Okay! I know it has been way to long since I have posted, but better late than never. The laundry is going, the kids are in bed, even Mark since he has been working 60-80 hour weeks this summer! It has been a long summer. I am uploading pictures to the Costco website, and I guess I have a little time to catch up. Wow! Where do I start?

We spent the Christmas holidays in Boston! We had not been there for five years and it was so wonderful to be with my family. We had a blast. Kristian was in love

with my mom. It is more like an obsession. He would order her around all morning and when she had to get some work around the house done or help with my brother Reed, it was a full melt down. He was not ready for her to leave Santa's Sleigh! You know she was one of the reindeer, and how would they possibly get along without her! He also loved to put her in the dungeon!

She had to sit exactly where he wanted and if anyone messed up his plans, then we all payed the consequences! Every night

Grandma would take Kristian to bed. She would sing him songs and stay until he had fallen asleep. She tried to sneak out, but if he was not completely asleep he would call out for her as if the house was on fire! Routine, routine, routine! When we got home I know he missed her so much. I said, "do miss grandma putting you to bed?" He would then request that we return to Boston on the airplane! He is the best. I love to watch how his mind works.

I was so happy that he was not scared of my brother Reed. We were

just together five months earlier and I was hoping his memory would serve him well! He loved to be on his lap and get rides! I am sure it made Reed happy too. Reed is always so willing to do everything for his nieces and nephews. He loves to spoil them and do fun things for them and this trip was no exception. Kristian was so noisy, and Reed was such a trooper. I am sure he was so tired of Miss Spider's Sunny Patch! It was the only thing that would keep Kristian quiet at times. Reed is used to a pretty quiet environment, but we sure mixed that up a bit! I was very happy that Kristian did not tug on Reed's vent, and all the cords that are attached to his wheelchair! A brief explanation was all he needed and he was very good the whole trip! Reed was so understanding and happy to see everyone having a good time.

Christmas morning was a blast! Reed was so kind (and I should say Grandma and Granddad) to get up in his chair early so that the little kids did not have to wait until noon to open presents. They all had so much fun. Kristian was so excited I thought he would burst! He kept saying' "Oh Wow!" and "No Way!". It was the best. He got a peter pan costume, a dump truck, a red sox outfit (from Uncle Reed), and lots more! It was a fun day for everyone, but I think

the high light is when we surprised my dad with a bonsai tree! It was from all of his kids and he was not expecting it at all! I love Christmas morning! I love giving to those I love. I think the best is that I do not have greedy kids! They know it takes a lot of money to have a big family and they never ask why they did not get this or that. I hope it helps us focus and the true meaning of the season, and help them remember that it is better to give than receive.