Happy New Year!

We are finally home safe and sound (which is particularly relieving after having our brakes fail in the middle of Pennsylvania). We had a great time in Indiana for two weeks and were able to see all of our friends and family while we were there. Not only did we have gift exchanges, shared meals, and game nights, but we were able to fit in a trip to the zoo, an IU basketball game, and caroling around the hometown. Despite all of the fun we had, we're glad to be home, although not glad to be shoveling snow.

Below, Avonlea Jane is trying on some of her new Christmas outifts.

Practicing the sign for "more"

In a dress made for her by Grandma C

Asleep at Great-Grandpa's house, aka The Big House

With the newly-beard-sporting Great-Grandpa

Playing the piano with Grandma R

Spending time with Grandpa R on his birthday
Below: Showing off her new top teeth with Grandma C

We spent New Year's Eve with the V Family in Indiana. We have spent part of New Year's Eve with Tom and Jen nearly every year since 2001, and we were so happy to have the opportunity to ring in the new decade with them.

David and I challenged Dominic to a couple Twister matches, and we're proud to say that we came out on top (although being taller may have had something to do with it).

Avonlea Jane slept for a bit at her normal bedtime, but she was a tired girl by midnight.

Allison, Liv, Avonlea Jane, and Jen

The moms and kids: Avonlea Jane, Dominic, Xander, and Felix
Below: Look at the difference in the babies from last New Year's Eve to this one.

We want to wish everyone a happy new year. 2009 was an up and down year for us, but we only have high hopes for 2010. As Avonlea Jane is getting older and more independent, our New Year's resolution is to have more adult time just the two of us. We've only been out twice since Avonlea Jane was born and we're hoping to improve upon that. So, if anyone's resolution is to babysit, just let us know.

Our year was best desribed in our Christmas letter, which if you didn't receive a copy, you can it read below. Something that we neglected to mention in our letter was our board game group. Three years ago, we founded a North Shore board game group, and through it we have found many dear friends. The friendships we have made through the group have really made Salem our home. We've made a real community for ourselves with the group, and one of our greatest joys has been watching other people make true friends within it. We are also so touched at how everyone in the group has embraced Avonlea Jane into their lives. Our membership hovers around 150 people and with the help of other organizers, we've been able to maintain on average four to five events a month. Every year this board game group has been counted among our blessings.

Dear Friends and Family,

It seems that 2009 has been all about balance, from the excitement of a historic presidential inauguration to handling the stresses of the recession. Our family has learned personal lessons about the Lord’s balance this year, as we have experienced some of both life’s greatest joys and sorrows. In the last twelve months, we have seen the passing of three family members: Ron C--, Lynne B--, and Doris C-- —two of Avonlea Jane’s great-grandparents, and her great-great-grandmother. Our sadness in these losses is tempered by the fact that all of our family members were able to meet our daughter and experience the delight of her. Avonlea Jane has been such a ray of light to us, and her presence has been a blessing to our entire family.

The joys of parenthood have been greater than we could have ever imagined. Every day we share in Avonlea Jane’s glee as she explores even the simplest of things. In November, we celebrated Avonlea Jane’s first birthday; it is remarkable how fast the days have gone. Now, as she is experimenting with her first words and learning how to walk, it seems like just yesterday we were meeting her for the first time. She continually grows bigger and more independent. Every day we are eager to see what she will do and discover next.

This year also saw the start of a new adventure for our family. In the nearly three years we have lived in Salem, Massachusetts, we have fallen in love with its charm, its rich history, its salt air, and the wonderful friends we have made here. Salem has laid claim to our hearts and become our home, and we have officially put down roots here by buying our first house. Our new home is an 1836 colonial that was once a candy factory. Owning a 173-year-old house, where none of the walls, ceilings, or floors are level or plumb, makes us feel like we are truly living in a part of history and undertaking an adventure (if only in patience and engineering).

In other ventures, David is pleased to be approaching his fourth year at MIT, working as a mechanical engineer in ballistic missile defense. In May, Liv completed her Master’s degree in publishing, literature, and writing from Emerson College, and is currently spending her days with Avonlea Jane, who has recently discovered two of the world’s greatest pleasures: dancing and pumpkin pie. Even one of the smallest members of our household has had some excitement this year; Mabel was second runner-up in a Salem cat pageant in October. We are crossing our fingers that Maxwell will get the grand prize next year and be named The Official Cat of Salem.

After the rollercoaster that was 2009, we are excited to move on to 2010. From our family to yours, we wish you happy holidays and a fabulous new year.

Love,

Liv, David, and Avonlea Jane