Christmas Letter 2008

Dear Family and Friends

It's that time of year again! I can't believe another year has passed. I apologise to everyone for writing a general Christmas letter but I've just been too busy to write out a Christmas card for everyone.

Well, let's see. This year has been a very full year. In January I started working again at Pureza de Maria. I had been on sick leave for almost two months in November and December because of my hernia operation. It was great to go back to work. The students are very nice and pretty hardworking (although some of them need to learn to study more!).

Hugo was busy in 2008 playing football. His team finished second in the league and he was very happy. In September he started with a new team and was even happier because he didn't have to play defense anymore. He started to play as a forward and center and now has made 6 goals in league competitions.

Samuel started karate in May and has finally found his sport. He loves it and goes twice a week with his friend Sergi. He continues to love to collect small things and bring home sticks, bugs, small stones, etc. in his pockets every day.

Max is just as funny and inquisitive as ever. He is learning to read, loves to draw and color and has a big collection of football stickers. He plays "football" with Hugo in the living room every day. I can't get them to sit down and be quiet!

In September, I was very fortunate to get all three boys into the same school where I work (Pureza). Hugo and Max had a hard time adjusting to the changes at first but after a few weeks they were very happy at their new school. Sadly, they won't get to stay at the school for long.

The big news in my life is that Marcelino has accepted a new job in Madrid. We will be moving at the end of December. I worked very hard to find a job right away and a new flat. Luckily I will be working at the same school but in Madrid and two of the boys will be able to attend as well. Only Samuel has to go to a different school. We all think he will be fine, however, as his new school is very small and very close to our new house. Now I have to find a new football team for Hugo, a new karate school for Samuel, etc. The good thing is that we will be near lots of beautiful parks and near the "abuelos".

So, that's all my news. If any of you happen to be in Madrid next year, please feel free to come and visit us. We would love to see you.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

love

Melissa