Seasons Greetings Family and Friends! We hope this letter finds you well and enjoying the holidays. We had another exciting and busy year and brought along Connor for most of it (or is it Connor that is bringing us along for the ride?).

One thing we've noticed is that ever since Connor was born (October 2002), our camera seems to take almost exclusively pictures of him. Despite Matt buying two additional digital cameras since Connor's birth, they all seem to suffer the same problem. This boy's life has to be one of the best documented events in history. So far in 2004, we have stored nearly a thousand pictures and videos with him as the main subject. When we were creating the "2004 Year in Pictures" video we found it difficult finding pictures not featuring Connor, which will become obvious to you rather quickly if you're able to view it. He is the "star".

Julie has the fabulous job of taking care of Connor during the day while Matt goes to work at Motorola. He will have worked there 10 years in July '05! Connor, the chatter-box, sends him off daily with an enthusiastic "Bye! work, work, work, hug, hug, hug, work, kiss, hug, bye, work..." etc. Weekends still confuse him a bit. Connor wonders why Matt's not leaving for work, pointing at his car out the window saying "work, bye, work..." During the days, Julie keeps him busy playing with friends, going to Kindermusik classes, and playing at our health club's daycare facility while Julie does her daily workout. Like most 2-year-olds he loves balls, trains, trucks, blocks, and especially books. We don't know at what point he gets tired of being read to. It is somewhere over an hour, which is the longest reading session to date... and he still wanted more.

Julie is playing USAV and league volleyball. She has also picked up guitar this year. Connor and Matt both like to listen to her practice. Matt continues to play volleyball and basketball. He is coaching the high jump at a local high-school and still teaches and demonstrates the event to coaches at track and field clinics.

We stayed around Chicago more than in years past, but still managed a variety travels. We enjoyed an awesome week skiing in Wyoming, a week hiking around and summiting Mount St. Helens, camping trips to Devil's Lake and the North Shore, and several trips to Iowa and Wisconsin to spend time with our parents. All of the time was spent with great friends and family.

We are thankful for each of you and think of you often. Happy Holidays and God Bless!