Be sure to view our December family photos as well.

Hello Family and Friends,

Happy New Year everyone!!

In December we went to see the Bears host the Packers (and Brett Favre for the last time?) and froze our butts off in the process. Keith had to go buy two toques and a scarf to keep us warm enough. That's when we decided not to buy any tickets for possible (and possibly even colder) January playoff games. Go Bears!

Natasha celebrated another birthday this month and we gave her a special gift - trainer for a day at Shedd Aquarium with the penguins, beluga whales, and dolphins! Natasha really enjoyed it and did a great job, and even had a hand in the dolphin show while Keith, Noah and Luke watched from the stands. Natasha's birthday also meant that her Nova Scotia driver's license expired and she finally had to break down and get an Indiana one. They changed the rules shortly after Keith got his back in 1999, and so now Natasha had to take a written test. To pass the time while waiting, Keith also wrote the motorcycle test, but according to Natasha he is not allowed to use him daytime permit. Natasha also passed her test, but now is on a learner's permit for three months!

Keith's employer NAVTEQ had a great Christmas party this year in the penthouse club of the Bank One (Chase, now) building in downtown Chicago. The view was incredible, the food was way better than the last two years, and the free drinks were welcomed. There was also a very funny contest where teams built "snowmen" out of office materials (and a navigation system DVD, of course) instead of snow. The only thing better would be allowing spouses as guests so Natasha could enjoy the party as well, but that would be a lot of people to accommodate.

Keith also spent a lot of time at work this month, as all NAVTEQ Quality Division staff from around the world gathered for an intense week in Chicago. It was great to see everyone and learn from each other, but it meant early mornings and late afternoons. Our babysitter Tiffany (one of the boy's teachers) was called upon to help out Natasha.

Looking ahead to warmer weather, Keith made some camping reservations for June at Warren Dunes State Park in Michigan. This is a great camping site with a huge, fantastic beach on Lake Michigan. It is very difficult to get reservations there, but online we can book up to six months in advance. This past summer we tried to book a campsite at the last minute but couldn't get in, but we did make it to the beach a number of times - now we are set for camping in 2006! Another big appeal of this park for us is that we can drive there in less than an hour and avoid any Chicago traffic.

This year we decided to start our own family traditions, and in December we had our first actual Christmas Day in our new home. It was very exciting for all of us to be in our very own house and not travelling during the busy holiday season. We also found out how much time it takes to be Mommy, Daddy, and Santa. Noah went into full Christmas mode early in the month with the arrival of a letter from Santa, straight from the North Pole! On Christmas Eve he made sure we put out milk and cookies for Santa and carrots for the reindeer. Noah also requested water for the reindeer, since they would be thirsty as well. Thanks to everyone for all the wonderful gifts - Noah and Luke now have enough toys to last clear through to next Christmas, and maybe longer. Luke was happy to get gifts, but Noah remains the official unwrapper for anyone who will let him and Luke doesn't mind this too much.

Keith & Natasha

December Milestones

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