Happy Holidays!

Did someone say 2005 was coming to a close? Now that we have experienced an entire year of parenthood, we understand what all of you veteran parents have been saying…time flies!!!

Liana is getting taller, and changing every day. If we were to start describing everything she does/has done that is cute and impressive, you would not open next year’s card from us. She loves cereal…like father, like daughter. She loves Pooh…like mother, like daughter. She loves the beach…like the Kitchel family. We are really looking forward to spending this holiday season with her.

For the first half of the year, Ilga was a full time mom, playing volleyball a couple of times a week and taking classes at the local community college. The volleyball paid off: Ilga won several tournaments this summer, including one in which the prize was entry into the Hermosa AVP tournament. In Hermosa Ilga and her partner, Vero, got to play Kerri Walsh and Misty May on center court in the first round (Kerri and Misty won).

Despite her efforts to avoid it, Ilga started part time work at the beginning of November with a local company, Seagate. This happened to coincide with a very busy travel schedule for Kent. Therefore, with great trepidation, Liana started part-time day care at a friend’s house. But it turns out the timing was perfect: Liana is really enjoying spending more time with other kids her age.

Meanwhile, Kent’s work has also picked up steam. He is still teaching financial classes at companies as a benefit to their employees, but now has to travel a lot more. He spent a good part of the end of 2005 on the road. The family missed each other deeply. Liana especially missed her Daddy.

We send you the warmest greetings for this holiday season and wish you a wonderful new year in 2006. Kent, Ilga and Liana