We started with some very happy and very sad news, all on the same weekend. Claire announced her pregnancy, and was able to announce it to Ahmed, her father-in-law just before he died.
I went to Washington, D.C. as part of the AARO delegation to Overseas Americans Week in February. We plead our cause to the staffers of many, many Representatives and Senators. We asked them to please consider the adverse effects of citizen-based taxation and to consider adopting residence-based taxation. If you've been reading my posts, I've complained enough. It seems, though, that perhaps there might be a chance for residence-based taxation to make the Republican platform. I consider it a non-partisan reform, but if only the Republicans take it up, then so be it. Anyway, AARO is sending a new delegation to D.C. at the end of February 2014 and I hope to be part of it!
Anne took a leave of absence to explore other job possibilities, but this is really not the best economic climate for that and she will be returning to her job in January.
We spent two weeks of vacation with Claire, Geoff, and the girls in La Rochelle and in the country at the eastern side of Charentes-Maritimes. At the very end of August, Emma finally was able to sign the purchase of the property in the Tarn-et-Garonne and she and Gabriel are settling in -- not in the house yet, but at least they are down there: fixing up the house, meeting the neighbors, finding out all the things to do, and so on.
October was a busy, busy month. First Constance was born on October 3. We had a full week before she was born to become familiar with Aurelia's routine and hardly any time afterwards because I was leaving for the US, again. That was a really quick weekend trip to see my high school classmates, and I got a chance to see Jon and Eric, too, as a bonus, so it counts as a really great trip. Then, as soon as I got home, we left for La Réunion for a two-week vacation with Louis and Gwen's wedding in the middle! Anne was able to be there with us. As I said, a busy, busy month.
We had a houseful over Christmas, but not bursting because Claire, et al, stayed in England this year, to spend the holiday with Alison and the rest of the family. We also have the official announcement of a newcomer to Louis and Gwen's family, scheduled for late June or early July.
So you can see why we are ready to welcome 2014 and hope the same goes for you!
A very happy new year to you, Ellen and your loved ones. It was one hell of a year and meeting you was one of the best things to come my way.
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