The whirlwind of the Christmas season is upon us once again… the shopping, baking, decorating, parties and of course, our annual Christmas letter. We are keeping a close watch on the weather this year, because soon, our ski season begins. This year, we have rented a chalet just minutes away from Caledon Ski Club, in a hamlet called Brimstone. After the craziness of the holiday season, we can hardly wait to ski all day and then relax and enjoy the quiet, in front of a fire each night. In the meantime, let me tell you what our family has been up to in 2009.

Family travel was a highlight for us this year. In March, we escaped the snow to Palm Island, Florida for ten days of warmth and sunshine. In July, we headed to France for two weeks, to be immersed in the French culture. Our walking family embraced all that Paris has to offer- the Eiffel Tower, the museums, Notre Dame, the Seine, the Champs Elysees…we did it all! One day we took a high-speed train to Lille and visited Vimy Ridge- a place all Canadians should visit. We toured Versailles on bicycles and ate a picnic lunch, purchased at a local market, on the lawn of the palace, on Bastille Day.  For one week, we took a break from being tourists, and flew to Club Med in gorgeous Corsica.  We played tennis, sailed, learned how to scuba dive, hiked, ate delicious French cuisine, and had no choice but to speak French, as the resort was entirely French. J’aime la France, et je ne peux pas attendre pour revenir.

Lexi is 15 ½ and is in grade ten at a new school- Branksome Hall. It has been a seamless transition and she hasn’t looked back. Lexi joined the cross-country team and after a successful running season, qualified individually for OFSSA.  Lexi has also joined the rowing team and is training every morning bright and early, at the school’s indoor rowing facility. Fit from cross-country, Lexi is already posting some of the best urg results on the team and is looking forward to seeing her cousin Fraser (also a rower) at the Schoolboy Regatta in May. Lexi is tutoring at an inner-city school one afternoon a week, is diligently working on her school work, and loves the challenge of the I.B. Program. Lexi returned to camp in the summer for five weeks- three of these weeks were spent out on canoe trips in Killarney Park and along the Coulonge River in Western Quebec. In June, Lexi got a taste of the working world, when she worked at Clarity Systems for two weeks, researching and inputting data. Lexi tries to baby-sit once a week, to help support her love of shopping.  Lexi is a gal on the go, so it is no surprise that she falls into bed at 8:30 every night!

Jack is almost 14 and is in grade nine at a new school- Royal St. Georges College. Jack is loving high school and greatly enjoys the independence of travelling downtown with his pals each day. In 2009, Jack grew five inches and three shoe sizes- the expression, like a weed, comes to mind. Jack joined his school cross-country team and took part in a rigorous training program. After several successful races, including one in Rochester New York, Jack qualified individually for OFSSA. At OFSSA, Jack ran an amazing race and had the best result for his school. When he is not running, or doing homework, Jack can be found out skateboarding or doing tricks on his BMX bike. Jack returned to camp for the month of August, and went on a canoe trip for two weeks to Chapleau Lake and Lake Superior in Northern Ontario. Jack is looking forward to expending his boundless energy on the ski hills this winter, where I expect he will open and close the lifts each day.

Ross is 11 and is in grade six at a new school- John G. Althouse MS. Ross is in the gifted program and is working very hard at his piles of homework and countless projects. Ross has a terrific group of buddies, who also made the move to this new school.  Ross is learning how to play the trumpet at school and is taking weekly private lessons. Ross plays badminton at the Boulevard Club, three days a week and is showing steady improvement. In tournaments, Ross always has a smile on his face, demonstrating his fine sportsmanship.  Ross loved his time at Camp Hurontario this summer, especially the canoe trips around Georgian Bay. He was thrilled to earn his five-year knife this summer. Ross continues to be an avid reader, devouring books each night, long after his light should be out.  Ross is eagerly anticipating his adventure to Thailand with Nana, Poppa and Cousin Darcy in March.

In June, I retired from the LKS Parent Council, after many years of happily volunteering. Somehow my days have been filled, now that the kids are in three new schools; there are plenty of new volunteering opportunities. I have become a carpooling expert, trying to keep my sanity, while carting the kids in many directions. I continue to play lots and lots of tennis, and every day I try to squeeze in a walk with the dogs, to the Humber River. For a second year, I participated in the Weekend to End Breast Cancer and raised $2780.00 for breast cancer research. Once again, it was an inspiring experience, which I will never forget.

Paul is working harder than ever, and despite the challenging economy, Clarity continues to grow and prosper. Luckily, Paul loves his job and the people he works with, which helps make up for the long hours and frequent travel. Paul found time to play more golf this summer and would love to join a golf club…if he had the time. Paul has gained the reputation as Paul the Planner, by planning great trips and excursions for our family. We are looking forward to our next trip, planned by Paul, in March… skiing at Fernie and Lake Louise.

Best wishes this holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!  Please stay in touch- our family email address is [email protected].