We’re Baaaack!
For our newer friends, this is our attempt to get back on track. For our family and longtime friends, you know us. Ever since we got engaged in 2008, we’ve sent a two-page annual newsletter to family and friends as a way of sharing the highlights, and sometimes lows, of our year with the people closest to us. However, some of you longtime friends may be wondering why you were dropped from our friends list in 2023. Please rest assured that NOBODY has been “unfriended.” Nobody got one of these in 2023 or 2024 because we never got them finished. In 2023 we barely got past the draft. Last year, we tried to combine that draft with a 2024 letter but ended up with six pages and struggled to edit it down to something you might actually read! Before we even got started this year we acknowledged that this could get really, really long, so we decided to try a new format. This is our first-ever, digital newsletter, which we hope you find more accessible than the printed version, and more enjoyable with the easier-to-see photos. We MAY even include some short videos in future editions.
2023: Our Theme Was Going To Be “Bonds”
As past readers may recall, 2022 was a tough year. So tough that we purposely began 2023 by bringing Ken’s Mom and Mel from FL to Atlanta so that mom could finally meet her three great grandkids face-to-face for the first time and kick off of better year on a great note. It was a wonderful visit and it did kick off a better year. The remainder of the year seemed “quieter” than many of our adventurous years, but we felt it was because we stayed a little closer to the people in our lives. Think old friends around the world, new friends in our neighborhood, and of course a growing family. Our only big adventure was our trip to Australia for the World Barefoot Waterski Tournament and a little vacay in February (Summer down under ;-)).
Our time in Australia was unforgettable because of the bond we both have with the Barefoot Water-ski Community even though Ken has never participated in the sport. After hearing about how we nearly got stranded in the Outback on a kangaroo quest enroute to the tournament site (quick note: a town on an Australian map just means there’s at least 2 houses there – don’t count on it having any other “town” stuff like a gas station, food or lodging.) and Andrea’s weird obsession to bring home genuine Flavon Chicken Salt (don’t ask, it’s an Australia thing) for the kid’s French fries after discovering it in Sydney, the locals all offered advice (and even lodging) for where to do wine tasting, sightseeing, and other adventures for the remainder of our time down under. Still, the Chicken Salt got confiscated at the airport because despite the experience of millions of flights Andrea somehow didn’t know that transporting 5 kilos of ANY powdered substance in a carry-on bag is prohibited!
2024: More Family & Friends, and More Adventures
Discover heartfelt stories and joyful moments that capture the spirit of the Formella family’s 2025 journey.
Our year was filled with laughter and unforgettable adventures that brought us even closer together.
Emily Formella
Family Historian
Every story shared reflects the warmth and love that define our family’s 2025 experience.
Michael Formella
Memory Keeper
Photo Favorites
this is a catch-up letteer for 2023, 2024, and 2025
2025
Discover our year in review, sharing treasured memories and exciting milestones from the Formella family’s 2025 journey.
Celebrating a Year of Family Joy and Togetherness
This newsletter captures the highlights of the Formella family’s year, filled with stories of love, laughter, and new adventures.
Capturing Moments that Matter to Us
Explore how the Formella family’s 2025 was marked by special events, heartfelt stories, and unforgettable photographs.
Memories Made, Bonds Strengthened Through the Year
Dive into the Formella family’s 2025 with cherished moments, cozy gatherings, and milestones that made this year truly special.