Checking-In: Winter 2020

As we put 2020 in the rear view, the new year rolls in on waves of hope. Hope for a successful rollout of a COVID vaccine, hope for those currently unemployed to return to their jobs and hope for our kids to safely return to their classrooms. While we still have some lingering business to attend to from the old year, the new year brings the potential of containing the virus and allowing our economy to begin to recover and re-open. Meanwhile, we continue to adapt to a new normal and work as diligently as ever to provide for our existing client, as well as new clients, the help they need to achieve their planning and investment goals.

The H Group, Inc. – Portland

	Scott and his family have been staying pretty close to home during the final months of the year. They certainly wish they had some more interesting events to report but are looking forward to some travel and social activities once the current rate of Covid infections declines a bit.
	The King Family is excited for 2021 and looking forward to more future family gatherings and travel. On the positive side, our Frenchton dawgs (Chance and Murphy) have stated that 2020 was an outstanding year (more family at home and more walks).
	Jessica enjoyed a quiet holiday season and was ready for the start of a new year. The last few months were filled with countless audio books, games, and movies. She is hopeful this quarter will bring more activity and time outdoors. As always, Owen is dreaming of snow. He is also starting his mental countdown to the end of 7th grade.
	James spent the month of November serving on grand jury duty for Clackamas County. While he appreciated the experience, it was a great relief once it was finally over. Otherwise, he and his family enjoyed a low-key, Zoom filled holiday season. Owen is looking forward to attending Kindergarten in a classroom soon and Levi continues to strive to be just like his big brother. James and Heather are staying optimistic about catching up on some lost travel time as they look forward to a safer, more active 2021.
	Lindsay spent the last couple months of the year purchasing a new house! She is looking forward to moving in the new year and turning her house into a home for her and her son.

The fourth quarter was busy and fulfilling for Dale, meeting client needs as well as a very full calendar. He attended virtually a two-day annual Estate Planning Seminar held in Seattle in November. Six family birthdays, his wedding anniversary, and a Zoom all-family Christmas gathering made for an enriching month of December and celebratory end to 2020. His birthday is one of the six in December. He enjoyed a chilly birthday of winter steelhead fishing on the Sandy River. A great day fishing even if not so good catching! He and his family are looking forward optimistically to 2021.

Although the holiday season this year looked very different from other years, there were definite positives. Heather managed to “visit” with family members near and far through several Zoom calls which was a wonderful way to connect. As a family we were able to relax and slow down without many of the pressures and expectations of a “regular” Christmas season. She enjoyed lots of family time together eating, baking (which also involved eating!!), weekend trips to the coast and day trips closer to home. After trying Stand Up Paddle Boarding for the first time last summer Heather received one as a Christmas gift and is looking forward to lots of lake and (slow moving) river trips this summer.

The H Group, Inc. – Bellevue

	Jason
	Stephanie
	Esther and her husband enjoy long walks, discovering new trails in their community as well as the occasional hike or drive for a change in scenery.  One weekend, they were able to snag a campsite last minute and enjoyed a brisk outing in their Eurovan Camper along the Washington coast.  They continue with weekly video chats with their kids and grandkids in California but were sad to miss their annual in-person gatherings over Thanksgiving and Christmas due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.  She is looking forward to 2021 with more outdoor activities and hopefully at long last a visit with their California family whom they’ve not seen in person in over a year.
	Aidan