Tim is now 11 years old and is developing into a nice young man. He is now in the 6th grade at Schilling Farms Middle School and is enjoying his classes- especially Math and Science. He is in Band (playing the Clarinet) and Science Club. He will be quite strong (what am I saying- he already is- he has biceps most men would dream of!). He recently received his recommended Black Belt in Tae Kwon Do on December 13th. He should have his Black Belt by June of next year. His big accomplishment of the year was starting football. This is definitely his sport. He started the season knowing nothing about the sport and ended being one of their star tackles winning the "Mr. Hustle" and "Most Improved" game balls. He played defensive and offensive tackle. We actually heard some parents complain that he was hitting their kids too hard- that's our boy!

Andy is 8 years old (he will be 9 on December 20th) and is in the 3rd Grade at Crosswind Elementary. He also received his recommended Black Belt and is on track to receive his Black Belt by June of next year. It is so funny to watch the difference between the boys. Tim has the power and the strength while Andy is very fast and kicks high and is quite flexible. Andy is using those skills to play competitive soccer for the Lobos this year. I can't decide if his favorite part is running up and down the field as much as possible or trying to kick the ball from one end of the field to the other. He really wants to play football next year- he is going to be a quarterback and is already throwing a near perfect spiral. His favorite pastimes include fishing, fishing, and talking about fishing!

We are adjusting well to our new house and our new neighborhood in Collierville, TN. This has been a wonderful move for us. It is a great neighborhood. Every evening you can find all of the neighbors outside visiting while the kids are playing. We have had a couple of block parties and everyone came and had a great time and stayed for hours. If you haven't visited us, please do so soon. We have plenty of room and we would love to have you. You are always welcome and please feel that you have an open invitation.

The big Paton family adventure this year was that we drove to California. What a fun trip (really!)! We saw a lot of things that we had never seen before- the Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Sedona, Lego Land, and Carlsbad Caverns. We got to spend time with my brother Jim and his wonderful family in San Diego- a rare treat. It was a really great trip and a memorable experience for the kids. We have enclosed some pictures. 

Beth is staying busy with her career. She is still a Nurse Practitioner in the Emergency Department at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital. She also traveled quite a bit on several speaking engagements, including to Anaheim, CA, Philadelphia, PA, and to Council Bluffs, IA. She is also President of the local chapter of the Emergency Nurses Association. Her favorite pastime is shuttling the kids to their various events. 

Bob has made some great progress in his career as a webmaster and designer. He puts in long hours on the computer but it really shows. The internet business has been very volatile in the last year but he has managed to withstand several turnovers that many others did not. We are all very proud of him!

HAVE A HAPPY HOLIDAY SEASON!
BOB, BETH, TIM, ANDY, AND SPARKY PATON