Hello!

We're going to give this blog thing a try to keep you up to speed on our doings! I'm an amateur so be kind!

Here's our Christmas newsletter for starters:

December 18, 2005

What a whirlwind this past year has been! We have slowly settled into our new house, and contemplate some renovations this winter to open up our space and let some light in. Painting is also on the agenda for the cold months, and maybe we’ll actually hang a few pictures!

Kim has settled into her new job, and her caseload takes her all over the state and into Maine, so her geography of New Hampshire is rapidly improving. She had corrective surgery in August to attempt to lift the lid on her right eye, as the initial surgery had left quite a droop. It is improved, but there is probably another “adjustment” in her future. Chuck continues his work at Synergy with cancer and arthritis patients, and in rehabilitation at Exeter Hospital. He maintains a modified schedule that allows him to take care of Graham part-time.

Since we now have a yard, we added a new member to our family in April, a female Pembroke Welsh Corgi named Emma (she wouldn’t stay in the picture!). She is now ten months old and is finally learning some commands! She and Graham have a love-hate relationship and her invisible fence keeps her away from Graham’s swing-set so they can each get a “time out”. Our wonderful home and yard have come with a hazard and both Chuck and Graham had tick bites this spring. They both tested negative for Lyme disease (so far), but Chuck has been suffering for several months with joint aches and fatigue that have him seeing rheumatologist tomorrow.

We’ve had a busy year for family visits. Kim’s brother Kris, his wife Deana and daughter Autumn came to visit in August for Graham’s baptism. Graham and Autumn are close in age, and really have a great time together. In November, Kim and Graham traveled to Colorado to see Kyle and Melissa before they left for Australia for a year. We also saw most of the Sutherland family, too! Graham went to the Denver Zoo, saw some dinosaur tracks thanks to Uncle Denny and went to the Butterfly Pavilion, but he preferred the iguana!

Graham is an incredible, energetic three year old. He is amazingly inquisitive, and when he asks “why”, he usually listens. He lives life full-speed. His current loves include all the Christmas specials, Thomas the Tank Engine, dragons and Buzz Lightyear.

Britta (15) is a freshman at Exeter High School. She is doing well academically and taking advantage of the opportunities a large high school affords her. She has joined the ski team, is taking interesting classes and making new friends. Garrett (12) is in sixth grade at the Stratham Cooperative School where he continues to play the saxophone, and tends his flock of chickens.

We face the New Year with the hope that the peace of Christmas will fill our hearts and bodies, and that we find answers to Chuck’s ailments. We extend our sincerest wishes for the healthiest and happiest New Year ever!