Well, its been a long time since I have written - and I have missed it. So much happened it 2009 - that I can barely remember. Grace had her 13th birthday! Ben turned 12 - both remain soccer players (Grace's coach put her in an office role and she played quite a bit more than last year.) Ben still loves soccer. BOTH were in the 7th and 8th grade play - Velveteen Rabbit - Grace had the title role and did a great job. Ben and Zach were in it too- as a boy and 'THE BOY' respectively. We all enjoyed the pool again last summer - so glad we got the bigger one - and just hoping it lasts throughout the entire summer this year! And the firepit - still a huge success! There really is nothing as beautiful and sitting around the fire with freinds while the kids play flashlight tag or 'man hunt' and swim with the happy kids swimming noise - and the zillions of stars twinkle above.... I have such a rich life - I am so blessed. All in all - 2009 was great! Thanks to my family and friends for making it wonderful! PEACE. JESS