Holiday Card 2009

A fully packed 2009 is rapidly coming to an end with tons of great memories.
	In March, we accomplished one of Steffi’s items on her “Bucket List” – To see the Panama Cannel. We cruised out of Ft Lauderdale and visited Aruba, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rico and Jamaica over 11 days. Although the seas were as rough as we have ever experienced on a cruise, this was one of our best. The biggest highlight, other than seeing the canal, was our trip to the rain forest in Costa Rico where Steffi actually went on a chair lift ride over and through the canopy of the rainforest. (No luck getting her on the Zip Line).
In November, Steffi finally retired and we immediately left for Florida to visit many of our long-time friends: Nancy and Barry in Palm City; Martha Carter in Sebring, Linda and Warren Tittle in Sarasota, Ann Johnston in Bradenton and Jill and Jason Ricardo in Dade City. We also visited Savannah, GA and Charleston SC and plan to go back in the spring.
	*The Grandkids are just great* and are always on the go. It is really hard to keep up with all of their activities.** Jenna is now a 3rd grader with straight "A's". In the Spring, she made her 1st Holy Communion and looked absolutely beautiful in her special dress. She had another successful soccer season and continues to rock playing the drums.
Ashley, who has always been cute, blossomed into beautiful flower this year. She now has contacts, the braces removed and in her own words - "I am HOT!" Besides being beautiful, Ashley continues to excel at school, has become a competitive diver, plays the piano and is a wiz on the computer.
	Megan is a senior in high school and has been accepted to several colleges. She is waiting to see which of the schools offer the best scholarship before making a final decision. It's great to have options! Besides being a top student, Megan has a part-time job, works out on a regular basis with Tammy at Jazzercise , coaching soccer, taking dance and piano lessons and developing her acting skills.
Speaking of acting, this past summer the girls were very involved in the successful production of "Once Upon A Mattress". Megan had the lead role as the Queen. Jenna was a member of the dance group and Ashley played a major role in the stage management area.
	Tammy and Derek are doing just fine, even though they are constantly working or taking the kids to some sort of activity. Raising a family is really hard work. Derek did have surgery on both of his feet in June, but it was not enough to keep him from taking the family on vacation to Florida.
Leo is well, and continues filling his time by working 8 – 10 hours a week at Lowe’s and volunteering as Treasurer of the Mooresville Artist Guild. He was also Steffi's chauffer for several weeks while she recuperated from a broken ankle. His painting has stepped up a level this past year. In August He had his first month long individual show at a gallery, where he sold several original paintings. So you can see, we had a full year and are looking forward to another great holiday season,. We're praying that 2010 brings us good health, Steffi and Leo wish all of you the Warmest of Holiday Wishes and a Prosperous New Year Merry Christmas!!