Christmas Greetings!

Hello from the Georgia Penning’s. We hope that this letter finds you doing and feeling well. Here in the South, life continues at its normal, hectic pace. Here’s a rundown of the family.

Greg (22) has been living and working in Chattanooga for the last 2 years. He is assistant manager at a gymnastics/cheerleading business there, doing well and taking on more responsibility all the time. We don’t see him as often as we’d like, but do stay in contact regularly.

Elizabeth (19) is a freshman at the University of Georgia here in Athens. Even though she lives in the dorm, we still see her quite often. She is adjusting well to college and studying hard (not partying!), majoring in early childhood education.  She still babysits a fair amount; otherwise her clothes shopping would suffer!

Julia (16) is a junior at Clarke Central High School.  Like always, she lives life "large”, approaching academic and social activities with equal enthusiasm. She has a boyfriend, Luke, who is a real sweet guy. She got her driver’s license this past summer and has been logging the miles ever since. Babysitting is also the source of her shopping wherewithal.

Doug (13) moved up to middle school this year. He’s decided to take up playing the violin. Joann and I wonder if he couldn’t have chosen a more difficult instrument! He’s still doing taekwondo and is now a blue belt (which is just 4 belts away from black). His flexibility really comes in as a major physical aspect in this sport.

As the nest continues to empty, Joann and I seem to turn our attentions to remodeling the house.  This year’s project was the sun porch.  Instead of basically being a junk room and part-time location for our dog, Indy, it is now our favorite family area of the house.  What is it about kids leaving home that gets us to turn toward home improvement projects?

We had a wonderful vacation this past summer, using it to celebrate Elizabeth’s graduation from high school. We went on a cruise to the western Caribbean, along with my sister and her family and my Mom and Dad (11 people in all).  We had a blast, visiting Cozumel, St. Thomas and Jamaica. Along the way we snorkeled and went to StingRay City to pet the rays; what an experience that was.  If you want to see some pictures from the trip, go to our web site (http://www.tpenning.com/cruise01/cruise2001.htm.) 

Take care and have a happy, healthy and safe Christmas season.