It is hard to believe that it is two years since we made our journey half way round the world to meet Ella. In some ways it is hard to remember our lives before she was home. Although at times (mid-tantrum - they are rare), it is a bit easier to remember those carefree days.
Ella is doing well. She is an emphatic dancer. She goes to a dance class on Saturday mornings and loves her Angelina Ballerina stories. Hanging out in her dance outfit is another manifestation of the penchant for dance. She is also big on mermaids (her Halloween choice) and princesses. The combination of the three is also popular.
This year has been a bit difficult on our family. Julia took a different position. She is now at So. Illinois University in Carbondale. It was a great move for her professionally, but since I (Kent) am in my last year at the University of Minnesota, I am still spending most of my time in Wisconsin. It has been hard on Ella as well. She has two houses - brown house, Carbondale and green house, Menomonie. I have been able to make it down there every two to three weeks. It is wonderful to go and incredibly difficult to come back. Although I look forward to the accomplishment of my graduation in May, I am really looking forward to our being able to get our lives back as a fulltime family.
We have been using the internet and video conferencing as a method of staying in touch. Thank heavens for the technology. I sometimes think what it would be like if it were still the days of letters - people were tougher then, I think.
We all hope you have a wonderful holiday season. Since Ella can't yet read, she is getting a basketball hoop, basketball (little, pink and purple) and a Wonder Pets flyboat. I'm sure there are more gifts coming, but she is doing pretty well at the moment. I will be headed to So. Ill. next Thursday. I can't wait and we will be putting up the Christmas tree and doing some decorating. How fun. Having a three year old in the house puts a little spark back in to the season.
Merry Christmas. Kent.
