the Wausau life of Gracie, Monkey Girl, Schmoopy and co.

Merry Christmas!

Ah yes, another year flies by, and I find myself sitting here at the kitchen computer, enjoying the peace that only occurs post bedtime. It's interesting to think about a year of time, kid vs. grownup.....it's so easy and amazing to see the obvious development in the kids over that stretch....but I don't have anything particular insightful to say about my own 'growth'!; maybe I'm actually regressing. :) Good thing Mom kept all those Star Wars figures and Match Box cars....

Lis and I count our blessings regularly. The family has been healthy and happy. Grace and Mia excel at school and are way into gymnastics and swimming respectively. Ben has been talking our ears off for months and seems to be conquering his fear of the potty. And after testing the waters last year, Lisa has gotten serious about her triathlon training - with results that are nothing short of amazing. She also continues to teach at UWSP; this year marks my eighth with the Marshfield Clinic here in Wausau. We count our blessings.

You'll soon come to the conclusion that I am a geek Dad, if you haven't already, by perusing the links below. What can I say. I'm hooked on the JibJab website and Picasa photo software. So if you want to see a slide show of our year (it's ok, it's only about four minutes...and has a great soundtrack too!) or see the family involved in goofy animated elf antics (and why wouldn't you? :) ) .....see below.

Our most heart felt wishes for a safe and happy holiday season to you all. Thanks for clicking by.

Mark

2008 slide show:


Snowball fight: http://sendables.jibjab.com/view/F8TRXeMtqyF1gZTQF0Aj

Disco lives!: http://elfyourself.jibjab.com/view/KRevLp8gJTJamnvMtYM8

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PS: If you are puzzled by any of the shots in the slide show, ask away! But I'll touch upon a few 'events' in the show that may not be immediately obvious: Lisa's sister Linda adopted Sydney Giordano this past spring, our friends Sylvia & Emma helped collect Easter bunny eggs this year (in the snow), yes, the beach shots ARE from N. Carolina (see blog post below), no we don't own a goat (fed at Peck's Wildlife) but do now possess a dandy treehouse in the backyard, Cody is my sister's little guy, my Dad is still running tri's (go Dad!) in addition to driving schoolbus part time, and yep, Lis did grow all that yummy produce and nope, I still can't play piano. M