The Kelefors

Dear Family and Friends,

We entered 2025 braced for difficulty after the 2024 election, but the daily reality has been harder than anticipated. Reading, day after day, about the constitutional violations, cruelty, and institutional unraveling promised in Project 2025 has taken a real toll.

Thankfully, something else has been unfolding alongside it. Across cities and small towns, in courtrooms and classrooms, in the streets and at the ballot box, people have shown up. Courageous individuals and communities have sparked a profound civic awakening that builds on the historical movements of our nation’s past. We are not naïve about the scale of the damage or the work ahead, but we are finding hope in the growing refusal to look away—in people standing up for what is right and demonstrating courage when it is most needed.

Rebecca Solnit writes that, “Hope is not a lottery ticket you can sit on the sofa and clutch, feeling lucky. It is an axe you break down doors with in an emergency.” That idea has shaped much of this year for us: hope as action, as accompaniment, as insistence on human dignity. That sense of hope was also deeply personal, as we marched alongside various friends, found joy watching Dylan and Adela thriving in their endeavors, and encountered others whose courageous acts help us enact peaceful ways to resist the harm we’re witnessing.

We remain deeply grateful for the people, places, and moments that sustained us in 2025—and for the connections we share with you. Here are a few highlights.

Adela – One of the first friends I made during my time in Denmark was Caroline, and we bonded instantly when we got lost together on the first day of classes (if over an hour of wandering around the city counts as instant). During that walk, she introduced me to “Rock, Stick, Leaf”, an exercise she uses as an outdoor leader where you name one thing that ROCKed, one thing that is STICKing with you, and something you’re going to LEAF behind. I can think of no better way to end 2025 than with a final RSL reflection.

Something that ROCKed is how many innovative community building projects connected to the food system I got to be a part of. Whether that was working in the Wellesley Botanic Garden’s edible ecosystem, at Spannocchia for the summer working on their regenerative farm in Tuscany, or volunteering at the Grønt Marked farmers market in Copenhagen, each experience reaffirmed the relationship between caring for the earth and caring for each other. It was inspiring to see people approaching reshaping our relationship with food and sustainability in so many different ways, but all celebrating diversity and community care. I loved having the opportunity to connect with so many people who cared about sustainable food systems and were each making an impact in their own sphere to create collective change. These spaces were incredibly hopeful, and I’ve returned to the States encouraged to continue seeking out these projects and connections. 

Something that is going to STICK with me are the friendships I made along the way. One of my fellow interns on the farm, Tom, and I talked a lot about how hard, and beautiful, it is to become friends with people while you’re traveling. To build deep and meaningful connections with the people you meet along the way, although there’s uncertainty of when or even if you will have the chance to see each other again, is an immense gift. I am so grateful for all the people I had the fortune of crossing paths with, for nights playing guitar in the shadow of a thunderstorm, for bountiful harvests of tomatoes and zucchini, for cold plunges in the Copenhagen harbour, for seeing the northern lights dancing in the sky, for shared meals and dance parties. The people I met and the moments we shared have had a great impact on my life; and while I can’t predict all the new directions that the experiences of this year will take me, I know it’s for good. 

One thing I am LEAFing behind this year is hopelessness. The challenges facing our world currently are nothing short of alarming and are going to require immense commitment and collective effort to handle. However, through participation in the Albright Institute, I was reminded of the potential that leadership grounded in solidarity, empathy, and humanity can transform our world for the better, particularly leadership that emphasizes collaboration and understanding. Leadership takes many shapes, and I am deeply inspired by my Wellesley peers, who in their work ranging from youth education to international relations to physics have demonstrated a deep commitment to equity in their respective fields. 

I can hardly believe it is already 2026, the time has really flown. I am so grateful that I have so many joyful memories to look back on, and to carry me forward into a new year. 

Dylan – Moving to DC in June felt like diving into the deep end of an acronym pool and stepping into a world of political-isms. While I still find myself stumped by certain references, the one I use most often is referencing issues as “inside” or “outside” the beltway. 

Geographically, 2025 was a year I spent evenly across this line, beginning in snowy Williamstown propelled by some “light reading” as I raced to complete my thesis, and ending in a bar taking advantage of the D.C. happy hour deals with friends—a cultural staple for most young adults inside the beltway. 

On the academic front, beyond completing and defending my thesis on Chilean history—I don’t really know why I was drawn to that topic… I spent the winter and spring enjoying my last semester of college and celebrating graduation surrounded by family and friends. A lot of people asked me if I was “ready to leave” the Purple Valley after four great, but challenging years. Williams will always have a special place in my heart, but I can confidently say that I was ready to step into life after college in a bit more urban area. (And the already incessant requests for alumni donations give me a reason to chuckle about the whole experience.) 

