An eventful year, 2018 has brought many changes to our lives. We moved into our new house on January 1st and began our first home-owning experience. My great grandfather was once asked how long he owned his house. He replied “That house owned me for 50 years!” Our house has owned us for one year now and between painting all the walls and ceilings, refinishing the wood floor, replacing the furnace, and moving ductwork, Mike (and sometimes Debbie) have been busy.
Though it is work, we enjoy the spacious fenced in backyard where we can grill and have parties. We enjoy the compact size of the interior, which makes cleaning and talking to each other from other rooms quite convenient. The kitchen and dining room layout is perfect for hosting lunch or dinner for friends and family, which we love doing frequently.
In early February, we set out to find some sun. Leaving cold, cloudy Potsdam behind we decided to fly to the beach in Texas. It was neither warm nor sunny, but at least it wasn’t snowing. We enjoyed riding fat bikes, collecting seashells, and seeing new sights. We were also able to make a day trip from our beach rental to San Antonio to visit family, friends, and, of course, the Alamo.
A month later we were off again – this time bound for Utah. A whirlwind trip with massive travel hiccups, we were still able to get to Moab and meet up with Mike’s college friends. Hiking and biking, seeing cool geological features, and taking some cool night photos were the highlights of our trip. This time we were able to find both warmth and sunshine before heading back to the snowy north.
Monthly visits to Watertown to see Debbie’s midwife/doctor filled the winter and spring. Now that traveling was more uncomfortable for Debbie’s growing belly, we took shorter car trips to Lake Placid, Burlington, Sackets Harbor, and Westtown to see Debbie’s parents. Also, four baby showers were thrown for baby Simon.
For our first anniversary, we spent the weekend in Ottawa being tourists.
This summer we replaced the Audi wagon with a newer, safer BMW wagon. We both miss the car that first made Debbie think Michael was the coolest guy in the world and that she should date him, but we know it is for the better.
We are blessed to have family and friends come visit us frequently. In January, Debbie’s aunt and uncle came for a few days, and we enjoyed multiple visits from Debbie’s parents and Michael’s dad throughout the year. We loved having Debbie’s grandma, aunt, and cousin for a day this fall so they could see where we live.
Debbie was lucky enough to be able to work full time at LC Drives until a week before Simon was born. Designing and building fixtures for their motor assembly line, she has learned much since starting there three years ago. After a three month maternity leave, she was able to go back part-time and work from home to be with Simon.
Michael continues to thrive at his job at Clarkson, where he single-handedly runs the internet.
When we aren’t out on adventure, we love to spend time with our friends and family in the area.
Mike and Debbie love their church community. Mike runs the sound system at church once a month, and prior to Simon’s arrival, Debbie set out coffee and refreshments and watched kids in the nursery.
On June 10th, Simon Reynolds made his appearance. Since then, our lives have changed dramatically as we are constantly learning and changing. We are thankful to all be healthy and safe.
So far Simon has enjoyed hiking, taking walks, Clarkson hockey games, and short trips to Burlington, Brant Lake, and Westtown.
This December we celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus, in this Christmas time. We are thankful that through all the years and trips and seasons He is with us. Wishing you all the joy of the holidays!
The Knaebels
Awesome year in review!