Dear Family and Friends,
Welcome to yet another holiday update in which we attempt to recap the hilights of the previous year for you. This is not SPAM! By mere acquaintance with us, you have opted-in to be burdened with such updates at annual intervals. So either hit 'delete' and wait until next year, or read on...
(you can view this letter online if it's not appearing properly in your e-mail program, just go here
http://casey.com/xmas/2002/)
Jenny and I celebrated our 15th anniversary in August, and we're looking forward to another Christmas together. We're heading home to be with Jennifer's family in Glasford, Illinois, and will enjoy a Christmas service in the church that we were married in back in 1987.
During most of the year we could be found at home in Virginia. Be we did some travel near and far, visiting family and friends, including a rendouvous with Jenny's family in Lexington, Kentucky, and wonderful week on the beach in Bethany, Delaware.
Katie turned twelve and she wears her 'pre-teen' label with great enthusiasm. Entering the sixth grade meant moving up to middle school, and a new early start to her day. Katie successfully pressed her argument that a girl her age needs her space, and so staked her claim on the basement. She is frequently exercising her creative impulses by writing stories, songs, and plays, and performing them for all of us. She recently performed at the 'Pagent of Peace' on the Ellipse in front of the White House (ironic, no?), and stumped her dad with the question, "Whatever happened to Osama Bin Laden?"
Will entered politics this year as a candidate to represent his fellow fourth graders as Vice President. Although he didn't win election, he did make history for being the first candidate in Henderson Elementary school history with a
web site. Will has advanced to Weblos in scouting and this year successfully built a Pinewood Derby car that won some heats, and survived a whole week of Scout Camp with his father in the mountains of southwest Virginia. Soccer remains Will's sport of choice for playing, but as a fan he's also now enjoys taking in a football game or two on Sundays in front of the TV with his folks (NFL and Playstation both).
Colleen turned six this year and has entered the first grade, yes, that means all three kids in school all day (this has new meaning to Chris since he's working at home). Adjusting to the long day has taken some work, as Colleen admits, "I love school, I just wish it were shorter." Other activities fill what little time remains after school including Brownies (led by mom), Soccer (coached by dad), T-ball, and Ballet. Colleen enjoys reading, and every other remaining moment is covered by Sponge Bob.
With the kids all in school, Jennifer is taking small steps back toward the classroom herself. She no longer does any child care (except for our own kids, of course, to whom she is legally obligated until they reach age 18), and has taken an hourly job in our local elementary school as an aide working with 4th/5th grade gifted students. This might advance to part-time work next year, we'll see. You just can't go and pull the plug on six years of scout leading and full time momming overnight!
It was a good year for casey.com. Early in the year Chris was a member of the team developing a new web site for the Democratic National Committee. And he continues developing Senate web sites. But he particularly enjoys the campaign work that led him to leave the Senate two years ago. Unfortunatley, his most closely watched race ended pre-maturely when Florida botched another election and Janet Reno lost as a result. Happily, things turned out better for another client, and Mary Landrieu's re-election to the Senate in Louisiana provided a needed happy ending to the '02 campaign season. Chris eagerly anticipates the political battles and victories of '04.
For those who have read this far, we thank you for allowing us to share this slice of our lives with you. We enjoy hearing from you at the Holidays and all year round, so please stay in touch and we will hope to see and hear from you in 2003.
With best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
Chris, Jennifer, Katie, Will and Colleen Casey