Inside the beltway I have really enjoyed my work at Arnold & Porter, diving into the minutiae of Congress, and meeting so many interesting people who come from all over. I won’t enumerate the list of members that I am hoping to meet, but let’s just say I have a number in mind that I am still working on. 

A few more highlights from the year include: a post-graduation roadtrip to Montreal with my parents; the last few polar plunges in Williamstown once the weather turned; Nashville long weekend with college friends; welcoming baby Autumn Cone into the family over the Christmas holiday frenzy; and a food-filled trip home to SF for all of the things I have missed, and will continue to miss.

Definitely a lot on deck for 2026, but this past year will be a tough one to top!

Matt – I started drinking coffee this year. I suspect that doesn’t sound like much, but for me it was a big change. You see, I’ve always hated the flavor of coffee. Not just didn’t prefer it… hated it. And that includes all the things you think I should like, including tiramisu, the perfect latte, etc., etc. But the thing is, I didn’t like hating coffee and, with a trip to Italy on the horizon, I figured it was time to get over it. So, I did, drinking the stuff every day until it became tolerable, decent, and, ultimately, enjoyable. And it paid off, not only with sublime cups of espresso in places big and small in Italy, but also having reminded myself that change is as simple as committing to it.

Beyond java life, here’s what stands out for me from the year:

Above all else, seeing Dylan cross the college graduation stage was an incredible and profound parenting moment. His transition to adulthood has been coming and will continue, but that day had the feel of a rubicon being crossed.

Second, spending a couple of days with Jason, Emily, Maurice, and Orlando in Montreal was a treat, especially seeing Maurice really starting to grow up and getting to know O.

Third, fully taking in Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, the annual free music festival that brings out the best in our cool little city, was a renewal for me. I especially enjoyed the last day on the Rooster Stage, with a series of powerful performances in a glade of giant eucalyptus and sequoias with the sun setting on our backs on a perfect fall day. No doom loop here.  

Fourth, our brief December gathering at Michele’s house in DC with most of our clan (including Adela just back from her European odyssey and an about-to-be-born Autumn Rooney Cone!!!!!) was a great moment of communion, capped by the most epic white elephant gift exchange ever. I’ll be drinking from our Camper mug all year long.

And fifth, the passage of HB157 in New Mexico was a deeply satisfying validation of my work (with great colleagues and collaborators) over the past few years to strengthen the preparation of principals and superintendents across the state. It’s been a gift to work in a place where educational equity is unapologetically at the heart of the state agenda and where leadership is recognized as a critical platform for improving education opportunities and outcomes for the students who need and deserve it most.

As usual, Momo sends his love to you all and wishes only that Jeannette and I would abandon our dreams of travel!

Jeannette – This year was defined by the intersection of work, art, activism, and community. My professional endeavors continued to be a meaningful source of purpose, especially my partnerships with educators, students, and organizers committed to offering high quality learning opportunities despite being under attack. Work travel took me to several states across the country, and I was grateful to weave in precious time reconnecting with friends and family along the way.

Art and music were not extras this year; they were lifelines. From compelling exhibitions (including trolls), to magical performances at SFJAZZ, the Greek, Mondavi Center, Copenhagen’s Royal Opera House, and the Fillmore, to SF Broadway shows and the Berkeley Rep, to the outdoor stages of Hardly Strictly Bluegrass, I was repeatedly reminded that creativity is a form of resistance—a way of telling the truth, imagining freedom, and staying human. Books, (bookstores!), conversations, and shared rituals through my beloved communities provided critical grounding, inspiration, and courage.

I took to the streets often—protesting attacks on democratic institutions, science, immigrants, and fundamental rights. These moments were sobering, but they were also connective and clarifying. As Senator Cory Booker has said, “The power of the people is stronger than the people in power.” Standing shoulder to shoulder with others unwilling to give up brought that to life. And accompanying immigrant friends and neighbors to various appointments in 2025 has been a meaningful response to the terrorizing attacks facing so many individuals across our country.

Travel brought joy and perspective as well. Our first day of the year started off with a sunrise in Yosemite National Park (land that the Ahwahneechee inhabited for thousands of years) steps away from where we got engaged. We had an unforgettable time in Italy celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary, and magical moments in Williamstown, Montreal, and Copenhagen. Seeing Adela amidst her semester abroad was a special treat, and time with loved ones amidst the trees in Tahoe always brings me joy and feeds my soul. And the grounding rhythms of peaching, paddling, planking, walking, and sharing a meal and conversation with any of you reminded me of our many blessings. We brought 2025 to a close not unlike we started it — cross-country skiing with friends in Truckee, ancestral land of the Washoe.

