It's been another eventful year in the Woodard household, with life whizzing past. In addition to school for Sierra and Cooper, we were able to see some amazing places and things along the way. Glaciers, ancient forests, and tide pools in the Northwest - Mayan ruins, a huge flock of flamingos (5000+) and pristine beaches in Mexico - the cultural delights of the Lake Atitlan region of Guatemala - the sights and history of Washington DC - and last but not least, a Space Shuttle launch from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida!

Sierra is now seven and a half years old and in the second grade. She loves school, her teachers, and the friends she has made. She played soccer this fall, which turned out to be a successful first organized team sport experience (what she lacked in skill, she made up for in perseverance). She also became a much better swimmer over the summer, able to swim a length of the pool and dive for objects in the "deep end". In another surprising development, Sierra became a bit more "girly". She prefers pink, experiments with make-up, nail polish and can spend a whole day trying on different outfits and admiring her self in the mirror (I'm already afraid of the quickly arriving "tween/teen" years).

Cooper is five and a half years old and in full-day kindergarten. He has taken to school like a snowboarder to powder, being chosen for November's "student of the month" (a proud parental moment for Elaine and me). The only downside to school in Cooper's mind is the time it takes away from playing with his trains, Legos, cars, and rockets (or anything else that has a "big engine" and goes "fast"). Like Sierra, he can spend all day happily wrapped up in his imagination. Coopers big accomplishment this summer was learning how to ride a "two wheeler" bike, enjoying his newfound freedom, and being able to "cruise" with the bigger kids in the neighborhood.

Elaine is still riding the Delta horse, flying international trips out of Cincinnati, and enjoying the 24 hour layovers in London, Paris, Amsterdam, and Frankfurt. She is under the impression that the "merger" with Northwest won't affect us until 2010 . . . we'll keep you posted. Elaine's mottoes of late have been "there are never enough hours in the day" and "anytime is a good time for a nap".

I continue to enjoy my role as a stay-at-home dad, volunteering at Sierra and Cooper's school and picking up computer work on the side. I was able to take advantage of our flight benefits with several "whirlwind" trips over the course of the year, visiting new places and friends alike. The impending winter snows in the Rockies have me dreaming of powder turns, and planning trips.

Our dog, McKenzie, is now nine years old and starting to slow down. That being said, she still loves to chase the ball, go on walks and is quick (maybe a bit too quick) to bark when anyone gets within a 100 foot radius of the house (enough already).

We are eagerly awaiting the new year to come, with the many exciting milestones for Sierra and Cooper, trips abroad and even a new President (no more Bushie - yeah)!

We hope 2008 has been good to you and your family, and look forward to hearing from you sometime soon.