Seasons Greetings!

As you may be aware, we’re still stuck in the Midwest. Hey, it could be worse.

2008 was a good year for us. We welcomed a new addition to our family, moved to a new home that feels much more like a home and less like and apartment, worked in a few vacation trips, and got to know St. Louis and see more of what the city has to offer us during our stay (some of our favorite places include the St. Louis Zoo, the World Bird Sanctuary, Elephant Rocks State Park, and Laumeier Sculpture Park).

Audi joined our family in February, but (according to her dad) was pretty much just a squeaky lump for most of the year. She started crawling the day before Thanksgiving and is welcoming the joys of being mobile. She has two teeth, is solidly attached to her blanket and loves to play with her big sister! She is a beautiful and happy baby with a ready smile for anyone who looks at her.

Beemer, now four, loves her little sister, Barbies, Polly Pockets, and EVERYTHING pink! She likes to color, play outside, and her teacher and friends at her preschool – a new highlight in her life. Her confidence in tackling new situations (and sometimes, though rarely, people) is amazing to watch.

Pulcheria is happily busy at home with the girls. She works with the nursery at church and loves the extra hugs from the kids each week. She is also perfecting a list of “hot spots” and “must-sees” for visitors. Admittedly, the list is short, but it does include a visit with two adorable girls. (Those who have come to visit say the girls are the best part of the trip.)

Ahenobarbus has always been good at scheming, and is currently attempting to shed years off of his dissertation by choosing a topic, now. Hope it works. His research is demanding and holds his interest (a challenging feat). Those who know him may be surprised that he has discovered a language which he despises more than French: Old French.

While we miss our family and friends (and the mountains and desert) in Utah, we are grateful for the friends that we have around us in St. Louis and the amazing opportunities that we have been blessed with. We hope that as 2008 ends, you are enjoying a festive and happy holiday season!