Happy New Year!

No Xmas card again this year-- so here at least is a family portrait from Keplers.  I always thought of willows as brush, but they're actually taller in reality and could almost pass for trees.
This year has been a good one.
Spencer is enjoying kindergarten and is taking to counting, reading short words, and even seems to have a knack for the Yup'ik language.
Owen is as energetic and creative as ever.  He has taken a break from drawing dragons, and is focusing more on planets these days, though he still delights in making "creature noises" despite our best efforts.  He is fascinated by the dicoveries of the Kepler telescope and can tell you about various Kepler planets and the "habitable zone."  He is reading the "Droon" series and is about to finish up his 3rd chapter book.
Wyatt is 17 months and is transitioning from toddling around the house to running.  He's not one for words, but likes to nod when you as him "yes/no" questions.
Kolin is enjoying a break from nightly prep work for his classes.  Work for me is going well as usual.  I am taking a week off to spend more time with the family.  Love to all!
Oh, I almost forgot.  We got a new puppy.  He was rescued from the AC (grocery store) parking lot by some dentists.  He is of a Kuskokwim pedigree, which means he is a short-legged creature mixed with husky.  He is a delight-- friendly, mellow (for a pup), and good with kids.  He's about the same size as Duncan, but probably has a little more growing to do.  He and Duncan are great companion; they spend much of their time playing around the house.  We have named him "Bentley"-- "Bent" for his long, bent tail, and "Bentley" because it has a little more class.
Oh and in case you were interested, it is currently 29 below zero and sunny.