Happy Holidays and Happy New Year to you, our friends and family!

This past year was full of joys and adventures for us. It was also a bitter-sweet time, which showed the evil that exists in the world and the love and goodness that is in each of us. September 11, 2001 brought about many unexpected things.  We received calls from old friends, checking to see if our family was safe and together.  We received calls from concerned family, giving us support and courage.  Despite the evil that was displayed, we were reminded that “there’s no place like home” and how rich our lives are because of loving friends and family.

Adrian's Sixth Grade picture

Adrian began this year with a bang! In February, his essay on drug awareness was chosen to be read at the 5th grade DARE graduation.  He participated in a piano recital at Chrysler Museum in Norfolk , playing the theme from “Phantom of the Opera.”  Both events were attended by Mom and Dad, Grandma and Grandpa Armbruster, and friends Bill and Barbara Lane .  We were so pleased to share his piano recital with Aunt Donna and cousin Dani, and dear friend, Debbie Parker.  He’s now in 6th grade and experiencing middle school trials and tribulations.  He was elected Student Council Treasurer.  He played on the school soccer team, and has recently been selected to play on the junior varsity basketball team.  He is a member of the chess club and still studies piano.  He enjoys cooking, writing adventure stories, and playing video and computer games.  His goal in life is to become a scientist or zoologist, while writing piano concertos.  He’s decided to give up the professional basketball career!

Adrian's piano recital at Chrysler Museum, February

Lee Ann began her 5th year teaching the blind and visually impaired for Virginia Beach City Public Schools.  She also began graduate school at Regent University , majoring in Cross-Categorical Special Education.  Studying and work take up most of her time, but she still enjoys going to the opera, reading, and entertaining friends.  Her September 12 birthday was spent counting her many blessings.

Robie has spent much of the year on the road, from Groton Connecticut in the north to San Diego California in the West, and an almost weekly trip to just outside Washington DC (but, fortunately, never to the Pentagon).  Up until October he worked for Commander, Submarine Forces US Atlantic Fleet (which sounds grand!); then in October COMSUBLANT changed titles and became Commander, Naval Submarine Forces.  Next month he completes two years in his current job, which is the longest he’s been in one job in the last six.  He starts a new job at COMNAVSUBFOR in January, which will be his last in the Navy.

Adrian reading his prize-winning essay at Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) graduation in February.

Cooking with Dad!