2025 by the Numbers:

1 – Number of college students Matt & Jeannette hosted in 2025 while they attended a program in San Francisco — very fun to get to know and support Sophie!

2 – Number of visits Jeannette made to her birthplace, Nashville, in 2025. And yes, she had hot chicken. Might be the only thing that her trips and Dylan’s trip had in common.

3 – Number of new family members added to our extended family in 2025: Theodore Alexander Landon (Feb 20th) to parents Bryerly & Landon; Bennett Stertzer (September 1st) to parents Madison & John; Autumn Rooney Cone (December 27th) to parents Kristin & Michael

3 – Also the number of pizzas we ate in Napoli before confirming that the Neapolitans are, indeed, the kings and queens of this particular food (all apologies to NYC, Chicago, etc., etc.)

6 – Number of months Dylan spent in a policy job when Congress was out of session more than in. Welcome to Washington—where the OOO message is basically a governing philosophy.

11 – Number of Thomas Dambo trolls Jeannette visited (in both the U.S. & Denmark)

12 – Number of cold plunges Adela braved in Denmark 

15 – Number of minutes we heard the bells tolling in Siena when the Vatican announced a new pope had been elected

16 – The sweet spot number of players showing up on Wednesday nights and Sunday mornings for Matt’s pick-up soccer games

60+ – Number of days Adela woke up at 5:30am for farm work at Spannocchia

110 – Number of pages of Dylan’s honors thesis about Chilean authors in exile

200+ – Number of miles Matt & Jeannette cycled in Italy for our 25th wedding anniversary

1795 – The year Williams College graduated its first class—making Dylan’s 2025 graduation part of a 230-year tradition of Ephs

16,000+ – Number of miles Adela’s guitar traveled in 2025 

22,958 – Average number of daily steps Matt & Jeannette walked while in Italy

96,590 – Number of New York Times crossword puzzle squares Matt filled in by the end of the year

Closing

We usually finish this letter on MLK Day and this year is no exception. The timing is especially poignant, since MLK recognized his fight for justice as an ongoing struggle. He and others like him knew that there would be steps forward and steps back.

Thomas Paine knew this, too. As he famously wrote: “These are the times that try men’s souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of his country; but he that stands it NOW, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain, too cheap, we esteem too lightly:—’Tis dearness only that gives every thing its value. Heaven knows how to set a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed, if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated.”

Paine’s words are a good reminder that we’ve been here before. So, we take a breath and we look ahead to a year of deep engagement in the struggle against tyranny and for justice.

With love, 

Jeannette, Matt, Dylan, Adela & Mojito (aka “Momo”)

Dear Family and Friends,

We typically get our holiday letter out in January, around the time of year when we celebrate the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr’s birthday. As you might imagine, it’s taken a lot of energy to regroup from the devastating outcome of the November elections and to come up for air amidst the resulting promised torrent of unconscionable attacks on the foundations of our democracy. 

We’re hoping that as we reach out now — amidst mounting protests, injunctions, lawsuits, and a growing number of people speaking truth to power — you are taking care of yourself and your loved ones, feeling supported by others in your communities, drawing strength from positive elements in your lives, and doing what you can to bring about a peaceful way out of this dark and dangerous moment we are in. 

Despite the deep losses, we are grateful for the set of adventures, milestones, lessons, and memories that 2024 gave us to reflect on. And we’re especially grateful for the connections we have with you that bring so much meaning to our lives — the love, joy, inspiration and solace that you offer are true gifts that we hold onto. 

Here are highlights from each of us . . . 

Jeannette — Last year was packed with meaningful work, travel, celebrations, and moments of deep reflection. Matt and I carried over many of our clients from 2023 into 2024 and we added some exciting new clients to our portfolio as well. We are fortunate to know so many talented and committed people in the world of education and I appreciate the opportunities we have to contribute to high quality learning experiences for young people — especially those farthest from opportunity — and the adults entrusted to help them grow.

