Is this an oscar category?
In the "better late than never" department ... I just now am getting our Christmas cards assembled and ready to mail. I ordered photo cards before Christmas, and wrote a draft of a letter in mid-January, and since then, I have done absolutely nothing. Until tonight of course!
For the curious, or the overly bored, here is this year's Christmas letter:
Dear Friends and Family,
2005 has come and gone, leaving us all a little older and (with luck!) a little wiser. The main event this year was the addition of Julian Robert to our family on May 24th. Our thanks to Megan and my mom for minding Eli and Seth at Julian's birth--your help was invaluable.
Our year was packed, as usual. We spent a long weekend with the Browdes in Chappaqua, NY, and got to see the Coxes and Stucchio-Newtons too (all "Sept99 Moms"). We made it out to Niskayuna to spend both Easter and Thanksgiving with Mike and Sheila (Dave's parents), and we spent the 4th of July at their cabin on Sacandaga Lake. We celebrated cousin Lizzie's baptism, Mike and Sheila's 40th wedding anniversary, and Christmas Eve with Dave's sister's family in Wellesley. My mom's parents took in one of Seth's T-Ball games during a visit to the area, and also took us out to lunch at the Rainforest Cafe (a favorite of the boys). More celebrations north of Boston: Dave's aunties Barbara and Joyce marked their 30th year together by getting legally married (yay, Massachusetts!) and inviting everyone to a big BBQ, and Dave's Nana Connelly turned 90 years old in style. Other outtings include: Peter & Ellen's summit wedding on a mountain-top in New Hampshire, King Richard's Faire south of Boston, and my annual birthday trip to Canobie Lake Park.
To our great sorrow, Dave's Nana Henry passed away this October. I have heard so many stories about "Babe" in her prime, and I'm so sad that I joined the Henry family too late to really know her. From what I have heard, she was a vibrant and charming woman. Dave was fortunate to be with her in some moments of clarity during her last days.
This summer my mom drove all the way from Wisconsin (with help from her brother Bruce and her dad), making a permanent move to the Boston area. She stayed with us for a few months, helping me prepare for Julian's arrival and get used to having three boys in the house afterwards. She has taken HR job in the Bedford area and moved to her sister Karen's house there, shortening her commute from 45 minutes to just 10. We still see her several times a week, and as I write, the boys are spending their first night away from home--a sleep-over a Grandma Polly's!
Julian, now nearly 8 months old, is a delightful baby. He is our "blonde clone," because he resembles Seth and Eli in every way except his fair coloring. This year he has learned how to operate his hands, discovered his toes, mastered a number of consonants, and participated in a science experiment. He is "this close" to crawling and/or walking. He has overcome some general newborn crankiness and blossomed into a charming roly-poly baby who loves social outtings and being outside. He likes splashing in the tub, putting things in his mouth, and sharing his crackers with our dog, Kizzy.
Eli continues to be his happy, lovable self. He started preschool at Building Blocks this year (Tuesday and Thursday mornings), and is working on his ABC's and 123's. He played an elf in the Christmas Show. He's a big fan of Dora the Explorer, babies, animals, and puzzles, and he's learning to play games like Slamwich and Labyrinth. He also likes to strap on rollar blades and wheel around the house. For Eli's third birthday, we took the whole family to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Chunky's (a movie theatre that serves pub food too).
Seth started Kindergarten at North Street school this year. In September he was due for his three-year review on his speech issues. We were very happy to learn he now tests within normal ranges, and, although he still pronounces some words oddly, he no longer needs regular speech therapy. Seth was glad because he won't miss any more class time. He rides the bus to school, eats hot lunch every day, and does his homework--a real grown-up kid. At home, I got to introduce him to ideas like "infinity" and "scientific notation"--what fun! Seth's love of all things castle and pirate remains undiminished. He also enjoys chess, both at home and at the library's new Chess Club. He beat Dave for the first time this year, a huge accomplishment for him. In the spring he was so excited to play T-ball; he'll play again in 2006. For Seth's sixth birthday, we had a "Banana Split Party" at home, along with a SpongeBob SquarePants pinata.
