Dear Friends and Family,

OK, another great year. Ready?

The big news is that we moved to Fredericksburg, VA for what might be my final assignment. We bought our first house and love our new surroundings that for the first time, we own.

Alex continues to grow mentally and physically. Although he had to say goodbye to his best friend in Monterey, he’s learning the highs and lows of military life. Seemingly taller each day, he’s now carrying his talents into 6th grade where he’s working hard to stay at the top of the class. He’ll still hug me in public but I know I’m on borrowed time.

Stephanie completed 3rd grade and started 4th in Monterey where her teacher almost refused to let go of her. She is continuing her piano and is now interested in choir and possibly dance. But make no mistake, she’s the most girly Tomboy you will ever come across. She still runs to hug me when I come through the door at night and I only ask for another 70 years of such treatment.

Carrie also completed some of her college courses and is looking to continue online in Virginia. Currently she is busy adjusting to a non-military neighborhood (seems she got out of the military before I did) and is kept busy making this new house a home. She was the glue that made our move this year possible and continues to be the linchpin of our family.

Buster, our dog, made the transition with flying colors. Riding across the country with two adults, two kids, and a Buster in the Truckasaurus was, well, interesting. As long as he’s within someone’s personal space, he’s happy. All day. All night. All week. All month. All year.

This year I survived two marathons in two weeks and then another 50 miler two weeks later, bettering two of the three times. After I completed my degree in Monterey (they tell me I’m certified smart but I don’t see it), I somewhat completed the Marine Corps Marathon in a cramp-induced, pitiful time, but I finished. Now that all that silliness is over, I’m back to work in a real job in Quantico working on computer systems. I’m still maintaining my webpage and might be publishing a book next year if I can cut out sleep altogether.

As a family, we advanced one more successful transition together with love. We enjoyed our time in Monterey where we spent more time together than any other time in my career and now look forward to experiencing the history and culture of the Virginia area.

We want to wish you happy holidays. Our invitation is open to anyone who wants to visit us here in Virginia. This year we enjoyed seeing a lot of friends and family on both sides who we haven’t seen in a long time or, in many cases, we had never even met. Next year, we hope to see or at least hear from even more.

Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and God Bless You all.

Love, Jason, Carrie, Alex, Stephanie, and Buster

*** Please note our email and webpage addresses***
jason@grose.us
carrie@grose.us
http://www.grose.us