Merry Christmas everyone!!

It's that time again, when we try to remember all that was notable in the past year of our whirlwind existence and share it with you, our friends. This year is a bit unusual (a bit!?) in that we're writing this letter while on a plane bound for Paris (France, not Ontario). Andrew has a couple of days of meetings and is taking some leave to extend the trip and reduce the airfare. Leslie is more than happy to join him in this endeavour. Not a bad way to begin December and get into a relaxed frame of mind for the holidays ahead. Never mind that there are gifts yet to be made and parcels yet to be mailed. Back home, the kids are in the loving care of their Uncle Mike & Auntie Lisa who have recently moved to Deep River. Lovely of them to make this vacation possible.

2002 has been a very eventful year for us and has flown by faster than ever. Leslie's brother, Mike, along with his fiancée & her two boys, took possession of their new home on 5 acres just west of town. We had lots to do helping them out as they undertook extensive renovations from Toronto. In late August, they moved up to Deep River and we are now enjoying the luxury of having family nearby. Lisa's two boys, Sean (11) and Matt (9), have fit into our family as if they have always been here. Lisa & Mike had a quiet, relaxed wedding on their own lawn on September 21. A new little niece or nephew is on the way in early July.

Leslie's parents startled us, and possibly themselves most of all by deciding to move to Deep River as well. Just two days after the wedding, they decided to purchase a building lot overlooking the Ottawa River. They are within walking distance of Mike & Lisa's place, and just 5 miles out of town. Leslie is thrilled, and is now wondering when her sister will decide to come.

We broke from our usual summer routine to take a long dreamed of tour of the Maritimes. Leslie's sister Andrea flew out from Saskatchewan to join us. Sadly, we didn't get very far. Our van packed it in near Montreal where we found ourselves stranded for10 days. Fortunately, we found a nice campground with friendly people and enjoyed daytrips around the area. Unfortunately, during our most expensive vacation ever, we didn't see nearly as much as the Maritimes as hoped. We now have a new van and several years of car payments to look forward too. We hope to try the maritime adventure again in 2005. The kids continue to grow and keep us hopping. Weekdays are busy with homework and activities. They are enjoying having two new cousins who pass through our house on a regular basis.

Meghan, now in fifth grade, has moved to a middle school. She is delighted to be in a school with no siblings, and is increasingly mature and independent. She’s proud to have made the honour rolls for both academic achievement and social skills. She continues in guiding and is becoming very involved in drama, both at school and in our local youth theatre. She is hoping to win a role in the youth theatre's spring production of Bugsy Malone.

Gosaye is now in fourth grade. This has been a difficult transition as he is in a class of 35 (up from 25 last year) and having to take more responsibility for himself than he is really ready for (this is how our provincial govt is improving education). With some additional parental support and 'encouragement' (threats & bribery), he's pulling up his socks. He's not one to let little details like grades worry him much, though, as he continues on his merry way. He's enjoying Cubs, swimming and singing in the school choir. He's also hoping for a part in Bugsy Malone. In the New Year, Gosaye will begin to be called by his middle name, David, as he finds too many people have trouble spelling and pronouncing his Ethiopian name.

Biniyam is blossoming in third grade under the expert tutelage of one of our favourite teachers. Although school is challenging for him, he's gaining tremendously in confidence. He continues to be fascinated by everything around him and bubbles over with questions. One of the highlights of his year has been the acquisition of a second hand drum kit. He continues in Cubs and swimming and drum lessons whenever we remember to arrange them.

Lauren is now in second grade. She seems to thrive on activity and is totally over programmed. She is in Beavers & Brownies, as well as swimming and ballet and has a very healthy social life. She is outgrowing her princess period and is now almost a full grown
drama queen!

Leslie is working a bit more these days , although her favourite time is being alone when everyone else is out of the house. She is a substitute teacher at both of the kids' schools as well as teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) for five hours/week to two middle school students. These jobs allow her to enjoy teaching without all the additional responsibilities of preparation, report cards, etc. She continues with La Leche League, providing support to breastfeeding mothers in the community.

Andrew has had a career shift, moving back into research from his previous role of providing planning support. He is now Director for the Reactor Safety Division, which consists of about 180 research staff in 6 branches. When not travelling to some meeting or other (Lauren in particular feels her dad is away too much and wonders if AECL will let him stay home more.), Andrew continues to help out with the Beavers, and has started curling again.