Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! 2024 has been another year of fun and changes for the Jugovich family.
Campbell finished up her first year in Dental School at the University of MN and has begun her D2 year. It’s so fun to hear her talk shop with her dad about tooth preps, radiology and instructors. She is happily living close to school in Minneapolis and has a perfect setup for the next couple academic years. She is able to walk to school every day and get some fresh air and exercise while also saving time and money by not having to park on campus. She knows her way around the Twin Cities and enjoys a good night out on the town with friends every once in a while. Campbell impresses us with her adaptability and determination every single day. This is a challenging path she’s on and we are so proud of her! She had about 8 weeks off between semesters this summer and enjoyed her last lengthy break from school to the fullest extent possible. It’s just a week or two off from school from here on out. Her roommate and little bestie, Elroy the cat, keeps her cup full of snuggles and love. He is ridiculously spoiled and enjoys every minute of it.
Jack is a junior at the University of St. Thomas, majoring in Real Estate Management. He is enjoying the opportunity to jump in early on his chosen career path and has been working at a real estate company in St. Paul as a real estate associate. He gets to learn the ropes of the real estate business, make contacts and even host open houses. He bought a duplex in St. Paul with us this spring and moved into the house in June. He lives in one unit with four buddies and rents out the upper apartment. Oh, the memories being made by this group of long time friends! Jack and his girlfriend, Vivienne, celebrated their first anniversary in October and make an adorable couple. He still loves to cook, game and watch sports, especially football and basketball. Jack has enjoyed a fair share of Vikings and Timberwolves games, along with some hunting and fishing trips with Matt this year too. He is still the easy going, funny and sweet kid he’s always been, but now he’s a man with responsibilities and a full life of his own. It makes our hearts happy and filled with pride to see where he’s at in life today. It only gets better from here!
Katie graduated with honors from Duluth Marshall in June and moved into the dorms at the University of St. Thomas in August. She quit her long time job at Gordy’s Gift and Garden Center just before moving to St. Paul. The friendships she created and lessons she learned at Gordy’s are invaluable and will stay with her throughout her life. We couldn’t be more proud of the young woman she is today! Katie has blossomed in college and is soaking in the freshman lifestyle by giggling with her roommate, learning where to find the best food on campus, when to wash her clothes and how to Uber alone to her siblings’ homes. The freedom of time college life versus high school life affords is a fun luxury she is thoroughly enjoying. She is able to take a quick nap in the afternoon or leisurely read on a park bench in the morning. She is learning to navigate her own way in the Twin Cities, while having both Jack and Campbell close by when needed. We love that she’s a serious student, a good friend and still has a compassionate heart for others. She has impressed us with her resilience and adaptability this year and has even ventured to try things that take her out of her comfort zone, like moving into a dorm room with a stranger or driving in the Twin Cities. Katie’s got a fantastic hold on life now.
Matt has been able to spend a little less time at the office this summer by working only two days a week. With the addition of three associate doctors at the office this year, he is finally able to take some well deserved time off. He has spent more time at the cabin and in Florida. He headed out to the Dakotas to ATV, fish and hunt a few times this year. He and Jack also went to Canada with friends to fish in June. He has been able to get some projects done around the office and house without feeling pressured by time, which is such a new luxury. He also orchestrated a memorable trip for us to Indiana to view the solar eclipse in April. We have enjoyed eating lots of fresh fish, turkey, ducks, geese and more from his hunting and fishing adventures this year. Matt joined a fantasy football league this fall and enjoys tracking his players and points with family and friends. He and Jack spend a lot of time on the phone comparing players and thoughts on football games. It’s so good to see him relax and have fun!
I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the kids turn into adults and start to spread their wings, although the house is certainly very quiet now. This year has been emotional for me, with our last child leaving home and adjusting to our new normal. I’ve spent some additional time in Florida and took the girls on a trip to Glacier National Park in August. My book club meetings and moms group nights out continue to be some of the highlights of my months, along with the satisfaction of quite a few finished products I’ve made with my newly improved knitting skills. I can now pretty competently knit both socks and mittens! I gave up my desk at the office to another coworker this summer and now work from home, or away from home, as needed. That has been a positive move both physically and mentally for me and I can already feel my creativity coming back. Of course, Ollie enjoys having his mom home more and we spend most days within just a few feet of each other.
Speaking of the dogs, the boys are getting older. Ollie is starting to get a little gray in the chin and limps a little bit after he gets home from a day of hunting. He still is as affectionate as ever and enjoys pontoon rides and fishing at the cabin. Alvin creaks a little when getting up and sometimes looks like a little old man, but will run around outside like a puppy if there is a rabbit or chipmunk that dares to enter our yard. They both enjoy a good rest in the sunshine or by the warm fireplace, usually close together.
We hope this letter finds you and yours well. We are sending our love and well wishes for you and your loved ones throughout this holiday season and the year to come!
Love,
Stephanie & Matt
Campbell, Jack and Katie
