We hope you had a merry Christmas! This is the closest we're going to get to sending out a Christmas card this year -- and possibly ever.
The last year has been a good one for us. We've enjoyed having family visit and visiting family. The boys and I got to travel to Utah and California in the summer to visit grandparents and cousins. Scott and I also had a wonderful, no-kids trip to France and Spain. It was awesome! (And we owe a big thanks to the grandparents -- both sets -- and Shelly for making it possible.) Scott passed his Qualifying Exam, we added a third little boy to our family, and Evan started preschool.
We continue to live in Boston while Scott finishes up his PhD in mechanical engineering. He decided on his project earlier this year and will be developing a needless injection device. He spends the vast majority of his time at school -- in class, being a T.A., or researching in the lab. We see him some, but not as much as we'd like. What little free time he has, Scott spends reading Presidential biographies, running/biking, and hanging out with his doting wife and children.
The last year brought many changes for me as well. I had our third child in September and left my job as an associate at Ropes & Gray to stay home full time with our three boys, who keep me quite busy. The transition to being at home full-time hasn't been -- and still isn't -- easy for me, but I know it's where I need to be right now. I have managed to squeeze in a little work as a contract attorney, though. In my spare time I like to pass out on the couch, read my latest book club book with Scott, sleep, and go to the grocery store without any kids.
Evan turned the big 4 this year. He's in preschool for a few hours each week and is loving every minute of it. He also got to take a sports class earlier in the fall, where he was able to try playing several different sports. He especially enjoyed field hockey, but was disappointed they didn't do any bowling. He talks a mile a minute and is endlessly full of questions. He aspires to be a garbage truck driver. In his spare time, he loves to play with trains, ride his bike, play with his brother and BFF Colby, and build lego towers.
Caleb is two and really working on his talking skills. He is an extremely happy child and ridiculously cute. He wants to do everything himself and can hold his own against his big brother. His big accomplishment this year is learning to be comfortable in nursery. He loves to play with trains, do anything Evan is doing, throw and kick balls, and watch Curious George.
Asher is four months old. He's smiley and sweet, but not sleeping as well as we'd like. He's quite the mama's boy already and is very much doted upon by his older brothers. In his free time he enjoys eating (as long as it's not from a bottle), sleeping, sucking on his pacifier, playing pat-a-cake, looking around, and watching his mobile.
We hope all of you felt the peaceful spirit of the Christmas season and enjoyed time with friends and family. And we wish all of you a wonderful new year, full of renewed hope and promise.
Love,
Scott, Maren, Evan, Caleb, and Asher