Because we do much of our work remotely and both our kids are in college, we decided to try out the digital nomad lifestyle for one month while Dylan was studying abroad in Madrid. Returning to Spain after nearly 40 years from my first visit was a major highlight of the year. I got so much out of being in Granada with amazing experiences that reflected both ancient times (e.g., Alhambra) and modern sensibilities (feminist flamenco). Seeing Madrid through Dylan’s eyes was a true delight, especially getting his informed take on a few of the most famous works at the Prado. From Valencia I’ll never forget our experience with thousands of Spaniards singing a resounding version of “Un beso y una flor” by Nino Bravo before anticipated firecrackers of “Las Fallas” filled the air with deafening pops and booms. Getting to visit Escola Virolai in Barcelona, a K-12 school with an enduring commitment to engaging students in real world learning, was a work-related highlight. Throughout our stay, we ended many of our long days of work and/or exploration with a late night “cena” with a drink and tapas — a routine I’d be happy to get accustomed to. Bilbao was a wonderful surprise for Matt and me: a delightfully walkable city with a vibrant arts scene, fascinating history/culture, and a talented professional soccer team with a devoted fan base. We were there during Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the energy of the processions throughout the week were part of the crescendo we observed as the city came out in full effect for her team and cheered them on to victory for the “Copa del Rey” national title — their first in 40 years. 

Setting foot in Guernica — after seeing Picasso’s 1937 famous painting in Madrid depicting the horrors of war after Nazis bombed the city on behalf of Franco — was profoundly moving for me. Especially amidst the ongoing crimes against humanity in the Middle East, Ukraine, and other parts of the world.

I so appreciated having precious time throughout the year with my family and friends — both near and far. Hosting Paula and Cristian, getting to connect with several friends in both Portugal and Spain, spending time in Spain with Dylan and Adela, reconnecting in person with Zamara, Ernesto and Salem at my parents’ home, celebrating Mimi and Pop-Pop’s 60th anniversary, seeing my nephew play tennis, honoring my Aunt Mary Janet at her memorial, ringing in my mom’s milestone birthday (with family gatherings in both Colorado and Pennsylvania), cheering Dylan and his teammates during Senior Recognition weekend at Williams College, meeting up with family and friends for reunions throughout the year, knocking on doors to get out the vote, soaking up as much “Aloha” as possible with Katherine and Tony, and connecting with family over the holidays are among the highlights. 

The presidential election was a devastating loss, and losing my younger cousin Anna Hamilton right before Christmas was a shocking personal loss for our family. Throughout various low points of the year, I kept my loved ones close, sought connections through my cherished communities, read books from a variety of authors, intensified my workouts and my meditation/prayer time, and drew upon nature’s powerful healing energy to restore my spirit and sense of balance. Spending time with Adela & Dylan in San Francisco between college semesters, finding hope, peace, joy and love through the holiday season, and wrapping up the year with a breathtaking trip to Yosemite regrounded me and lifted my spirits. 

Dylan — I am currently back on campus for my final semester of college. This past year has been a constant reminder that I am getting old, and trust me, I am probably more shocked than you are that my college years are coming to a close in 2025. However, as a whole, this year was bookended with some memorable NYE celebrations as a family. 

Between these two ‘New Years’ I definitely exhausted the year. Studying abroad in the spring, I departed for Madrid, excited for a semester of refreshing my Spanish, exploring Madrid, travelling in Europe, and eating tapas. There is so much I could say about how truly amazing my semester was, but here is the sparknotes version by month.

Jan: Explored the historical parts of Madrid, most notably, shopping around for the sports bar that I intended to become a ‘local’ at to watch games all semester. Sidebar: the biggest element of culture shock was the euphoric feeling of experiencing soccer as a nighttime phenomenon. 

Feb: Achieved a lifelong goal to ski in the Alps (Chamonix), meeting up with and piling into an AirBnB with good friends from Williams who were all studying abroad in various European cities. 

March: Visited with my digital nomad parents in Granada, Madrid, and Valencia. Got to see the Alhambra (I promise it lives up to the hype), toured them around Madrid, which included a trip to the Civitas Metropolitana to see Barca trounce Atletico Madrid, some of the best bar food the city has to offer, and showing off my new skills as a Spanish art enthusiast after taking classes in the Prado, and most surprisingly, enjoyed a 20-hour visit to “Las Fallas” for the “quemada” which was my absolute favorite day of the semester (high bar). 

April: Ran the Paris Marathon with a few of my friends. Besides my quick weekend across the Parisian arrondissements, I decided to spend the majority of April in Madrid with the friends that I had made in Spain. The few trips I took were only excursions to nearby sites, including the city of Toledo and Valle de Los Caídos… much to the praise of my various Spanish professors. 

May: With my program coming to a close, I spent a gorgeous week in Corsica on the beach before making a roundabout trip back to the States through Prague, Krakow, and the Polish countryside. (Yes, it was an odd, yet very meaningful end to an incredible semester.)

Coming back to California, I jumped right into a job at Sunrun, a solar company, doing policy research at the state level. However, the most memorable stint of the summer was driving back to Williamstown from San Francisco with my girlfriend and best friend. Somehow we made it without killing each other, the car piled high with way too much stuff, and a few enjoyable stops along the way: SLC, Boulder, KC, and Pittsburgh. 

