Hello friends,

It's been another good year for the Bowler family. It wasn't without challenges, but overall, we feel the blessings of our heavenly Father.

The biggest adventure for us this year was a 10-day family trip to Orlando. We've never done a trip like this, so it was a fun change from our usual holidays. We were joined by Erica's brother and family, as well as both all our parents. Coordinating schedules with 14 people made things a little more intensive, but it was worth the time (and money . . . so much money!)

And each of our children are doing well.

Grace
A full year of college and working. She's decided to stick with her social work education to pursue a Bachelor's degree, rather than stopping at the certificate level at our community college. And she and Tristan hit their two year dating anniversary this fall.

Matthew
Fully embracing the life of the student athlete, Matt has 3 main things that get 98% of his energy and attention. His faith, his education, and his physical training. He's added swimming to his running and stretching routines this fall.

Other notable moments: he got his driver's license (which leaves us with 4 drivers in the home, a life changing amount of flexibility in getting everyone to their necessary activities), and he was baptized a week before Christmas.

Jack
He continues to be the easiest going member of our home. He struggled a little with one class in grade 9, but with a lot of encouragement (and some tough love), he's improved that a lot in grade 10.

Jack's biggest focus is hanging out with his friend group, and saving up for his school trips to Europe. Last year he toured Greece and Italy, and this spring break he'll be on a trip to France, Belgium, and the Netherlands.

Miles
Miles is greatly enjoying his year of being the in the oldest group in school (grade 7). He's very settled into his friend group and a lot more confident and self-aware as he's gotten older.

He started in gymnastics this past year and has loved it. He's focused completely on the trampoline and will be participating in his first competitions early in 2024.

Andrew, Emily, and Aubrey
We continued to love being grandparents and spending more time with Emily and her family. Aubrey turned two this November and reminds me so much of her mom when she was that age.

The Rest

It was a year of professional change for me. After struggling to find a role on the Postmark team after it was acquired, my time with Active Campaign came to an end in January. I quickly got in touch with an old acquaintance, and this led to a new role at Desiring God starting in May.

The move from software to the non-profit world is an interesting shift. But more importantly, this specific non-profit is focused on what I care about most: solid, Biblical teaching.

And, of course, saving the best for last — Erica is the glue that holds our family together. She's continued working in her RN role in public health on a casual basis, but it's the rest of her week that makes our house a home.

“Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.” —1 Thess 5:23–24