Okay. So it's the end of the year. This journal has been quiet, but it's been on my mind. I miss making the daily updates. I've got a blog now, but that's a space for professional reflections. What I've wanted was a place to write about what's going on in my personal and family life.

So here I am again.

Since the 22nd I've been on vacation and winter break from Richmond. Colette's school was closed then, and Lela's been home since the 24th. Jean had work all this week until today, so this last week has been a time for me to play with the girls.

We went to the Children's Museum of Richmond the other day. Colette was wonderful watching after her little sister. They climbed up into the "tree" and explored to the top of the big yellow tower too. I did give Colette time to explore on her own, and she was great at checking back with me from time to time.

Colette bumped into her school friend Trey. He's a P1 in her room at Montessori. The two of them played for a bit, which was nice since Colette always seems to me to be independent.

The three of us also went to the University to feed the ducks. Lela yelled her quacks constantly, and we fed them some old saltines. Colette organized a performance for me in the Greek Theatre, starring herself and her sister. I had to explain how hiding behind the bushes was the same thing as being behind the curtains. I think she got it. Lela just had fun.

Tonight we all head over to the Phillips' house. For almost 20 years (more than 20 years?) we've been with Brian and then Alice too for New Year's Eve. The children have brought a different dimension to our celebration, but it's always been nice.

This year we're just over for dinner. Brian and Alice are going out tonight - someplace with a band. Jean and I were both more in the mood to retreat to our house than join them, so sometime around 8 or 9 we'll head home with the girls, and then snuggle and talk until the new year comes.

This year has been a challenging one as Jean and I have struggled to support the girls' education. My biggest wish for the coming year is that we find stability and peace. We could both use a little space to live.