Coming back to campus for my senior year, I have really embraced the Student-Athlete experience. Reminded that the “Student” part does in fact come first, I have been working on my thesis in history, researching and writing about Chile’s dictatorship. It has been an incredibly tough, yet rewarding project, and there is more to come on that in our 2025 letter. For now, cheers to the New Year!

Adela — This year has been a transformative one. As I completed my first year at Wellesley and entered my sophomore year, I have had the opportunity to explore new passions and interests, as well as connecting (and reconnecting) with older interests in new ways. My involvement as a student employee at the Wellesley Botanic Gardens has been a constant source of inspiration and curiosity, leading me to pursue a major in Biology, which I just recently declared. My role there also inspired me to pursue a summer internship with the San Francisco Department of Agriculture, through which I developed a passion for sustainable food production and urban agriculture as a means for combating food inequity. While I’m not sure where my studies will take me, seeking out ways to build community has always been at the core of how I want to approach life, and I have loved learning different ways of maintaining those values with my passions for sustainability and care for the earth. One of my favorite memories of the year was working on an organic farm in Maine for three weeks over the summer, where I helped plant crops for the growing season, raise chicks, and care for pigs among many other tasks. It was hard and rewarding work, and made me more appreciative of the care and effort required to produce the food we eat. It was also was inspirational to see how it could be done sustainably on a small scale. 

Outside on my studies, I am still an avid reader (although most of what I read these days are scientific papers for class), and some of my favorite books of the year have been Just Kids by Patty Smith, Blue Highways by William Least Heat-Moon (a recommendation from my dad), and The Guest by Emma Cline. I have also found ways to make music with others. Whether it’s performing with my acapella group at school or just playing guitar and singing with friends, music is a way that I love to connect with others. This year has certainly been one of growth and discovery, and I cannot wait to see what this new year has in store. 

Matt — Amidst everything that Jeannette has already described about our year, four things shine brightly for me. First and foremost, it was a rare and special treat to celebrate my parents’ 60 years of marriage. We gathered at my brother’s home and it struck me how many people in our family have had the good fortune of deep, long-lasting, loving relationships, none greater than that of Mike and Carolyn! 

A close second was meeting Mateo. He has the best-ever name, he is wickedly cute, and he is clearly an old soul. Well done, Natasha and Dan. 

Third, I was happy to right a wrong by bringing Dylan and Adela to the splendor of Yosemite National Park for the first time. Twenty-five years ago, at the moment of Y2K, I proposed to Jeannette over the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Since that magical night we had only been back once, and never with the kids. So, it was a treat to take in the majesty and uniqueness of that place through their eyes. 

And fourth, vermouth and olives. I could see myself living on a diet of those two things along the banks of the Nerbioi River in Bilbao. Though it might require learning some Basque. Aupa!

On the work front, I was especially grateful for the opportunity to advance the cause of equitable school leadership through partnerships in New Mexico and Texas. It is always a joy to work with principals and assistant principals — the backbone of our public education system. 

From his perch on my lap, Momo sends his love to you all!

2024 by the Numbers:

0-0-2  The opening score of pickleball, which Matt & Jeannette learned while playing for the first time ever (though the best part was the dip in the Hawaiian ocean after the match – Thanks Katherine and Tony!)

1  Number of new family members added to our extended family: Mateo Cone-Hernandez, born May 1st 

4  Number of professional soccer games Dylan happily watches simultaneously with a multitude of screens

5  Number of mind-blowing cuisines that our dear Chilean friends Paula & Cristian sampled in San Francisco

6 Number of talented and slightly crazy 7-11 year olds that Adela was assigned to look out for and support at the San Francisco Girls Chorus summer camp

18  Number of years we have been picking world-famous Elberta peaches at the Masumoto Family Farm in Fresno. Dylan was 4 and Adela was 2 for our first harvest in 2007.

20+ Number of concerts that Adela either performed in or watched as part of the audience

40 Number of demonstration worms that Adela tried to protect from a poor fate when she led educational sessions for the San Francisco Youth Urban Ag summer program.

30  Height in meters of some of the largest “fallas” (huge sculptures created for Valencia’s unique Las Fallas festival, depicting satirical scenes and current events that reflect the year’s theme). Tack on another 10 meters for the towering flames when the fallas are burned on the last night of the festival!

44.2  Number of kilometers Dylan ran in the Paris marathon.

49  Number of different states’ license plates that Dylan and friends spotted while driving across the U.S. from California to Massachusetts. Can you guess the only missing one?

168 Number of days Adela tended to plants (in Massachusetts, Maine, and California).

200 Number of chickens Adela cared for as a summer farmhand in Maine.

300+ Number of Momo photos that Matt and Jeannette shared in the family text chat so Dylan and Adela could get their “cute kitty” fix .

