2006 Holiday Letter

Is it that time of year again?

We've had a wonderful year in Poughkeepsie. The progress on Winnie Lane continues in earnest … since last Christmas, we've painted the kitchen, our bathroom upstairs, and the living and dining rooms. The guest room is in progress now, and so we hope you'll visit us next year to try it out! We also had central air conditioning installed in the spring, and we're now working on a door from the sunporch down to the back yard.

We were once again spoiled with a trip to Hawaii in late January. This time we made it to the Big Island as well as Maui, and took an aerial tour of the volcanoes. The views were breathtaking, and we hope to make it to some of the other islands in the future. Our travel is slowing down somewhat, though, as we have both taken new jobs with IBM this year!

Chris accepted a program management role in May. This new challenge allows him to study the adoption of emerging technology, and will provide opportunities to explore other areas of the company. Paul also made a move, from working in a development lab to a technical sales role. As a systems architect, Paul is working with the State of New York account to develop solutions for all of their technology needs.

This has been a year filled with joy and happiness for our friends, too. We celebrated Stacey's wedding in May, and Chris was honored to serve as an attendant for Melissa and Eric's marriage in June. Just last month we attended Greg and Kathy's New York City nuptials, and the fun will continue into the new year as well. Chris's sister Erin became engaged to Matt this October, and both Chris and Paul will be part of the wedding party in May 2007.

We enjoyed perhaps our best trip yet to Stone Harbor in August. This year, the whole crew was in one house just a block from the beach — and we had a great time! Every year Chris drools over the listings in the windows of the real estate offices on 96th Street, and we talk of how one day we might be able to buy something on the island.

As the holiday season begins this year, we're eagerly looking forward to relaxing time spent with friends and family. And as we celebrate, we send to you our warmest wishes for a happy and healthy new year.