Christmas is approaching far too quickly. As we begin this letter, the garden is still a mess, the leaves are still on the lawn, and the Halloween decorations haven’t yet been exchanged for Christmas lights. Time flies when you are having fun…..even faster when you
have four kids.

The kids do keep us hopping and not only by dropping things on our toes. They are all involved in a variety of activities that require us to balance schedules and transportation. They keep things pretty lively at home, too, especially after school when each wants undivided parental attention. Still, things are easier than last year, with everyone in school full-time and all developing greater independence.

Lauren is enjoying grade one. She takes school very seriously and earnestly does her best. A social butterfly, she is delighted to be in a class with her best friends. A child who once clung so closely to Mom, she is remarkably independent, heading off to school each day on her bicycle and often choosing to stay for lunch. She has joined a French choir at school, and also enjoys swimming lessons and both Sparks (pre- Brownies) and Beavers (pre-Wolf Cubs).

Biniyam, in grade two, has adjusted to the start of the school year more easily than in the past. He’s increasingly confident in his ability to read and write and enjoys creative activities. He’s joined the local swim club and was very proud to win first place in his group at his first fun meet. He’s also continuing in Beavers and will cross-country ski in the New Year.

Gosaye is doing well in third grade. He continues to have boundless enthusiasm for just about everything combined with an energy level and spontaneity which is alternately amusing or maddening. He is swimming along with Biniyam, and has moved on to Cubs this year. He will also join skiing in the New Year. The local Jack Rabbits program has made it a lot easier for us to launch our four kids into cross-country skiing.

Meghan is in grade four, the senior grade in our local elementary school. She is planning for a career as a performer of some sort. She’s currently learning jazz dance and synchronized swimming and looks forward joining the youth theatre group next year. I can say little more as she has threatened me with bodily harm if I say anything too cute.

Leslie had a professionally bumpy year as she found herself teaching Lauren’s kindergarten class from January until June. Lauren’s teacher suffered a head accident while skating and wasn’t able to return to work. Leslie was really enjoying having alternate school days all to herself and had planned on doing just a little supply teaching. No surprise that the job was a bit more than she was ready for. Thankfully, Leslie was handed just the right size job for this school year. She is teaching English to four new immigrant students, ages 11 & 12, for just 1 ½ hours per day. The commute is great (five minute walk) and everyone has a good attitude. She hopes all the kids’
teachers wear their helmets while skating! She continues with volunteer commitments at the kids’ school as well as continuing as a La Leche League Leader supporting breastfeeding mothers.

Andrew’s position with Atomic Energy of Canada continues to be challenging. It gobbled up his summer holidays this year as the company just couldn’t get on without him. He was hard at work while the rest of the family enjoyed a Saskatchewan vacation
with Leslie’s family. He was able to join the family later in Calgary for the wedding of Leslie’s cousin Margaret. More recently, he has had interesting business trips to Korea and Romania, a bit of compensation for all his hard work. He continues as a Beaver Leader, much to the delight of Lauren & Biniyam.

We will be heading down to the Oakville/Aurora area to spend Christmas with Andrew’s family. The kids have lots of cousins and it is certain to be lots of fun. We hope that you have a wonderful Christmas where ever you happen to be.