Andersons Raleigh Christmas 2020

We've had a splendid year - full of accomplishments! Maya triumphed in the First Annual Household Staring Contest™ (finally ousting Kernel Muffin - our corn snake - as champion). Azaria was celebrated as least likely to exit her bedroom before 2pm. Scott was judged "Most Mismatched Outfit", with a stunning ensemble of a green corduroy blazer with leather elbow patches by Patagonia and tye-dyed Appalachian Trail tee shirt, artfully paired with smoke-gray canvas shorts, low-cut black socks, and distressed azul shoes by Altra. And finally, Jill was voted "Got More Than Bargained For" - starting a new position as Instructional Technologist in January, not knowing that Zoom and remote technologies would rule our 2020 lives.

Maggie spent the year on the couch.

Joking aside, this year gave us all more than we bargained for. As a family we made the most of what the year had to throw at us, and looking back, we emerged much more fortunate than many others. For this we are very grateful. We hope this finds you in a similar place - and looking forward to 2021. Well wishes to all!

Azaria to Italy Backpacking Azaria Maya to UNC (and back) Jill and Scott Escape NC Camping Beachy Thanksgiving WFH

Azaria Goes to Italy

Okay, so technically this wasn't 2020, but Azaria was able to travel with her Exploris friends to Italy in Nov of 2019! You may recognize some of these folks...

The Coleseum

Friends in Italy

Italian ceiling

Italian riverwalk

Random stranger at an event

Jill and Scott Escape NC

Jill and Scott managed to escape to DC before the pandemic hit, a much-needed respite. As it turned out, we got to see lots of great artwork, from the Hirscorn Museum to the National Gallery.

Visiting Lincoln Memorial

Hirshhorn Museum

Portrait of Michelle Obama by Amy Sherald in the National Portrait Gallery

On the way home, we stopped by the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts to see the relatively new Kehinde Wiley statue

Backpacking

In the ultimate exercise in social distancing, we took a week to spend backpacking in and around Grayson Highlands, VA.

The Appalachian Trail near Grayson Highlands, VA

Scott loves maps

Beginning at Elk Gardens

Mouse in the trail

One of our hammock camps

Tree on a rock

Maya enjoying a relaxing hang

Social distancing can be fun!

Azaria Milestones

Azaria had her own share of milestones this year - turning 16 and getting her learner's permit among them

Birthday cake face

Giving Mom and Dad a break from driving

The beach is Azaria's natural habitat

Enjoying Stone Mountain SP

Azaria at the falls

We took the opportunity to recreate a photo on Scott's parent's swing. They'll be moving closer to Raleigh in 2021!

Azaria, age 4?

Azaria, 10 years later

Maya's Big Year

There were a lot of Maya-le stones this year (little Dad Joke for you there). First vote in an election, full license, and starting college! Maya started her Freshman year at UNC Chapel Hill in August. We did the traditional move-in, purchasing office supplies, sheets, and a mini-fridge. Unfortunately, we had to move all that back out 2 weeks later when several COVID clusters appeared on campus.

Maya and Charanya at RTHS Graduation

Touring the UNC Campus

Graduation caravan decorations

Maya and Zach at RTHS

Maya and Jill after voting!

Beachy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving at the beach. Sunny, warm, and relaxing.

Sunset walk at Fort Macon beach

Black Friday looking pretty bright

Sunset walks...

No schedule, no Zoom

Maya and Azaria spending their last vacation minutes on the beach

Other Excursions

As a bit of a salve for the year, we took off to one of our favorites, Black Mountain Campground, to spend a few days relaxing in the creeks and on the trails.