Mom, J, K & L Kieran & Logan Jacqueline & A. Loretto Kayla & Jacqueline Jack & Jacqueline Dad & J

Kieran @ bat

Savannah Goils

J’s 1^st Communion

New York for Christmas

Jacqueline & Collin

Happy Holidays Folks,

We hope everyone is healthy and happy. We are all enjoying great health and happy busy lives. In September, Logan started pre-school! Following in her sister's footsteps (the pre-school ones) she had a very difficult adjustment. The first six weeks of school when asked "what did you do in school?, “CRIED” was her standard answer. Logan started gymnastics this year, but decided it was too much independence in her life, school without mom, gymnastics without mom, no thanks. We hope to try again in January ,where her friends will ease her transition.

Kieran started pre-first this year. She missed her beloved Kindergarten teacher but she is doing well. Kieran likes to keep school and home separated when I try to follow up on skills learned in the classroom she very politely says:” Hey mom I'm going to learn that in school, okay. At school it's all work ,work, work so lets save it for school.” Kieran has begun Hip Hop dance class. Her mixture of rhythm and attitude is a perfect match for this funky dance class.

Jacqueline started fourth grade this year and she is thoroughly enjoying it. She continues to have a full plate with Irish Dance, Spanish class, clarinet lessons, and soon to begin district choir. A new venue for Jacqueline this year was acting. She played an orphan in the play "Annie", she was very excited. The directors were thrilled with her enthusiasm. This is Jacqueline's fifth year and Kieran's second as girl scout, they are enjoying it. Be prepared because this year there will be 2 Ricciardi girls selling cookies.

Baseball season found both girls on softball/t-ball teams. Kieran's love of the game has not reached it's full potential. There was many a game morning where threats were needed to get her to the game on time. George coached Jacqueline's soft ball team for the first time. At seasons end they were still talking so we say it went well.

In January we went on our first ski trip. Logan spent the weekend with her grandmother, while the 4 of us tried to learn how to ski. Kieran and Jacqueline were scheduled for an all day lesson. Kieran only lasted for 1/2 a day. Her pleading and attempting to ride the chair lift without knowing how to walk in skis' let alone ski, left her young instructor speechless. For his sake we pulled Kieran out at lunch time. George and I had our own issues. George was positive he cracked his rib after crashing into a wall. I resembled a crazy old woman repeating the instructors tips as I carefully went down the beginner hill. Jacqueline of course left us all in her snow powder! We hope to try our new skills again this year. George is still working at FA Davis and I am still working part time at Penndel Mental Health.

In October we received a wonderful gift/surprise. My mom, sisters and my brother in law(Frank) completely redid our bedroom. In the spirit of "Surprise by Design" we returned from our weekend away to a fantastic transformation.

This November we made our way to Sarasota Florida to celebrate thanksgiving with George's Uncle Dan and Aunt Patty. We had a wonderful time, the girls are getting to know their second cousins and we were in bathing suits in November, what more could you ask for. Our 20 hour trip in the van was actually great, although honestly we were quite worried. TV/VCR combo is a godsend. Uncle Dan and Aunt Patty's kindness (feeding about 72 people Thanksgiving dinner) always remind George and I how powerful a strong marriage is. We strive for this foundation to shape our own lives. In closing I would like to say we are thankful for our friends and family. We hope to see more of you in the coming year.

George, Maryellen, Jacqueline, Kieran and Logan.

Christian & Jacqueline