>1000  Number of fans (including Dylan and Matt) secretly rooting for Barcelona during a match in Atlético Madrid’s home stadium.

1,238  Year that construction of the Alhambra began, this being the awe-inspiring Moorish castle Matt and Jeannette overlooked from their apartment in Granada.

2,425  Height in feet of Yosemite Falls, one of the last things we saw in 2024.

14,662 Average number of daily steps Matt & Jeannette walked while in Portugal and Spain.

As we move forward into 2025, we hold onto the words of past and present leaders who have fought for democracy. As John Lewis reminded us, “Democracy is not a state. It is an act.” Václav Havel wrote, “Hope is not the conviction that something will turn out well, but the certainty that something makes sense, regardless of how it turns out.” And as Stacey Abrams has said, “Our ability to participate in democracy is the foundation of our power.” May we all step into the new year with courage, hope, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

With love, 

Jeannette, Matt, Dylan, Adela & Mojito (aka “Momo”)

Greetings from California… and Massachusetts… and Spain. Yes, that’s a full accounting of our whereabouts. We are still getting used to being such a far-flung bunch, but we are happy to report in.

Here are a few highlights from each of us . . . 

Jeannette — The year was filled with many joyful celebrations and a few exciting firsts, but was also filled with profound loss and broken-heartedness as two dear aunts (Mary Janet and Lugene) passed and we witnessed horrific violence both within our own country and across the globe.

An epic snowfall kept us in California for the first part of the year and even enticed others to visit us for winter activities in the Sierras. Spring brought an uptick in travel farther afield . . . to the east coast to support Adela’s college decision-making process, and two back-to-back work-related trips to San Diego. The same night Adela was at senior prom, Matt and I celebrated Katherine Toy at a fabulous gala on Angel Island. May is always a big month for celebrations, but this year we reached extravaganza levels with fabulous culminating performances for Adela and her peers, and all the festivities associated with her high school graduation. Both sets of grandparents, Matt’s Aunt Kathy & Uncle Dana, and Dylan all traveled from out of state to help us celebrate! 

Shortly after Adela performed in the spectacular original opera “Tomorrow’s Memories” in June, Matt and Adela headed off on an epic Scandinavian adventure, and I headed south — way south — to Chile to facilitate educational workshops and reconnect with friends. I was reminded of Chile’s spectacular natural beauty at so many points during my visit, but two experiences especially stand out: soaking in the luxurious hot thermal baths of Termas Geométricas (as hot as 113 °F) — and taking my first surfing lesson along the stunning coast of Pelluhue after Santi, Benji & Theo convinced me to confront the cold temperatures of the Pacific Ocean (a very chilly 52°F). I was also constantly reflecting on how much Chile had changed, and not changed, since we’d lived there as the 50th anniversary of the military coup — covertly supported by the U.S. — approached.  

Once back in the U.S., Matt and I headed to Carmel to hear Adela and the San Francisco Girls Chorus perform in the Carmel Bach Festival with Edwin Huizinga & William Coulter. We concluded the summer with lots of peaching (we’re ever grateful to the Masumoto family), college move-in preparations, wonderful family time, and various exciting and productive work engagements.

A major highlight of the fall was seeing Adela transition smoothly to college at Wellesley. My parents joined me in Massachusetts for that, and we were grateful for all the support we had from the Scarborough/Green Family and Steph Koontz. Matt and I traveled to Boston in October after Adela had gotten settled — and it was especially fun to meet her friends, stroll around Boston, and hear her sing at a campus event with her a cappella group. It was also a treat to cheer for Dylan and his team at Tufts and connect with other super fans!

In between my two visits to Wellesley, Matt and I got used to a different quotidian rhythm with just the two of us and the cat. We enjoyed a few fall-perfect days in Truckee, and we took a trip to visit our friends Richard and Julia in Vancouver. Besides catching up and enjoying spectacular hikes, amazing dining and compelling art, we participated in a moving commemoration of the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation (aka “Orange Shirt Day”) that honors and upholds survivors of the Indian Residential School system and commemorates those who did not return home.

Matt and I were back to the east coast two more times before the year’s end — once for a work meeting in Philadelphia and again for Thanksgiving. Are you noticing any effects of having two college-aged kids in Massachusetts? We had an epic Thanksgiving with 38 family members at Matt’s brother’s home in Baltimore, followed by a rousing holiday gift exchange at Matt’s sister’s home in D.C. Both sets of parents traveled west to Truckee for a wonderful Christmas together, and we rang in the New Year hosting a dinner party with the kids and dear friends. 

