Kearl Family Letter 2009

Here we go again. 2009 in 549 words:

Ava

Ava is now in Grade 1 with best friend Ella and cousin Jalen in her class. She is very eager to learn to read and write. She loves art and drawing pictures for others. At lunch time she can often be found in the gym playing intramurals with the big kids. She took a dance glass at the Tuscany Club this summer and thankfully got that out of her system. She is now asking about playing basketball next year.

Kaitlin

Kaitlin has spent this past year coming out of her shell. Though she is still attached to Jenn’s side (especially when Glee is on), she is making friends outside of the home. Now enrolled in preschool with her best friend Claire she is more outgoing and vocal. While Ava is at school Kailtin has happily stepped up to the plate as the oldest sister and is a great help with Braden. Kaitlin also loves being “mommy’s special helper”.

Braden

Braden is still very much a little boy despite being surrounded by sisters. He is gradually transitioning from Barbie to cars and dinosaurs. He loves to chase the girls with his toy sword, and if he can’t find that, he’ll grab a butter or butcher knife. And yet, he can’t seem to figure our why they lock him out if their room. Thankfully, he has yet to break skin. He is taking his time articulating his thoughts. He still mostly grunts and points, though lately he has been making some real progress, if you understand half words and mumbling. I do.

Brad and Jenn

We enjoyed our first vacation without the kids. Vegas. The highlights of the trip were Jenn’s first plan ride (next time I’ll sit somewhere else), an all-you-can-eat buffet that never changed, a $50 characterist portrait that has still not seen the light of day, and lots of quality time -- Jenn baking by the pool and me napping in the air conditioned hotel room.

This summer was a stressful one. The Suncor/Petro-Canada merger (re: Suncor takeover) brought with it lots of uncertainty. Luckily, I survived and am still working in the Natural Gas area. The jury is still out on how I really feel about the new Suncor. We’ll see how the next year or so plays out. In the meantime, I am getting ready to be at the bargaining table for two of our unionized gas plants in early 2010. After that, who knows -- especially since most roads at Suncor lead to lovely Fort McMurray, though part of me wouldn’t mind heading up there for a short while. Don’t tell Jenn.

The recession made its way to Jennifer’s dayhome. Despite her marketing efforts, she had a tough time filling spots for much of the year. Thankfully, a recent referral from Roberta resulted in landing a couple of good kids.

Jenn is eagerly awaiting the arrival of her sister’s baby. My fear is that this will heighten Jenn’s desire for a fourth child sooner than later. They have always talked about having kids together but didn’t count on Jamie taking this long to find a husband three years her junior.

In short, we’re doing okay. The kids are happy and healthy. Jenn tolerates me.

Best wishes to all, and to all a good night.


Brad, Jenn, Ava, Kaitlin and Braden