Holiday Greetings from Colorado!

2013 was another year of adventure for the Hoffmans. Gary continued to facilitate seminars on leadership and character development at the Air Force Academy and consult this year while Mary continued her quest to create the ideal mountain garden environment. We enjoyed a mini-vacation in Santa Fe in February and sampled some great southwestern cuisine during their restaurant week. The weather was unseasonably mild during our stay in one of the historic hotels.

Mary decided it was time to finally get her right hip fixed. In March, she had hip replacement surgery. The first few weeks weren't much fun, but after a few months of physical therapy she is doing fine and glad she had it done.

April brought great news that we were to be grandparents for the first time! Marc and Rana were expecting a new addition in November. That meant some serious planning for another trip to Turkey.

Gary started a consulting project in May to assist two high net worth individuals in Denver with the purchase and setting up a flight operation for two Dassault Falcon business aircraft. The full time portion lasted through September and it's now just occasional follow-up.

October started with another mini-vacation in Pagosa Springs with Mary's sisters and family. Later that month, we went to Phoenix to see Gary's brothers and family and old friends in the area, plus attend Gary's high school reunion. It was the first time he had seen most of his classmates since high school, so it was a real trip down memory lane

November was Gary's Air Force Academy reunion here in Colorado Springs. It was great for both of us to see so many friends again. Between dinners and receptions, we managed to squeeze in a cocktail party at our home for his graduating squadron. The highlight of the weekend was the football victory over Army (unfortunately one of the few this year).

We spent Thanksgiving in Istanbul with Marc, Rana and our new grandson, Ozan. Mary's sister and her friend, Bruce, accompanied us to Turkey. It was wonderful to get everyone together to celebrate the new addition to the family and see Rana's family again. We did have a little free time to explore the Istanbul area a bit more-what a fascinating place it is with over 5000 years of history. We're starting our plans for our next trip now and Mary's sister may join us again! Marc, Rana and Ozan will be visiting Colorado in August 2014.

Our Christmas will be spent here with Mary's family joining us for the celebration. We wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas and a safe and enjoyable 2014. Please give us a call if your travels bring you to the Pikes Peak Area.

Gary & Mary