Happy Holidays!  The latest sign that we have been in Philadelphia for a while: the boys are starting to speak with a local accent.  Yikes!  To make matters worse, they are growing up Philadelphia Eagles fans – rivals to my Redskins.  I suppose it was bound to happen. In any case, these are all signs that we are settling in to thePhiladelphia area for good. 

Charlie (9) is now tearing through the third grade and his Marple Junior Tigers football team completed another undefeated season.  This year he played both offensive and defensive tackle and the team won the county championship with an 11-0 record.   In the process, Charlie has become a rabid football fan, playing the Madden NFL 2006 video game every day, ESPN Fantasy Football and watching several NFL broadcasts each week.  More importantly, he’s getting good grades in school, taking on more responsibility at home and setting a good example for his brothers.   We’re very proud of our Big Guy!

Henry (7) continues to amaze us with his growth.  He entered the first grade this year and now rides the bus to school with Charlie.  Not only is he one of the best readers in his class, but he’s also a math whiz.  No, it’s not from tabulating football scores or baseball stats.  Henry has been counting money!  His practice with numbers has often stemmed from his passion for video games.  He’d often ask, “Mom, how much money does this game cost and how much do I have?”  Now he figures out the answer in his head and announces it to everyone.  Henry is also an avid soccer player and a gifted goalie.  He completed his third soccer season this year and also scored several goals during turns playing in the field.  He is a marvel to behold and there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing him flash a toothy ear to ear grin.

Our third son Patrick (5) is a whole different ball game.  He now attends full-day, Pre-K classes at the local Montessori school and is only interested in sports when it involves competing with his brothers!  He has a passion for everything Star Wars related, racing cars and creative art projects.  Patrick continues to be the family fashion victim (nearly rivaling Beth).  We don’t even think about telling him what to wear – it’s not worth the battle!  When asked what he wanted us to bring him back from a business trip to California, he replied “a tie-dyed t-shirt” without hesitation.   Patrick is also completely fearless.  Not only did he teach himself to swim last summer by simply jumping into our pool without a life jacket to keep up with his brothers, he also broke his wrist by repeatedly diving off the top bunk bed onto a pile of pillows on the floor.   Patrick is a truly original character and we love him dearly.

Best wishes to you and yours for a Happy Holiday Season and a Healthy & Prosperous 2006!

To check out news from previous updates, just click on the date you'd like to see: 

December 18, 2004 Update

December 20, 2003 Update

December 16, 2002 Update 

December 23, 2000 Update 

December 19, 1999 Update 

October 10, 1998 Update