As we trim the tree, bake Christmas cookies, wrap gifts and sharpen our skis, we continue with another one of our family traditions… our Christmas letter. Make yourself a cup of tea, put up your feet and let me fill you in on what our family has been up to in 2006.

At the beginning of July, our family headed to Newfoundland for a two-week adventure. After a night in St. John’s, we drove to the picturesque town of Trinity and a cottage called Skerwink House. The highlights included the daily sightings of humpback whales, rugged hikes along ocean-side cliffs, a day-trip to Bonavista and the beautiful outdoor pageant in Trinity. We then headed to Gros Morne National Park and a stay at Monty’s Shorescape in Norris Point. We took the well-known Western Brook Pond hike and boat trip…it was unbelievably beautiful!  Jack, Lexi and I climbed to the top of Gros Morne. The summit looks like the moon and the views are spectacular. It was an awesome 16 km hike, which we will never forget. Newfoundland is a place where we would all like to return!

We ended our summer with a grand finale…a trip to New Brunswick for Labour Day Weekend and a visit with my sister Miriam and her family. It was warm and sunny as we hung out on the Wells’ beach. The boys dug a hole in the beach, big enough for all of them, while the girls built a teepee. We hiked the Fundy Trail, went on the jet-boat ride up the Reversing Falls, and went sailing, swimming and roasted marshmallows around the campfire at night. We had so much fun that we plan to make this an annual trip.

Last June we had to put our beloved Paisley to sleep. He turned 14 in March and had lived a healthy, active and wonderful life. Paisley was our wedding gift to each other. He was with us as we grew as a family and was by our side for all of our moves. For 14 years, Paisley was my watchdog and loyal companion, helping me feel safe whenever Paul traveled on business. He lovingly welcomed each addition to our family. We knew it was time when he could not get up to eat his breakfast and was unable to walk in and out of the house without our assistance. It was no longer a life for a dog who used to chase tennis balls for hours on end and go on long daily walks along the Humber River.  Paisley died quickly and peacefully while resting in my arms. He truly was a special dog and we will never forget him.

Lexi is 12 ½ years old and is in grade seven. She is growing like a weed and requires frequent trips to the mall, much to her delight, to replace her outgrown clothing. Lexi is a keen babysitter and loves to spend her money on these shopping excursions. Lexi loved her trip to Egypt last March with my Mom, John and cousin Fraser. She will never forget sailing down the Nile for three days on a Felucca, riding in a jeep across the desert or going by donkey into the Valley of the Kings.  Lexi returned to Glen Bernard Camp for her fifth summer, thrilled to be with all her camp friends once again. Following camp, Lexi went to Calgary for a visit her camp pal Madi and her family. During the year, Lexi fills her time with many sports including skiing, tennis, swimming, soccer and running. In the Toronto Cross-Country Running Finals this past October, Lexi ran the race of her life and placed 6^th. Also in the Fall, Lexi was a key player on the school soccer team, which went to the City Finals and won! Lexi is off to a ski racing camp in Quebec for the week before Christmas. It has been a wonderful year for Lexi!!

Jack is almost 11 years old and is in grade six. Jack hits the ground running each day with a hundred questions about everything, Jack loves to practice his debating/ negotiating skills wherever he goes… could a career as a lawyer be in his future?  Jack burns through his energy with his many athletic activities, including skiing, soccer, hockey, swimming, tennis and running. Jack played on the Boulevard Club’s Junior Tennis Team last spring and won the Consolation Round of a City Tournament. Jack continues to be one of his school cross-country running stars, finishing 70^th at the City Finals.  Jack returned to Camp Hurontario for his third summer, joined by his cousins Fraser, Adam, and brother Ross.  Jack’s favourite activities at camp are shooting, sailing and the biology centre. Jack is looking forward to his greatest adventure ever, when he heads to Southern India for three weeks in March with Nana, Poppa and cousin Adam.  Jack’s inquiring mind will surely be in overdrive… I hope Nana and Poppa are ready!!

Ross is 8 years old and is in grade three. Ross wakes up with a smile on his face and a willingness to try new things. One of the most memorable moments of Ross’s year was his first canoe trip while at Camp Hurontario for 12 days. While on his first night out in the wilderness, the biggest thunder and lightening storm of 2006 hit Georgian Bay. Ross and his fellow campers had to be rescued from the torrential rain and brought back to camp by barge in the middle of the night. Ross loved every minute of camp (even the stormy night) and looks forward to returning for the full 25-day session next summer. Ross fills his time with soccer, tennis, swimming, running, skiing and hockey. Ross’s passions include reading (sometimes a book a night), Lego, drawing and dogs.  Ross’s easygoing nature, sense of adventure and his confident independence make him a pleasure to be around. Keep smiling, Ross!!

Paul is enjoying his job as COO at Clarity Systems, a thriving software company. Paul traveled a lot on business in 2006, collecting thousands of air miles. We have great plans to use these air miles with lots of family travel in 2007. When Paul is home, we greatly enjoy our family time together, going for family walks, and playing tennis and skiing together.

I continue to be the team cook and bus driver for our gang. When I am not taking the kids to school or one of their many extra-curricular activities, I am playing lots of tennis at the Boulevard Club, where I am the captain of the Ladies’ Tennis Team. I coached Lexi’s school and house league soccer teams and the school cross-country running team. I look forward to my daily hike along the Humber River with my walking pals, our black lab Lucy and the newest member of our family, Happy, a border terrier puppy.

All the best to you and your family this Christmas season and in the New Year. Our home email is [email protected]… Please keep in touch!!!