Merry Christmas

As the year comes to an end it is an opportunity to reflect on the events that have shaped our lives in the past twelve months. 2010 was a year of great change for our family as we said goodbye to California, moved across the country to St. Louis, became first time homeowners, changed jobs, watched baby James become an all-action little boy, and learned that our little family will be expanding.

Our move to Missouri was precipitated by a job transfer for Andrew. We had been hoping to relocate to either the Midwest or the East Coast to be closer to family, so when this opportunity presented itself we jumped at the chance. Andrew continues to work for Millipore (now owned by Merck) and oversees their Stem Cell research and development program. He has had an opportunity to travel a bit this year including trips to Japan, Albany, and Boston, but is trying to cut down on travel in order to spend more time teaching James how to kick a football while speaking the Ulster-Scots language.

Jennifer has also changed jobs – thankfully she was quickly able to find a teaching position at Parkway West High School, less than two miles from our new home, where she is one of two choir teachers working with 168 choristers. She is also the student council faculty advisor and will be teaching a class in leadership this spring.

Becoming first time homeowners has been rewarding, challenging and even slightly humorous at times as we’ve had to acquired a new skills set. We’ve had to learn how to unclog pipes, fish animals (both dead and alive) out of our pool, and simply keep up with daily maintenance of a 35 year old house. All that being said we love our house, and look forward to creating many happy memories here. Visitors are always welcome!

Like most parents, our life revolves around James who is no longer our little baby, but a soon-to-be two year old and budding football player and/or demolition expert. Over the course of the past year he has developed his own little personality including an affection for Elmo and Thomas the Tank Engine, fresh raspberries, and emptying any and all cupboards within reach. Recently we learned that James will become a big brother in May. We are very excited about the new addition to our family.

Our older “children” are both keeping well. Ernie will be sixteen this spring which certainly qualifies him for senior benefits. Though he still enjoys catching the occasional spider he spends most of his time curled up in a corner. Elvis is as energetic at age seven as he was as a puppy. Elvis loves his new surroundings and enjoys his weekly outings at Petropolis (a doggie day care) and running free in one of the many open fields near our home. He and James are becoming best friends, now that James has learned how to throw the tennis ball for him and discovered that tail-pulling is not a good idea.

Being closer to family has made it a bit easier to visit with family and friends. In addition to our annual Boyum Family Reunion at the Lake, we were able to spent time with Andrew’s parents on two separate occasions, and visit with old friends. Jenn spent some time with Carrie and her children in August, and Andrew had time to pal around with his old friend Neil during a recent visit to Tokyo. We also had a chance to visit with Anni, Steve and their new baby Magnus during a recent visit to Illinois. We are very much looking forward to spending Christmas 2010 in Northern Ireland and having the opportunity for James to play with his Irish cousins.
Wherever you are, we hope that this letter finds you in the midst of a very happy holiday season. Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a safe and healthy New Year.

HIGHLIGHTS 2010
January – James’ 1st Birthday. Jenn, James and Grandma Boyum travel to Madrid, Spain. February – Andrew moves to St. Louis, MO to start his new job.March – Jenn & James visit Andrew in St. Louis for Spring Break. April – Granny Ball visits San Diego.May – We move into our new house in Chesterfield, MO. July – The Boyum Family Reunion at the Lake. August – Granny and Granda Ball visit Chesterfield. Andrew travels to Japan for work and visits with Neil and his family. September – visit with Annie and Steve in El Paso, IL. October – learned that our little family was growing. Baby Ball #2 is due May 24, 2011. Grandma and Grandpa Boyum visit Chesterfield. November – Jenn and James visit with Carrie, Lyla and Max. Thanksgiving at the Lake with Grandma and Grandpa Boyum, Uncle Phil and Cousin Spencer. December – Andrew, Jenn and James spend the holidays in Northern Ireland with the entire Ball family!