2004
A year marked by the devastating earthquake/tsunami that killed nearly 300,000 people in south Asia. Closer to home, it was the year of the EU’s big eastern expansion, welcoming an unprecedented 10 new member states in one go.
For us, it was the year we moved in together in Islington. It was also another year of travel. It kicked off with a February trip to Venice for Will’s birthday.
The following month, we took a trip to Gran Canaria along with friends Big David, Johan and Gavin for some winter sunshine.
Our good friends Steve and Ian took advantage of Ken Livingstone’s London Partnership Register which allowed same-sex couples in the capital to declare their love, via a non-legally-binding ceremony at City Hall. They were among the first couples to do so.
June saw us back to the States for a week with the family up by the lakes in northern Minnesota. Will also got to experience the unique event that is the Minnesota state fair.
The year of travel was capped off with a trip to Amsterdam with Matt’s best friend Mike, partner Kelly and their friend Nikki, where we celebrated Matt’s birthday.
An otherwise enjoyable year ended in tragedy. Will’s maternal grandfather Tony died suddenly on the 23rd of December as a result of a post-surgery blood clot, forever adding a shadow to family Christmases.