Greer Family News December 22, 2021: Christmas Newsletter
David, Jocelyn, Diego, Daniel, Sandy Featherby, Carley, Karalee, Kevin, Benita, and Allen
Dogs: Mimosa, Tammy, and Meeka
A year ago, with COVID restrictions we couldn't hug Kevin, Allen, or their partners as they dropped off their gifts for Christmas. While we stayed connected virtually, it wasn't the same as being in the same room. Thankfully this summer was filled with family time.
Kevin and Carley Get Married
Kevin and Carley with David's Mom Diana Greer at the Wedding Reception
On Aug 28, 2021 Kevin and Carley got married at Covert Farms in Oliver, BC. It was a perfect afternoon, sunny, with a light breeze to keep us cool in the middle of the vineyards. A lovely reception followed in a covered open-air building. Friends and family from near and far came to celebrate, including David's 93-year old Mom.
After the wedding, they stayed in a luxurious AirBnB, followed by a few nights camping. Their advice to newlyweds is spend your whole honeymoon in a lovely Bed and Breakfast and skip the camping.
In August, Carley and Kevin moved from Vancouver to Langley. Carley continues with her nursing degree in Chilliwack, with clinical work at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital. Carley's commute was cut in half with the move. Kevin continues to work remotely for Lululemon.
See more of Kevin and Carley's wedding with these web pages and photographs.
Allen and Benita Thrive
Benita and Allen
Allen found a new employment opportunity with ApplyBoard on the East Coast, which inspired a trip to visit Toronto for the first time. He and Benita met the Douglas family, the newest additions to this seemingly ever-growing family. In addition to Toronto, Benita and Allen spent time exploring BC as well, having gone to Vancouver Island a few times this year.
Douglas Family Visit: Graham, Peter, Benita, Scott, Allen, Tervor, and Jessica (Baby Will is on the floor)
Benita continues to work for the BC Government, moving from a local to regional team that oversees a larger area of communities. When both aren't working, they enjoy cooking new meals for friends and family and exploring the outdoors.
Jocelyn and Daniel Find A New Home
Jocelyn, Diego, and Daniel Having A Great Tme at Tugboat Island
Jocelyn and Daniel sold their townhome in Lynn Valley and bought a house near Capilano Road in North Vancouver. The house is on a secluded street with a creek running through the property. It feels like you are in the country when you are there.
The house had tenants and required renovations to make it workable. In late April, Jocelyn, Daniel, Diego, and their dog Mimo moved in with us. They moved into their new home a few weeks ago, and still have some renovations to complete.
Grandson Diego continues to grow and thrive. We were thrilled to have extra time with him. He started a new daycare, moving from 3 days/week to 5. With a two-hour commute to daycare twice a day while they lived with us, it made for some interesting logistical challenges for all of us.
Together, we took a four-day weekend on Sea Bird. We sailed to the Northern Gulf Islands and had a blast playing on the dock, boat, and island. The ever adventurous Jocelyn even jumped off the bow while Diego watched. Having a Grandson is so special.
Karalee Starts Something New
Karalee in Brentwood Bay
Karalee joined startup business Rayl, dedicated to small and medium-sized businesses to have access to low-cost software and marketing opportunities. Founded by George Moen (founder of Blenz), there is a real camaraderie with the members and a true focus to make life more efficient for small business owners.
Until September, Karalee looked after Diego every Monday and helped with the driving to and from Diego's daycare. Diego spent lots of time with Nana in her garden. It helped that we had a stunningly beautiful summer.
Karalee is enjoying Sea Breeze, our Catalina 34 sailboat. There was lots of family time together boating. We find it hard to believe that 20 years ago this month we left the South of France for our first overnight passage of our Mediterranean adventure.
David Enjoys Sea Bird
David and Karalee Kayaking in Long Harbour, Salt Spring Island
Professionally, David added a lot of new 1-on-1 coaching clients over the summer. He is still adjusting to a much busier schedule and the logistics of organizing many more clients. He still has room for 1-2 more if you know entrepreneurs who need support.
A lot of David's time was dedicated to Sea Bird. He spent 86 nights away sailing 600 NM, all within Georgia Straight and the Gulf Islands. In June he worked with another sailor to install all new instruments on Sea Bird. David spent all of November living and working at Port Sidney Marina.
More 2021 News
Jocelyn Jumping Off the Bow of Sea Bird at Tugboat Island
Karalee and David committed early in 2021 to no international travel during the year. David did fly to Edmonton in July to see his Mom and attend his niece's wedding. That was a fabulous time to connect with all of the Greer family.
After Kevin and Carley's wedding, Karalee and David did a road trip to Cranbrook where they spent time with Karalee's Mom Barb and friend Natasha Wilson. From there they drove to Golden, spending time with David's sister Wendy, her husband Pete, and son Owen. Next was Calgary and a day with his Douglas family. Then time with David's sister Nancy and husband Kevin.
See all the photos ...
David, Karalee, and Peter Douglas in Toronto
In October, David and Karalee flew to Toronto to spend a week with David's birth father Peter Douglas. They visited Peter's cabin on Muskoka Lake, enjoying the water, and seeing his three brothers.
Wishing you are your family an awesome 2022.