Happy Holidays!  We’ve now been in the Philadelphia area for over a year and we’re loving it.  It’s been great to be so close to our relatives in Maryland and New Jersey.  We’ve made lots of day and weekend trips to attend holiday dinners, reunions and birthday parties.  Of course, we’ve had lots of visitors for the same as well.  In fact, I think we’ve hosted and attended more social events this year than ever before.  As a result, we’ve also made lots of new friends this year too, which has helped speed the settling in process for everyone.

Charlie started first grade this year and rides the bus to and from school each day.  Of course, there were a few tears shed as he headed off for his first day full day of school.  Surprisingly they were from Patrick and not Beth, as he wanted to ride the bus too!  Charlie really seems to be enjoying school and has become a fantastic reader.  We are so proud and amazed at his progress and interest in books.  Charlie also played on T-ball and soccer teams this year, not to mention splashing around in the pool all summer.  His Halloween birthday party was especially notable, as Beth spent two weeks turning our basement into a full scale haunted house!  Overall, it’s been a busy year for Charlie and as each one passes, it seems the next is busier yet.

Henry turned five this year and has become the household expert on Nintendo GameCube.  He seems completely adjusted to life in PA.  Initially we were worried that he kept asking to go home to Georgia.  He has made a lot of friends at school and wants to have sleepovers with everyone.  Henry also has a sensitive nature and is able to find beauty in things.  Beth really loves this because he’s figured out the best way to get of trouble with her is to tell her she is pretty!  He has become a good swimmer and is continuing lessons at a local pool.  He is really looking forward to T-ball this Spring, as this will be his first team sport experience.  Chris may coach again this season.

Patrick has definitely changed the most in the past year.  He now sleeps in a big boys bed, is potty trained and speaks in full sentences – but with a Brazilian accent!  That’s because a lot of Patrick’s growth this year was helped along by our part-time housekeeper/nanny Liridia Cornelio who’s from Brazil.  Lee and Patrick are inseparable and she’s truly become one of the family.  While as active as ever, Patrick has clearly grown from a daredevil two year   old into an inquisitive and affectionate three year old anxious to keep up with his older brothers.  He’s become a Power Rangers fanatic and never tires of watching the movie Finding Nemo.

While the boys kept her busy with school and activities this year, Beth has also been fast becoming the Martha Stewart of our neighborhood (not by selling stock though).  In addition to organizing many events as the head of the PTO Social Committee at Charlie’s school, Beth has also hosted lots of neighborhood parties at our home as well.  In fact, her friends have been so impressed with her birthday party skills that they’ve nearly put her into business by auctioning her services for a charity event. 

Well, that's all the news for now. We hope you have a wonderful holiday and a happy, healthy New Year.  To check out news from previous updates, just click on the date you'd like to see: 

December 16, 2002 Update 

December 23, 2000 Update 

December 19, 1999 Update 

October 10, 1998 Update