Life With Boys

Hello –

How to start our letter this year? That is the question. 2006 has brought so many changes to our lives; it’s amazing when I look back on all of it.

As many of you know, our year started on a down note with the sudden and unexpected passing of my Mom. Life without her has been strange and I’m sure I will feel her loss for the rest of my life. We set up a website in her honor, to visit go to: http://lanibeck.memory-of.com/

In other news — This month Tyler turned 5. I’m not sure how I feel about that, not that I have much of a choice. He’s fast becoming a replica of his father and a junior paleontologist too. This year brought trials of ice-skating, tee ball, soccer and swimming – not sure how much athletic prowess he promises, but it’s fun to watch all the same. His heart is big and his sense of wonder always growing, I can’t imagine it will ever change.

Morgan is very much an independent, spirited, fun loving two year old. He’s into everything all the time and fears nothing. It’s hard to be Mom to one so uninhibited – especially explaining the daily injuries and mishaps that could only happen to him. I try to keep everyone informed on my blog. He is going to keep us jumping – of that I am absolutely sure.

Matt will be at Boeing 10 years next July – I still don’t get to know what he’s up to most of the time and I think I’m used to it now. When not playing with the boys or keeping up with the house he still fits in a round of golf here and there. And – The Cardinals won the World Series, so there is a plus for 2006. There are a lot of baseball games in a season and he keeps up with nearly every one – I know, I get to overhear them, all.

As for me, when I’m not ruining vacations by ending up in the hospital, I’m busy keeping up with my three boys and a handful of projects as usual. I’m still working on my book – slowly but surely I’ll get somewhere I’m sure. I’ve scanned enough photos to warrant an external hard drive (that’s a hint for Santa) and my Mother-In-Law has gotten the letters translated faster than I can say Pat.

My in-laws have been a godsend this year. I know they are the reason why I’m living here in the middle of the world. They are crazy about the boys and will stop at nothing to lend a hand – we’d be lost without them.

As for my Dad, he’s coping. He’s busy splitting his time between Park City and Newport, home of his girlfriend, Marilyn. I expect they will end up in the same state by summer. They have a lot of life to live and I’m happy they have found each other to share it.

This year we also said goodbye to our cat Fulda. So now we are down to one beastly, fat cat on steroids — plus Reindeer our goldfish and two red-eared slider turtles, Mater and Lightening.

We’re headed to Canada and Utah to celebrate this year – Canada to see Matt’s brother Scott, wife Rachel and cousin Byron and then the big day in Park City with all four cousins together. I see envision scenes of Toyland gone astray.

If you’re in PC on the 24th Mindy is hosting the annual Before The Torchlight Parade Party at Dad’s – so consider this your formal invitation.

Better sign off for now, Tyler’s T Rex is going to eat Morgan’s Triceratops.

Love always,
Danielle. Matt, Tyler and Morgan