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As 2023 comes to an end, Tracie, the girls, and I have so much to be thankful for.

Georgia, who turned 12 this month, is in her first year in middle school, a legacy music magnet program where she plays violin. Over the summer, she auditioned and was placed in the top performing orchestra. She is also taking private lessons and loves her teacher.

Lila Jane, who turned 10 in July, not only plays cello in the performing orchestra at her elementary school, also a legacy magnet. But she plays with a small chamber group of select cello players as well. We are so sad that it’s her last year at our beloved elementary school. But it’s been thrilling to see/follow all of her end-of-the-year concerts.

Both girls are studying Italian at home (!!!) and getting straight A’s at school and you can only imagine how proud we are of them. Our home and lives are filled with music and it’s a dream come true for both Tracie and me.

Tracie’s 2023 as a realtor has been challenging. But she’s still loving her new career. It’s been a tough year but she’s still bringing home the bacon, which is awesome.

My work has really come together again. I spent most of October and November on the road, which wasn’t easy. But I got to see some truly interesting places and interact with some really cool wine pros.

We spent our summer vacation in Orange Beach, Alabama (above). And not long after we headed to La Jolla for my mom’s 90th. She asked me to organize a wine tasting for her friends and we all had a blast.

We feel so blessed for each other, for our community, and we pray for peace and for our country.

Merry Christmas! May G-d bless us all.