As with each year, I’m so grateful for my precious time with friends and family, for meaningful work, and the gift of continued personal growth. I aspire for more of that in 2024, and commit to do my part to ensure our democracy remains intact through the upcoming presidential election. 

Dylan — Give or take a few weeks, this past year has been book-ended by some wonderful experiences abroad. Ringing in the New Year, I spent a week with my buddies from college up in snowy Montreal, with experiences ranging from exploring historic Jewish delis, to Igloofest, an outdoor ski-themed DJ festival that we stumbled upon after arriving. Returning to campus for sophomore spring semester without a formal soccer season, I took up some new hobbies and pursued some new academic interests. In no particular order, here are a few of the highlights. Trudging through the forest every Wednesday as part of my botany lab to learn the intricacies of New England’s flora. Gazing over the beautiful Taconic sunsets as I attempted to hit a ball in my beginner golf P.E. class. Debating the political decisions that defined the course of the Russian-Ukraine conflict… as they were occurring. And finally, traveling through the seasons from Tahoe to the Dominican Republic for my spring break. Not a bad semester if you ask me.

Back in the Purple Valley for the fall, if felt like more of the same. Well, besides the fact that I played soccer basically everyday from August through October. Apart from what I might call an underwhelming season results-wise, I scored what I consider to be the best goal of my life, and really enjoyed the time I spent with my teammates out on Cole and around the NESCAC. Off the field, I yet again found myself trudging through the New England forests as part of my ecology class, conducting experiments on old growth succession rates and monitoring the presence of aquatic invertebrates in headwater streams to gauge stream health. 

This past summer was nothing to glaze over. Working as a policy fellow for K&L Gates, a law firm in Washington D.C., I researched current federal energy policy for a variety of clients, commuted to and from the Hill, and attended swanky office parties at the Library of Congress where I even met a few Members of Congress (ok, that was only once). Other than that, I had the pleasure of watching Max cook, enjoying Cape Cod with my girlfriend, relaxing in Linden, and practicing my (non-existent) French with some Belgian Bosquet cousins. This experience in D.C. not only convinced me that I will be back, but solidified my aspirations to attend law school at some point down the road. 

I have heard the term “sprinting a marathon” used to describe one’s time abroad, mostly in reference to the slew of activities and experiences that occur in such a short time. While I agree that this will most likely characterize my upcoming experience in Spain, it seems a fitting way to describe 2023 overall: so much packed into such a short period of time. But ironically, that will DEFINITELY be the title of my entry for 2024 for a few reasons. Stay tuned.

Adela — I thought 2023 was a year of two worlds: a year defined by last experiences and first experiences. A year divided by my time living in San Francisco and time living in Boston. A year broken up by high school experiences and college experiences. And it’s easy to see why.

This year I had my last performance as a member of the San Francisco Girls Chorus. I feel so fortunate to have been a part of a group with such talented singers and compassionate people. It was with a heavy heart that I bid farewell to my friends and the organization that has been so formative in cultivating my love for music and shaping my view of the world. I also had my last day of high school. While I certainly felt like I was ready to move on academically, I loved the community of people that I was a part of at Ruth Asawa School of the Arts, especially in the Vocal department, and it was bittersweet to say goodbye at graduation knowing that our paths in life were all taking us in different directions. 

I had my last statistics assignment (BIG relief), submitted my last college application (even BIGGER relief), had my last mock trial competition, wrote my final article for the school paper, and spent my last day in San Francisco before flying to Boston to start college. I said goodbye to people, things, and places that meant a great deal to me and I felt like a chapter of my life was coming to a close. It was daunting to experience so much change in such a short period of time. But I always made sure to remind myself that with every end of something old comes an opportunity for the beginning of something new. 

The most notable of “firsts” this year was my first day at Wellesley College. I approached college with a mix of fear and excitement, but was pretty optimistic about what college could be. Wellesley is everything I had hoped for and more. I have met some of the most incredible, passionate, driven people at college. My classes are fascinating and rigorous, opening my eyes to a whole host of possible futures. I had my first experience as a college a cappella singer after joining the Tupelos. I started doing capoeira again and had my first training session in 12 years. I took my first art class, 3D design, where I discovered a newfound love of architecture and sculpture. I even went to get my passport renewed for the first time all by myself, which may not sound very exciting to some but it felt like a big step to me. And as of December 14th, I finished my first semester of college.

