Merry Christmas and happy holidays!

This past Saturday, Amy and I returned from another fantastic sailing trip in the British Virgin Islands (see my Facebook page for photos). For me the week wasn’t long enough, but for Amy, it was probably too long. Of course, the inverse seems to apply to our frequent visits to New York City (Amy can’t get enough and with me, well, let’s just say I’d rather be sailing).

That whole cliché that kids grow up fast, as it turns out, is pretty darn on the mark. It wasn’t that long ago that Amy and I were without children, and now Grace is 8; Isabel is 6; and Michael turns 4 in March. Between the three of them, we are involved with tennis, gymnastics, soccer, skiing, swimming, girl scouts, and sewing for our aspiring fashion designer (Grace) — and that’s just the kid’s activities. Amy took up triathlons this year and I’m close to getting my private pilot’s certificate.

Amy continues to lead 60 Plus while serving on the ACU, NFWL, and MPOA boards, while I continue my sabbatical from politics now having become a serial entrepreneur of sorts. Our newest venture — probably the coolest and a definite new area for us — a craft brewery to open in mid-2015.

Many of you should have received a hard-copy of our annual Christmas card in your postal service mailbox earlier this week, but in case you didn’t, you can find an electronic copy of the 2014 edition below.

This Christmas, as we again reflect on the past year and the incredible blessing that His birth is on our lives, we are grateful for the gift you all have provided us in your friendship and for allowing us to share our life with you.

May God bless you with a joyful holiday season and a prosperous, healthy year ahead.

-JMF