Merry Christmas from the Tanners 2020

 Merry Christmas from the Tanners 2020

We have spent our seventh full year in Dallas, and we are continually grateful for the many blessings we have received. We would like to share some of the special moments from our lives this past year with you.

Tanner Family in Tahoe, 2020

2020 started off with the passing of Stephen's last living grandparent, Athelia Tanner. She was 99 years old. She was a champion for kindness and is dearly missed. We travelled to Utah for the funeral, with a celebration of her life with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many, many more. We had a great time catching up with loved ones. 

Athelia Sears Tanner

All 13 children

In March, like the rest of the world, COVID-19 put our lives in a tailspin. The first week of shutdowns across the country, Stephen worked in the Emergency Operation Center of Plano, as the city of 280,000+ tried to manage the pandemic. It was a week of quick decision-making and pivoting, with a superb professional team. 

The Emergency Operation Center of Plano

The next few months were filled with Zoom meetings, walks, outdoor activities, Facetime board game nights, and even a TikTok dance. We did our best to keep ourselves active and engaged with each other, and with our friends and families.

May 2020

In June/July, we travelled to Tahoe to see Stephen's parents. While wearing masks inside with family was abnormal at times, we spent most of our time outdoors at the lake and hiking. This was our first, and only trip outside of Texas since the pandemic hit, and we are really grateful we could go. 

Social distancing and floating at Lake Tahoe, July 2020

In October, Stephen moved to a new position as a Legislative Analyst for the City of Plano. He will be working with Plano's state and federal representatives to make sure Plano's needs are met in all forms of government.

Stephen's headshot 

Erica approached COVID as a chance to try new hobbies. These include crossword puzzles, strength training, running a 10k, baking and desperately trying anything to entertain two young kids during a pandemic. Her goal is to visit every outdoor playground or nature trail in our city (it's a work in progress). She is also working on interior designing our home. 

Erica and kids at one of many parks

James loves that he gets to go back to preschool again. He has memorized almost every country flag in the world and is a SERIOUS geography genius.

Lily thinks she is a cat.

James in Gilmer, Texas, October 2020

Lily being Lily

We understand that 2020 has been a difficult year for everyone. We mourn with those who have lost loved ones, and continually pray for those seeking to fight this virus. 

We love you and wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Lily (2) and James (4) on a nature walk, October 2020