2023 was also my first official year of adulthood. When I first turned eighteen, I felt woefully unprepared. Without a clear vision of what I wanted my future and my career to look like, it was all a little overwhelming to suddenly find myself completely responsible for making those decisions. At the same time, it was incredibly exciting to imagine the possible futures that I could pursue. So I forged ahead into my adult life feeling less like an adult and more like two kids in a trench coat sneaking into a movie theater. And I’m starting to realize that adulthood isn’t about having everything figured out, and more about trusting your mind to be able to take you through leaps of faith and listening to your heart when it tells you where to go. 

As I prepare to head back to Boston for my second semester, I’ve been reflecting on the profound ways my life has changed in 2023. On the surface my life at the start of 2023 and the end of 2023 are barely recognizable as parts of the same year. But on closer examination, there are crucial aspects of my life that haven’t changed at all. My love for music, my love of travel and new experiences, and my love of the outdoors are all the same. My love of food and concerts and learning and reading and baking and writing and poetry and dancing and laughing, none of these have changed. My “lasts” were not left behind but transformed to create my “firsts”; and my two worlds were always one, defined not by where I am and what I do, but by what I love and how I choose to express it.

Mojito and Matt — With the kids out of the nest and Jeannette out and about, sometimes it’s just the two of us. So, we’ve been focused on the little things. Keeping the plants alive (Matt’s job). Begging for scraps (Momo’s job). Keeping the extended family connected through weekly calls, a tradition we’ve maintained since COVID (Matt). Finding sun spots and warm laps (Momo). In truth, we’ve got no complaints.

On the work front (Matt only here), it’s been a gift to work closely with Jeannette with clients near and far. We had the opportunity to hear directly from thousands of students in San Francisco and support the district in moving toward a new vision for high schools in the city. We’ve enjoyed getting more deeply engaged with organizations working to end the STEM teacher shortage and improve math education for young children. And I’m thrilled to be working with colleagues in Texas and, more recently, New Mexico to strengthen how our universities and districts prepare school leaders.

Two highlights this year. First, Adela and I took a post-graduation trip to Norway, with a spin through Oslo (including a floating sauna on the fjord), several amazingly sun-drenched days and nights in the normally rainy and cloudy Lofoten Islands, a great visit with the kind and generous Hol Melling family (it was great to see Adela reunite with her middle school theater friend Ellida), and an emotional (for me) reunion with the incredible Söderström family.

Second, I’m very grateful that we managed to gather the whole Kelemen-Rooney clan together for Thanksgiving in Baltimore and were able to include some LaFors, Héberts, and Sims as well. It’s worth a roll call: Mom, Dad, Kathy, Dana, Warren, Bel, Sandy, Nanette, Kary, Pete, George, Mary, Mark, Lisa, Michele, Benoit, Jeannette, Kim, Curt, Anne, Dan, Natasha, Michael, Kristin, Nico, Dylan, Sam, Max, Adela, Lucia, Jonah, Sydney, Robert, Finn, Camper and Ale. And me. Props to all for making it an extraordinary gathering.

*****

With both of our kids embarking on work related to the planet’s preservation, we are hopeful amidst the gloom. We are inspired by the words and work of Robin Wall Kimmerer, whose brilliant insights keep us focused on doing our part. As she says, “We need acts of restoration, not only for polluted waters and degraded lands, but also for our relationship to the world. We need to restore honor to the way we live, so that when we walk through the world we don’t have to avert our eyes with shame, so that we can hold our heads up high and receive the respectful acknowledgment of the rest of the earth’s beings.”

2023 by the numbers

0 – minutes of darkness experienced by Adela and Matt during night hikes up Ryten, Reinebringen, and Festvågtind in the Lofoten Islands, Norway

2 – # of hours it took Jeannette to thaw her icy feet after her first ever surf lesson which was in the cold Pacific waters of Pelluhue, Chile

3 – # of Tupi Grupis residing at 145 Bella Vista (if you want to be one, Adela can help!)

4 – # of seconds it took Adela to hook her first fish in Norway

5 – # of seconds it took Dylan to pass his Spanish language competency assessment for his semester in Madrid

10 – # of miles Mojito ran in the house chasing his toys or zooming from room to room

20 – # of boba tea runs to celebrate milestones, or keep us energized during long study/work sessions

17 – # of thermal baths worth soaking in at Termas Geométricas, Chile

38 – # of people at our family Thanksgiving gathering at Mark & Lisa Kelemen’s home in Baltimore 

148 — number of plants Dylan memorized the names of for his botany course 

672– # of inches of snow recorded at the Central Sierra Snow Lab (6th snowiest winter on record), and the reason Kim Kelemen came to visit us in March! 

2,100 – # of Masumoto Farm peaches & nectarines harvested from our Seedlings Team in August

8,612 — number of miles separating our family when Jeannette was in Chile and Matt/Adela were in Norway (with Dylan in between in D.C.)