Dave took a position as a Technology Consultant with the Inside Sales division of EMC. It's a fast-growing group, and he's done a lot of work with training new employees. This is the first job in a long time that he hasn't had to carry a pager or be on-call 24/7, which is a treat for all of us. Dave has continued his volunteer work with the Sterling Institute of Relationship; his finished his stint as the Kitchen Manager for the East Coast Men's and Women's Weekends, and took on a new job helping to lead the New England DoJo. Dave started a Poker Club, hosting our friends regularly for small "Texas Hold'em" tournaments. He got to try out the real thing in Las Vegas when EMC held it's annual sales kick-off there. Let's just say he won't be leaving EMC to turn pro any time soon...
I have continued my volunteering with with Canine University and New England Border Collie Rescue. This year I took on additional responsibilities with NEBCR, becoming a member of their Board of Directors and joining the Dog Intake/Foster Home team. I can't say enough good things about the wonderful volunteers of NEBCR; it is my honor to serve amongst them. We fostered a great dog named MacDuff, and helped rescue many others. Kizzy seems to have mellowed in her old age (she is 8), and accepts the occasional interloper with a modicum of good grace. This fall Kizzy blew out her OTHER rear knee, an injury identical to last year's. Knee surgery and physical therapy had similar good results: she has full mobility and good strength. With any luck, her rebuilt knees will last the rest of her life.
My other activities continue apace. Playgroup and other kid-centric outtings with Mothers & More are great, but the moms-only events are the best! The highlight of the year was a "Moms Weekend Away" to Portsmouth, NH, in March (although technically speaking Julian was along for that trip). I'm keeping up on my scrapbooks, and Craft Club has become a regular monthly event. This year I added two new crafty skills: beaded knitting and crocheting beaded braclets. I also continued tutoring with Club Z Tutoring, working with several students in calculus, statistics, chemistry, and general paper-writing and test-taking skills. I quite enjoy the brain exercise; my students are awesome.
I hope this note finds everyone happy and in good health. May the New Year bring you both luck and joy!
Dave, Rachel, Seth, Elijah, and Julian
For the curious, or the overly bored, here is this year's Christmas letter:
Dear Friends and Family,
2005 has come and gone, leaving us all a little older and (with luck!) a little wiser. The main event this year was the addition of Julian Robert to our family on May 24th. Our thanks to Megan and my mom for minding Eli and Seth at Julian's birth--your help was invaluable.
Our year was packed, as usual. We spent a long weekend with the Browdes in Chappaqua, NY, and got to see the Coxes and Stucchio-Newtons too (all "Sept99 Moms"). We made it out to Niskayuna to spend both Easter and Thanksgiving with Mike and Sheila (Dave's parents), and we spent the 4th of July at their cabin on Sacandaga Lake. We celebrated cousin Lizzie's baptism, Mike and Sheila's 40th wedding anniversary, and Christmas Eve with Dave's sister's family in Wellesley. My mom's parents took in one of Seth's T-Ball games during a visit to the area, and also took us out to lunch at the Rainforest Cafe (a favorite of the boys). More celebrations north of Boston: Dave's aunties Barbara and Joyce marked their 30th year together by getting legally married (yay, Massachusetts!) and inviting everyone to a big BBQ, and Dave's Nana Connelly turned 90 years old in style. Other outtings include: Peter & Ellen's summit wedding on a mountain-top in New Hampshire, King Richard's Faire south of Boston, and my annual birthday trip to Canobie Lake Park.
To our great sorrow, Dave's Nana Henry passed away this October. I have heard so many stories about "Babe" in her prime, and I'm so sad that I joined the Henry family too late to really know her. From what I have heard, she was a vibrant and charming woman. Dave was fortunate to be with her in some moments of clarity during her last days.
