Best of 2014

Dear family and friends,

It was wonderful to see many of you this year. We hope to see many more in 2015. In an attempt to make sense of 2014, we've compiled a list of memorable events, in no particular order.

Best niece or nephew visit: Xavier - We are hoping the others accept our invitation soon.

Xavier in front of the Sultan Mosque, Arab Street

Weirdest (and most memorable) family moment: Chris meeting his half-brother (also named Chris) for the first time in November. Sadly, it was due to the passing of Grandpa Glen. He will be missed.

Best coordinated jump shot (and newest country): Maldives

Most cleanly-devoured fish (and best trip with Hisako's parents): Amakusa (Japan)

Best fish and chips: salmon! (Oregon)

Best open-faced sandwich: curried herring and potato salad on rye (Copenhagen)

Best-looking drying fish (sorry - the sign says they are already reserved): Atami Onsen

Best bicycle ride (Hisako): Paris

Best bicycle ride (Chris): Copenhagen

Freshest salad: made by our friend Mika from Nakabaru

Best double rainbow: CDG airport, Paris

Best desserts: Germain Cafe, Paris

Highest trail: Sanitas in Boulder, CO with our friend Bob (great hike, but too hot to summit)

Highest peak: Mt. Takadake (Kumamoto), with our friends Kei and Maki

Most Midwestern meal: Iowa

Favorite rock: Oregon

Favorite installation art with thousands of rocks: Riverbed by Olafur Eliasson, Louisiana Museum of Modern Art (Denmark)

Longest shadow: Oshidoishi with our friend Shusaku (Kumamoto)

Best autumn foliage (daytime): Atami Onsen

Best autumn foliage (evening): Atami Onsen

Best panda siting: red panda at Singapore River Safari

Runner-up, best panda siting: "normal" panda at Singapore River Safari

Most memorable elephant shower: Singapore Zoo

Best-sounding surf (and newest state for Chris): Oregon

Runner-up, best-sounding surf: Maldives

Third place, best-sounding surf: Atami Onsen, Japan

Where to next year? (sign in downtown Portland)
We hope to meet you somewhere!