The Tuckers in Alaska: A New Year, and Lots of Big Changes

JEEZ! A year and a half since our last post?! Well, it's not for lack of staying active. In the seemingly brief time since we last gave an update, we've enjoyed birthdays, trips, school ceremonies and performances, a new job for Brandon, a new car for Malcolm, and all the rest. Stephanie is nearly finished with her graduate school work, and will soon hold a hard-earned Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education. Calvin has continued his track record of being elected student of the month, and Chloe has maintained her status as an honor roll student, with a GPA above 3.75. Malcolm had the opportunity to perform with his school's celebrated marching band in the 2017 Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade, and is preparing to do the same at a series of ceremonies in France honoring the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Meanwhile, Chloe is gearing up for her class trip to Greece soon.

In October, Brandon flew down to Seattle to buy Malcolm's first car, a cherry red 2003 Subaru Outback. He then spent the next week driving it back up through British Columbia and Yukon before heading across eastern Alaska and back home. Brandon also took a new job after over a dozen years working for the State, and is now a sales rep for Specialty Imports, an independent beer, wine, and spirits distributor. His days of commuting 90 miles to and from Anchorage are over.

Chloe joined National Junior Honor Society, tutors elementary school kids, partners with special needs students at her school, and even assists in the school office, all while maintaining straight As. Malcolm loves playing trumpet in both marching band and symphonic band, and is aiming to join jazz band. He's also turned his attention to acting, and is currently performing in a production of The Three Musketeers as the villainous captain of the guard, Rochefort. Most recently Malcolm passed his driver's test, and is now driving himself to and from school. And Calvin continues to wow everyone with his artwork, his storytelling, and his unique flair, while still turning in top grades and earning praise from his teachers and principal.

Through it all, we've done our best to have fun and enjoy the twists and turns life throws for an ever-busy family. As usual, there's too much to describe in detail, so let these photos do the talking. Needless to say, life is good...