Joel
Such a perfect letter! Thank you for including me. Happy and healthy New Year to the Fox Family. 🦊
Thanks for sharing. It is always great to hear about your adventures. Murrie and I are so happy to have spent some time with you. We want to again thank you for helping us get and set up our new computer . Love to you all , and wishing you very happy and healthy new year.
We always reading your winter news letter. It’s wonderful to see that all of you are not only surviving, but seeming to thrive during the continuing pandemic! Sending love and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2022!
Deb & David
Congratulations on your 30th wedding anniversary! Congrats to Kayla on both her engagement, education pursuits and launching her career. I very much enjoyed your drone video. I am pretty sure I saw your drone at the fireworks display!
John and Sue
Hey Guy great to see all the family and glad to hear all are doing well! You are tearing it up with the drone footage and mash, gosh just like black and white developing pics in your basement many moons ago! How cool to see! Big hug to both your ladies, eh!
Hi, Mike, Mindy, Kayla, Shane and Cookie,
What an exciting year for all of you! We’re so happy for all the good things that have come your way! Happy 30th anniversary, Mike and Mindy! Wishing you many more! Congratulations to Kayla and Shane on their engagement! And to Kayla on her new position! And Cookie is a very lucky kitty! Wishing you all a healthy, happy new year!
Bob and Diane