What a Wonderful Year 2018 was indeed! I've been fortunate to have time to reflect on pictures and posts recently. I can not share the reactions here, I am grateful facebook/ instagram captured it and share as the year goes. What I appreciate is the foundation these good times have built upon- not just a great trip to the OBX with Stoners in 2018 or Leithausers lake time over a holiday -repeated get together for years in these now beloved places have made memories all the more rich and valued. Camp for the girls isn't just camp- its beautiful journeys to West Virginia that started when I was a girl. The college searches are fun- nice to have Clare and Peter close for efficiencies! Wooster it is for Clare, although I thought it would be Peter's- he has loved basketball camp there. We'll see what 2019 holds for him. I remember my search and thank my parents great coaching that led me to Denison and the liberal arts education. It wasn't the school I picked for myself from "the book". What would my life be like if we hadn't stopped in Granville when traveling to Ohio. And yay Joe for following Scott to Granville in 1986. 2018 is wonderful as it will be one of those important years when we reflect in the future. Good to know now!
Not shown on the 2018 card: basketball, field hockey, tennis, golf, swim team, Moundbuilders Country Club, a full life in Granville and beyond thanks to so many dear friends, special trips you can find in earlier posts or call and ask us! Joe and I are both having success with our fulfiling careers- Data Analytics and Development- we work in incredible folks! We're very blessed, we count our blessings and are grateful for a wonderful 2018!!! It wasn't perfect and certainly some challenaging times- but a year full of wonder as we reflect, count our blessings and look forward to what 2019 will bring.
And as always we hope you'll join us to celebrate, gather, thank and connect at
our annual Derby Party! Once invited always invited- save the date-
Saturday, May 4, 2018- details on the blog this spring!! The photographs of Clare are from her senior photo session with Susan Miller:
Future post with more amazing photos coming soon!!
https://www.facebook.com/Susan-Miller-Photography-227616353932244/
So here is scoop on these pics with some behind the scenes scoop:
Joe and Susan top left corner- knocking on doors for the Granville School levy- earlier blog bout it. Love to partner with my beloved Joe!
Leithauser 5- top center- Keeneland Fall 2018- love love this tradition, all the more fun this year with expanded Granville group! Love that we all love to dress-up, enjoy the math\handicapping lessons and shopping in the south.
Leithauser 3 kids- right top corner- Wooster bookstore- this was her magic day. Thanks to cousin Kathy for setting up the perfect visit- an International Political Science class, where she understood thanks to GHS Global Studies and a visit with the Lacrosse coaches. That led to the invite to return and clinic with the team, that led to the offer to join the team! Dream come true for Clare- liberal arts school and playing lax!
Center right side- Homestead pool with the Stoner cousins- even rain didn't dampen our summer get together. We missed Clare- working as a camp counselor- but really value the fun at this historic southern retreat! Louisa is Sarah's daughter standing, Grace and Emma- Matthew's daughters on the left.
Center right side- Joe and Sally- post lax game at Bryn Du, Granville. Sports certainly provides so many lessons and bonding times in our lives on Newark-Granville Road!
Bottom right corner- Congratulations Will Leithauser! Taken at St. Charles Graduation with the Leithuaser family- so proud of Joe's godson. He is doing so well at University Cincinnati!
Center bottom- Family cocktail picture on the Homestead porch- Nana/Pap love to get us together under one roof and we try to capture it with a photo. We coordinated this around camp drop off- time with Clare wasn't on site but still quality time!
Left bottom corner- neighbor trick-or-treat- we have great neighbors- this is one fun moment! Thanks Tina Wayne Berman for these costumes!!
Left side- Peter shares a dance with me during dinner at The Homestead- hmmm many pictures from that weekend made the card- I really must value that time!! Also love the tradition of a dance- with Joe, my Dad, my brother, my brother in law, the girls with their brother, Peter with Nana.....
Left side- December tree decorating with Sanaya- our Denison host student from India and our classmate's daughter! And...Lucy- the new one year old St. Bernard pup we adopted in December!!
That evening was full with a visit to the Works for the glass artist-in-residence show, picked up Indian food at Taste of India in Heath, chased down the dog as she escaped and it freaked Sally out and we were not the best at remaining calm but found her at the neighbors....and then drove to see amazing Christmas lights in Licking County before taking Sanaya home.
The year isn't over and the winter season has just begun as it is the Winter Solstice, so check back for 2018 holiday wrap up next week! Thanks for reading, sharing, caring and staying in touch!
Warmly- Susan with Joe, Clare, Peter and Sally!
Small town living- supporting friends and their beautiful store in Granville, Ohio! It has been great to watch the Koester's entrepreneurial spirit drive success. The store began as part of the Real Deals family over on Westgate Drive, always a place to find a way to update/freshen-up the house or a great gift for a friend or yourself- think jewelry! Today the independent three floor boutique has so much to offer-check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/pg/CedarandThread/about/?ref=page_internal and shop from home or phone here: https://cedarandthread.com Watching the clothing product lines evolve has been a treat! Today I found the perfect outfit- tunic and necklaces- for Cocktails by the Fire on 2-2-19 at The Works! I was planning on making my way to the fun happening for the next three days celebrating the new name and chapter for the Koester's business. It was nice to be asked to attend the ribbon cutting to celebrate a Granville Chamber of Commerce Member! I'm excited to serve Granville and Denison- pictures above is me in red- repping our color and proud to be photographed with Licking Country and Granville Chamber staff, as well as Granville's Village Manager. Congrats Michele and Craig, you have build a wonderful business for our community and your family. Your staff and offerings are wonderful- thanks for doing business in Granville. Life on Newark-Granville Road loves to shop local and you make it easy!