This summer my mom drove all the way from Wisconsin (with help from her brother Bruce and her dad), making a permanent move to the Boston area. She stayed with us for a few months, helping me prepare for Julian's arrival and get used to having three boys in the house afterwards. She has taken HR job in the Bedford area and moved to her sister Karen's house there, shortening her commute from 45 minutes to just 10. We still see her several times a week, and as I write, the boys are spending their first night away from home--a sleep-over a Grandma Polly's!
Julian, now nearly 8 months old, is a delightful baby. He is our "blonde clone," because he resembles Seth and Eli in every way except his fair coloring. This year he has learned how to operate his hands, discovered his toes, mastered a number of consonants, and participated in a science experiment. He is "this close" to crawling and/or walking. He has overcome some general newborn crankiness and blossomed into a charming roly-poly baby who loves social outtings and being outside. He likes splashing in the tub, putting things in his mouth, and sharing his crackers with our dog, Kizzy.
Eli continues to be his happy, lovable self. He started preschool at Building Blocks this year (Tuesday and Thursday mornings), and is working on his ABC's and 123's. He played an elf in the Christmas Show. He's a big fan of Dora the Explorer, babies, animals, and puzzles, and he's learning to play games like Slamwich and Labyrinth. He also likes to strap on rollar blades and wheel around the house. For Eli's third birthday, we took the whole family to see Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at Chunky's (a movie theatre that serves pub food too).
Seth started Kindergarten at North Street school this year. In September he was due for his three-year review on his speech issues. We were very happy to learn he now tests within normal ranges, and, although he still pronounces some words oddly, he no longer needs regular speech therapy. Seth was glad because he won't miss any more class time. He rides the bus to school, eats hot lunch every day, and does his homework--a real grown-up kid. At home, I got to introduce him to ideas like "infinity" and "scientific notation"--what fun! Seth's love of all things castle and pirate remains undiminished. He also enjoys chess, both at home and at the library's new Chess Club. He beat Dave for the first time this year, a huge accomplishment for him. In the spring he was so excited to play T-ball; he'll play again in 2006. For Seth's sixth birthday, we had a "Banana Split Party" at home, along with a SpongeBob SquarePants pinata.
Dave took a position as a Technology Consultant with the Inside Sales division of EMC. It's a fast-growing group, and he's done a lot of work with training new employees. This is the first job in a long time that he hasn't had to carry a pager or be on-call 24/7, which is a treat for all of us. Dave has continued his volunteer work with the Sterling Institute of Relationship; his finished his stint as the Kitchen Manager for the East Coast Men's and Women's Weekends, and took on a new job helping to lead the New England DoJo. Dave started a Poker Club, hosting our friends regularly for small "Texas Hold'em" tournaments. He got to try out the real thing in Las Vegas when EMC held it's annual sales kick-off there. Let's just say he won't be leaving EMC to turn pro any time soon...
I have continued my volunteering with with Canine University and New England Border Collie Rescue. This year I took on additional responsibilities with NEBCR, becoming a member of their Board of Directors and joining the Dog Intake/Foster Home team. I can't say enough good things about the wonderful volunteers of NEBCR; it is my honor to serve amongst them. We fostered a great dog named MacDuff, and helped rescue many others. Kizzy seems to have mellowed in her old age (she is 8), and accepts the occasional interloper with a modicum of good grace. This fall Kizzy blew out her OTHER rear knee, an injury identical to last year's. Knee surgery and physical therapy had similar good results: she has full mobility and good strength. With any luck, her rebuilt knees will last the rest of her life.
My other activities continue apace. Playgroup and other kid-centric outtings with Mothers & More are great, but the moms-only events are the best! The highlight of the year was a "Moms Weekend Away" to Portsmouth, NH, in March (although technically speaking Julian was along for that trip). I'm keeping up on my scrapbooks, and Craft Club has become a regular monthly event. This year I added two new crafty skills: beaded knitting and crocheting beaded braclets. I also continued tutoring with Club Z Tutoring, working with several students in calculus, statistics, chemistry, and general paper-writing and test-taking skills. I quite enjoy the brain exercise; my students are awesome.
I hope this note finds everyone happy and in good health. May the New Year bring you both luck and joy!
Dave, Rachel, Seth, Elijah, and Julian