Greetings dear family and friends! As we embark on a new year filled with possibilities, we wanted to reflect on cherished moments, celebrate achievements, and embrace the joy that binds us. Welcome to the latest edition of our family newsletter wrapping up 2023.
FAMILY HAPPENINGS
The Lawrences were extremely busy starting off 2023, as they were preparing to sell their home in Silver Spring, MD. There was a never-ending task list of repairs, packing, staging, open houses, house showings, and house hunting filling up much of the available time. Can you believe that someone brought their dog to the open house?! Can you believe that while we were hosting an open house, a stranger who misplaced their cell phone the night before (somewhere in Washington DC) called and met the police at our open house to have a discussion about the lost cell phone in the parking lot?! Selling the house was an adventure. The Lawrences sold their home early in 2023, and were able to move into their new home in April.
The Lawrences were lucky to find a great house in Germantown, MD. As we moved in, we brought hopes and dreams for exciting times. The previous owners did a remarkable number of upgrades to the house, so now it is just on us to really make it ours with some of the Lawrence touch. Some fun times to come with game nights, BBQs random-themed get togethers, and fun gatherings.
The Lawrences decided to break in their new kitchen, as they hosted their first Thanksgiving in the new house. There was plenty of cheer, thanks, and love to go around to make the event a success. Oh, and food. Lots of food!
Shamika purchased her first Electric Vehicle in 2023, which she dutifully named Voltaire. Voltaire charges nicely within the garage of our new home by night, and wheels across the DMV by day.
At the end of the year, we took a cooking class to make a Beef Wellington. What seemed to be a challenging dish was not so difficult to make after all. Shamika and Jeff can’t wait to try to make the dish for family and friends in the new year.
WORK TO TWERK
Shamika is a Civil Service employee for the U.S. Department of State now. She assumed the duties as the Deputy Chief of Operations in the Office of Protection for Diplomatic Security (DS). Currently she is acting as the Chief of Operations until that position is filled. She went to NYC for a few weeks in September for the 78th United Nations General Assembly. She went to San Francisco for a few weeks in November for the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit. She is excited to see what this year brings for the evolving work requirements.
Jeff is a Senior Human Factors Engineer supporting ERAM and EIDS programs. Fortunately, he is still able to work from the home office the majority of the time, but still goes into the business office a couple of times a week.
TRAVEL NEAR AND FAR
Jeff and Shamika travelled to Charlotte to attend their sister-in-law’s (Clare) baby shower. There have been several new additions to the extended family this year as Shamika and Jeff welcomed two nephews: Corey Lawrence and Royal Brooks.
In July, the Lawrences travelled to Cancun, Mexico to vacation on an all inclusive resort. The food was magnificent, water was warm, and the resort was lovely. The iguanas were also plentiful (and feisty). It was great to get away for a few days to lounge around the pool and make friends with the other hotel guests and some of the iguanas. We even learned how to make ceviche.
The Lawrences also travelled to Martinsville, Virginia to attend the baby dedication of the Thomas twins. They travelled to Baltimore a couple times this year, once to celebrate Jeff’s 41st birthday and once to attend a Baltimore Ravens game.
While Shamika was in NYC for the month of September, Jeff made a visit. He came up for the weekend and they were able to squeeze in a site or two. Shamika was also able to make a quick trip to Sacramento to see her sister before her nephew, Royal, was born. It was such a blessing to celebrate her big sis and her pregnancy. Baby Royal was bron in December. Jeff and Shamika can’t wait to make the trip out to Sacramento to see baby Royal.
Jeff and Shamika traveled around the DMV to enjoy some of the local attractions. They went to DC to tour the National Mall and Capitol grounds with Polly and Nola and attended the pride parade. In Maryland, they went to the Caribbean Festival at Linganore Wines and hard cidery. In Virginia, we took the journey to Middleburg with Polly and Nola for the annual Christmas in Middleburg. It was a fun-filled day of Christmas festivities. A Christmas in Middleburg felt like a Hallmark movie come to life. We will definitely be back!
GOALS FOR THE NEW YEAR
For 2024, there are a few goals we would like to achieve. We want to try new recipes, travel to at least two new places, go to the beach, set an exercise routine, and find more time to connect with family and friends. As we set out to accomplish these goals, we hope to enjoy these moments with family and friends.
Here’s to a year filled with growth, joy, and accomplishments.
God Bless,
The Lawrences
The Lawrence Chronicles 