Merry Christmas!

We weren't able to get Christmas cards & letters done in time this year, so we decided to do an electronic one instead.

We started 2012 living in Anchorage, Alaska, and now find ourselves at the opposite side of the year, living at the opposite side of the US in Clearwater, Florida.  To say it's been a year of extremes is quite the understatement!

Andy went from the extreme of having a busy, demanding job to getting laid off and spending six months on "vacation" in Florida searching for another.  He's had a few nibbles lately and hope an exciting Human Resources Manager position is right around the corner for him.

Debbie also experienced an extreme change. She went from homeschooling five kids in Alaska, to having four kids attending school in Florida and preparing to go back herself. That's right folks, she's applied to University of South Florida's PhD program in Composition and Rhetoric and plans to start in the fall of 2013. 

The kids have enjoyed their extreme move. They spent five months swimming on a daily basis, playing with cousins, and exploring the beach.

Katherine is in the gifted program, got straight As on her report card, and is applying to the gifted middle school program this fall. She is still fascinated in all things space and is excited to be going to the Kennedy Space Center (and EPCOT) this year for school field trips.

Sarah loves school and is just shinning in chorus. She dreams of working with dolphins (rescue & rehab) and would spend every minute at the Clearwater Marine Aquarium (home of Winter) if she could. I can't wait to take her to Sea World for the first time!

Benjamin is also enjoying school. He was tested for gifted and his scores were off the charts (takes after his papa!). He is applying for the gifted elementary school program for the fall which is also a Spanish immersion. This boy needs a challenge!

Christian is in pre-K and absolutely loves his teachers and school. He's a bright and social boy who delights in telling his friends all about Alaska. He has become quite the swimmer and a fan of all things Spiderman.

Little Sammy is 2 1/2 now. He's the only one home with Debbie now. His favorite thing to do is go with her on her 3 miles walks along the beach each morning. Well, that and playing with cars, trucks and airplanes. He is a boy after all.

So that's our update. We are extremely grateful that we're together this Christmas, and wish you and your family and extremely happy and healthy 2013!