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What can I tell you about us...

Ellis B, 2 yrs old: She has the biggest eyes I have ever seen and beautiful curly hair (that never looks combed after her nap). She has the attitude of her Mother and the brains of her Father. She is wildly independent and can stop you in your tracks with just one look! As quickly as she can make you think twice, she can warm your heart with her smile, especially if you’re male. Her favorite way to get what she wants is to lay on the floor and lick it until you give in; this tactic has helped her acquire a shoe collection envied by any self respecting woman. She swims like a fish in the pool with her father and climbs the furniture like a true adventurer. She says, “I love me” instead of, “I love you”. She goes to sleep at night with one stuffed pig, a sheep, a cow, two groovy girls - both named Stella, four silkies, one Berenstain Bears book and two blankets - how there’s room in that crib for her is beyond me. Her favorite things are her train table and trains, bouncing balls of all sizes and to swing on the swing set until the day ends. She continues to get bigger, talk more and follow her brother around like a beautiful shadow, although I don’t think Ellis will ever truly be in anyone’s shadow.

Jack B, 3 yrs old: He is still our Handsome Jack. He has the heart of someone who loves bigger than he is. He’ll tell you in a minute, “We’re not twins” when someone asks; and he says it with attitude. He likes school, after getting past a couple weeks of sheer terror. He surprises us with Spanish, songs and stories of kids we have yet to meet. His mind moves faster than his mouth and has zero interest in getting out of diapers. He loves to cook, makes a mean cup of coffee and can crack an egg without getting the shell in the bowl. He loves his adventures in the mountains and swimming lessons with Daddy. He is turning out to be Paul’s right-hand-man with projects around the house; the projects take twice as long but they are three times the fun. He’ll ask for a nap when he is tired, but he will follow his cousin Jake (age 5) around until he drops of sheer exhaustion. He’s learning to ask for what he wants but when it comes to Ellis he know he is bigger and stronger and that a push or shove works twice as fast. His imagination is as big as the universe but he, “doesn’t know how to wait”. He says, “graaby” instead of “gravy”, “scoooch” instead of “move over” and his last name better than any telemarketer. Speaking of which, the best way to get rid of a telemarketer is to hand the phone to your 3 year old!

Paul E: Continues to love his job and Colorado. He’s been promoted and deals with the added stress by running at a morning hour that is ungodly in my book. He looks forward to a winter of skiing and snowboarding, along with quiet nights in the hot tub. New Year’s Eve we’ll celebrate nine years together. His hair is a little grayer but his arms still make me feel safe, and he will always be my sweetie.

Erica B: I’m still home with the kids and no matter what some call it, it is a full-time job. Some days it’s a part-time job too. Colorado is growing on me, the addition of our new neighbors has made things more enjoyable. I’m learning my way around town, my GPS makes this alot easier. In November I celebrated the FOUR-0 with my family and great friends, it wasn’t as bad as I thought. I think, “40 being the new 30” is a bunch of fooie; 40 is 40. Oh well, it beats the alternative!! I have everything to be thankful for... a healthy, loving and safe family, beautiful friends - old and new, and the chance to do it all again, tomorrow.

Wishing you a happy holiday filled with dreams that come true and the best new year you can imagine.

Love, Erica, Paul, Jack and Ellis