Greetings Friends! We send prayers to you and your family on what has been a challenging year for the nation and the world. It again serves as a reminder of the precious gift of life and all those loved.  Book and publication writing, key notes, world exploration, social gatherings and races were replaced by extra time on the pontoon and motorcycle, distanced picnics and times with friends and family, and Zoom meetings. This past year was the first I can remember in decades without international travel and too with limitations on national travel. I had the opportunity for a number of ski outings within a 250 mile radius prior to the pandemic, and Dan and I had a delightful January trip to a favorite place in Florida- Black Island Lovers Key. We were able to visit with friends and enjoy the warmth, sunshine and sand between our toes.  We too took some Covid-safe road trips including to the beauty of the North Shore and dad and I went to visit his brother Jim and wife Kathy in the Upper Penninsula. Though far less miles were traveled, I cherish the time shared with loved ones both Pre-Covid and in a Covid safe, distanced and masked way as we continue through the pandemic. The year was topped off with the deepest blessing as Mikaela and Bri gifted us a new grandchild Arlo <3.

Dan-As Covid was upon us, Dan inventively figured out how to teach tennis classes at the U of Mn online. It required indoctrination to the joys and headaches of online platforms, yet he did it with success. Though the Spring tennis season was cancelled for Centennial (boys), and his band had far fewer gigs, the Fall Maple Grove Girls season was preserved and they had the best season ever and won their Conference! Sadly the state tournament was cancelled. Highlights of Dan’s year included a 13 and 1 season, the trip to Florida and chance to see a childhood friend, an unexpected new car, completing 10 years as an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota, and the birth of our dear grandson Arlo!

                                              Congrats to Dan and the Maple Grove Girl's Tennis Team- they placed first in conference (13-1 season)-- best ever in the history of the MG team!

Kristi- Like many, Covid has brought many changes including our involvement in church in a virtual manner (even our praise songs are digitized), heavy online teaching (24 years as a professor at St. Kates), less private practice, and fewer travels, presentations, and races.  This year was our 25^th for the Purple Pumpers and though it was virtual, our team got together for several distanced bike rides. I too found ways to stay connected to dearly loved friends and family not only virtually but via distanced walks, bike rides, picnics, and Zoom events. Highlights of the year included the trips, extensive time in nature and on the lake (pontoon and kayak), time with those dearly loved, intentional living prioritizing doing the things I love to do with the people I love (in a Covid safe way), keeping the faith, striving to make a positive difference and the joy of our family including time with dad, Mikaela, Bri, Caleb, and our beautiful new grandson Arlo.

                                 Some of The Purple Pumpers- We engaged in the Virtual MS 150 with our own Cannon Valley Ride and had a number of Covid safe rides this summer!

                                       This year was one of the years with my fewest races ever- one virtual event and a live race on New Years 2020 - Fortunate to place in both

Mikaela- What a strange reality and roller coaster 2020 has been. With all of the overwhelming hardships, we have also had much joy. The biggest and most light and life giving event of the year was the birth of our amazing son, Arlo!! He will be 2 months old on December 14th! He enjoys milk, sitting up and moving, and not having acid reflux (on those magical moments when that occurs).  Bri, Caleb, Arlo and our pets Lady, Charlie, Dragon and I continue to live in Columbia Heights. Bri and I work at an awesome school in NE Minneapolis that has been distance learning nonstop since March. The wonderful Caleb is almost 8, but the height of an 11-year old! He is super sweet, loves playing hockey, dancing, helping with house projects and doing literally anything that involves spending time with his family. This year I am especially thankful for my love, safety, health and family.

                        Pre- Baby - Caleb, Mikaela and Bri meet us for a distanced picnic                                                      Mikaela and Bri surprise us and stop by!

      
It is with humble deep gratitude and unending love we congratulate Bri and Mikaela and introduce our beautiful new grandson- Arlo Daniel!

                          

      

TRAVELS- (all international travels were cancelled but pre-Covid we were able to go to Florida and I had many ski trips- there too

were some fun Covid-safe travels, here is a glimpse!

Lover's Key- Black Island Florida- A favorite place in Florida!

Ski Fun!!!

  
 Through travels, particularly with private practice,  I had opportunities for a number of ski outings, two of my favorites were at Spirit Mountain and Giant's Ridge

                                                         

 

                                             

                 

                   

               

                   

                   

Pre-Covid/ Post Covid

Celebration of Christmas 2019/ New Years 2020

Cutting Down a Tree and Visiting Santa- 2019  

              

Caleb having a great time!          

 
                                           Cutting down a tree                                                       2019- Mikaela, Bri and Caleb with us as we celebrate at mom and dad's place

Post Christmas 2019/ New Years 2020

  

Post Christmas to New Years Dinner With Nikki!                                                    Lanesboro fun with friend Charles Christiansen "Chris" and Beth Jones

 

                                                   Dinner Out- Lanesboro                                                          Gotta celebrate Christmas!

                                               CSC- Celebration - 2019


  
                                           SCU Christmas Party- 2019                                                           Fun in mental health class with Dr. Haertl :) <ok I prefer to be called Kristi>

                                                                       
                                                              December 2019- The last time we had in person graduation for our students at St. Kates


                                                                                               

Our 37th Annual Aerobics/Group Fitness Party- This Year's Will be Virtual!

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Pre-Covid...

   
                    Dinner and the Leo Kottke concert in Redwing                                                  The family enjoys the lady Gophers!!

     
Family with Lady Gopher Katie                                                                                     Another fun outing with friend Amy Heinz

                                 
    Fun Interdisciplinary Salon at Rhoda's house-                                                        Wreath Making in Robbinsdale with friends Cathy and Debbie
look at all those past St. Kate folks! (I'm present of course)


Post Covid:

Distanced walks and picnics....
            
Fun Picnic Lunch with Friend and Retired SCU Faculty Member Brenda                        Picnic with my friends Linda and Chuck "Chris"

  
Left- Birthday Celebration with Rhoda                                                                            Right- Biking fun and post picnic fun!

  

Minnehaha- Distanced Picnic and Walk with Girls Night Out friends                Distanced walk in Maple Grove (we all get together every few months- Highschool friends!



Biking; Biking; Biking!

The Purple Pumpers were fortunate to have a number of Covid-Distanced rides..


  

Our Virtual MS 150- We rode the Cannon Trail on the dates of the MS 150

 

 

Rides included Minnesota and Wisconsin, the Cannon Trail, Sakatah, Schaar's Bluff, Hastings and Many More!!! Thanks for a Fun Biking Year!



Time on the Pontoon and kayak on our lake 
 

                                                                              

     

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Family Distanced Gatherings and the joy of a new grandson Arlo Daniel!

 

                                                                                       Jack and Mittens- Pets are Such a Blessing!
                                                                                                        

                                                                                           Warm Christmas Wishes-   From our home to yours!

                                                                                               

                                                                              

                                                                                                
Christmas Beauty     

Snow fallen splendor
breathes holiday cheer
as folks busy bustle
signs Christmas near
The fervent, the feverish
rush to the store
As the season unfolds
and knocks at our door
The trees all need trimming
The stockings must be hung
The cards must be written
The bells must be rung
Yet in all the magic
In all the cheer
Take time to pause
for time with those dear
For God's love came down
and graced our Earth's Sky
In giving his gift, for you and I
Let's pause in our thanks
to the dear Lord above
and share with each other
our kindness and love
I thank each of you
for your presence you see
and how you grace
my life journey
I wish for you
both far and near
A Very Merry Christmas
and Blessed New Year!!!

Kristi