We are incredibly blessed each year. We recognize our good health and daily safety as huge blessings in our lives. Steve continues to work at Raytheon (They bought out AST a couple of years ago). He can't tell us what he does, but he's good at it! We love his willingness to work hard and provide a good life for us. I am still busy with work, PTA, soccer, basketball, dance, karate, choir, chess, futsal, church, etc. Kenneth, 14, is passionate about soccer. He knows all the players, he plays every day, and he follows RSL and the Sounders. He has picked up on the piano again and plays beautifully - we love to have the music back in our home. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout this year. Daniel, 11, has a lovely singing voice, and loves to read. He is on the school chess team and is amazing on stage. He recently recited the Gettysburg address for his 5th grade class and brought his teacher to tears. He is a fierce defender on the soccer field, and his team really missed him when he had to miss a game to attend his sister's baptism. Caitlin, 8, is so busy it's crazy. She played soccer in the fall, along with dance, choir and chess. This winter she has been playing basketball (along with choir, chess, and dance), and she recently picked up Karate! Phew. It's hard to keep up with her schedule, but she is going to decide next summer on what she'd like to focus. Her laugh is contagious and she loves to read like her brothers. Patrick, 4, is such a pleasure to have around. He is very adult-like in his conversation and learns very quickly. He has enjoyed attending 2 different pre-schools this fall, and he comes home with something new in his brain every day. He is quite athletic, and loves to kick the soccer ball any time anyone else is willing. Tasha will be 12 in 3 days. She has been such a big part of our family for such a long time. We recognize she is nearing the end of her life-span, but that makes us very sad. Leapeth is still hanging around (6 1/2 now - the book said up to 5 years in captivity...)and Daniel and I enjoy taking care of our fish. Daniel has guppies, and I have cichlids. We had a lovely trip to Southern California this summer. We enjoyed visiting one of our favorite families, the Buckleys, and visiting Santa Barbara. We send our love across the miles to each of you as we count our friends as some of our best blessings. Thank you for your friendship and love. Merry Christmas! From the Laytons
