For us, 2007 revolved around laying down roots and immersing ourselves in simple but rewarding activities. This was our first full year in Texas, and Kim has been busy with various construction projects for our home, the two biggest ones being wall-to-wall, built-in bookshelves for her office and a wall-to-wall, built in desk and hutch for Derek’s office. We also created a huge 8’ x 6’ tall abstract painting to hang in our foyer. Kim has several projects lined up for 2008 and they are the perfect excuse for her to acquire more toys (sorry, tools) for her workshop in the garage.

Along the line of laying roots, we also applied for our US citizenship this year. We had been procrastinating, but with the planned increase of fees (almost double) in July, we decided to submit the application in time to beat the fee increase. Derek completed the process and was sworn in as a US citizen in November and Kim will be sworn in just in time for Christmas. Now we can vote in the US 2008 Presidential elections.

The kids are growing up fast. Celeste turned 6 this year. She has been taking ballet lessons since the end of 2006 and in June, she performed in her first Ballet Recital “Victors and Villains”. Her class performed the jazz routine “Pop Princess” and the Tap Dancing routine “Candy Man”. She is also becoming more independent and had her first sleepover back in February. She has since had multiple sleepovers, both as a host and a guest.

Brendan turned 3 this year. He had not been talking for most of the year, but it seems that all of sudden, in the last 3-4 months, he has been talking constantly in full sentences. There are still some odd occasions where we can’t quite understand what he’s saying, but for 90% of the time, his words are perfectly clear. He seems to devote most of his effort towards instructing and correcting his sister. Some recent phrases we’ve had the pleasure of hearing include: “Naughty Celeste! Time Out!”, “Scoot over” and “Coming through, get out the waaaayyy!”.

Our vacation this year was a 2-week trip to Trinidad in July and doubled as a terrific surprise for Keith and Marilyn. Derek and his siblings had planned the surprise since the end of 2006. Everyone went home to celebrate Derek’s parents’ 40th Anniversary. Neither Keith nor Marilyn was aware that all their kids and grandkids were visiting until they showed up at their doorstep in Trinidad.

Derek had started running in 2006 and ran one 5K race. This year, he ran several 5K races, a 10K race, and most recently, the Chicago Marathon. The marathon didn’t go exactly as he planned due to some abnormally high temperatures, but he completed the entire 26.2 miles. The whole family went to Chicago and the kids made “Go Daddy Go!” signs and tried to see him along the marathon route. Derek has been dealing with a heel injury and hasn’t been running recently, but he’s resting it and hoping to resume running in the New Year.
All in all it has been a quiet but satisfying year.

As we reflect on our blessings and celebrate a quiet Christmas, we would like to wish you and yours, a Merry Christmas and a Prosperous and Joyous New Year

Derek, Kim, Celeste, & Brendan