holiday greetings!

2009 is winding down, and we will be enjoying its last two weeks at home together. Ben is on the verge of turning one. He is taking a few unassisted steps, and is definitely saying "ball" now, along with Mama, Dada, hi and bye. He gets me up at 5 each morning, and around 7 the two of us go in and wake up Owen- that is Ben's favorite part of the day- jumping on his brother and getting to play with him. Owen in turn loves his little brother and talks about how they are best friends. He does a great job sharing toys and has been very patient with Ben. Owen is enjoying pre-k, loves his teacher Richard and the activities they do each day, including yoga and gardening. He's working on his reading and writing, and still obsessed with airplanes. Ben will start at Owen's old school- the Monroe Center- in January. It is hard to believe that he is old enough to go there now, but Owen was the same age when he started. I think Ben will be happy there. Richard and I are keeping busy with the boys and with work. We enjoyed NOT renovating our house this year- it was time to reap the benefits of last year's chaos.

We are looking forward to Christmas at home with my dad, assuming he can snowplow his way to the Richmond airport tomorrow. We will miss everyone in Vermont this year, but wish you love and will see you this summer after the melt.