Happy New Year!

Happy Holidays Loved Ones, 

We started off the New Year living in Park Ridge, Illinois where Mason was attending a fellowship with the Department of Energy at Argonne Laboratory.  He finished his program in May having listened to many podcasts, learned coding, attending dozens of lectures, and writing his culminating paper on Machine Learning’s Role in the Air Force.  We were completely spoiled by his schedule, living a year slightly unattached from the Air Force, and being within 30 minutes of most of our family members.  We enjoyed exploring the Chicago area to the fullest, even though it’s our hometown.    

In June we moved to Omaha, Nebraska and we are really enjoying it.  It’s the perfect balance of urban/rural for us.  We have been surprised by how hilly the terrain can be and we’ve taken advantage of hiking in the warmer weather and checking out local attractions with the kids.  Another big milestone for us was purchasing our first home.  I fear we have been spoiled forever, especially when we go back to base housing one day.  For now we are living the good life here in Nebraska.       

Mason started his new staff job doing nuclear mission planning at Strategic Command HQ here at Offutt Air Force Base.  He won’t be flying during this assignment, but has some work travel lined up to new and exciting locations.  He isn’t able to talk about his role in the office much at home, but enjoys the work he is doing, the people in his shop, and the reasonable hours.  He’s been rocking his fitness goals and hits the gym 7 days a week, enjoys hiking with the family, assisting with Cub Scouts, and building legos with the boys in the evenings.  He can usually be found relaxing by the fireplace playing Mario Kart on his phone in the evenings. 

  

Ellen continues to keep the home front running by making sure the pantry is well-stocked and the washing machine doesn’t sit idle.  She continues to teach English and Social Studies online and just this month was promoted to a full-time position which she’ll do from home.  She’s gotten involved with writing for the Omaha Moms Blog, Officers’ Spouses Club (especially book club, bunco, and playgroup), helping with Cub Scouts, attending a women’s bible study on base, and going to Moms of Preschoolers (MOPS) here in town.  She is never without a book and has read/listened to over 75 books this year.  

Theodore turned eight in September and is a sweet spirit.  This year Theo’s love of all things sports has really started to shine.  He loves to play and watch football, and was lucky enough to attend several pro sports games when we lived in Illinois last year.  Theo spends a lot of time outdoors pitching baseballs, playing football, and enjoying friends in our new neighborhood.  He is a Bear in Cub Scouts, takes swimming lessons, ran 32 miles in 37 days with the school run/walk club, is in the military kids club at school, has run some 5Ks on base, and participated in a Kids Triathlon this summer.  When he’s not running around he’s frequently found on his ipad watching videos, making videos, and reading, reading, reading. 

Woodrow turned six in August which is hard to believe!  It’s been amazing to watch him grow throughout the year.  He blossomed in Kindergarten last year-learning how to read, taking part in book club, and blasting math facts.  He is currently enjoying first grade.  He ran 52 miles in 37 days with the school run/walk club, participated in some 5Ks on base, and participates in the military kids club at school.   Woodrow learned to ride his bike this year, enjoys hiking, playing with lego minifigures, and playing on his ipad.  He attended a short baseball camp in the summer, is currently in swimming lessons, and is a Tiger Cub Scout.  

Maximus turned three in October and is a joy.  Throughout the year he’s taken gymnastics and music classes, gone on many playgroup outings, and started swimming lessons this Fall.  He definitely wants to keep up with his big brothers on all of their adventures and is known for sneaking treats around the house.  Max is super friendly, talkative, and loves to be with his family.  He loves to snuggle and most recently is really into pretend cooking and Toy Story.   

  

I have not done a great job keeping up with our family blog this year, but I hope to be better in the upcoming year; so you can check out our adventures at http://ellenmason.blogspot.com.  The boys also love to receive snail mail or emails.  2019 was a great year for our family.  Our marriage prospered and our kids are thriving; we are truly blessed and can’t wait to see the adventures 2020 holds. 

Peace, Happiness, and Love