...as the dust settles. Looking back on 2007

Somehow, the need to bridge the gap between my last posting in July and now in January, brings with it the perfect opportunity to send holiday greetings and wishes for a Happy New Year!

2007 was a good year for the Kewene-Hite Family! In the Spring, we welcomed our third child, Elijah Manahi into the family. He was born April 20th at home, in the water. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of our lives.

In the Summer, we did the summer things we all love to do...one highlight being a week at the lake where Joshua, who turned 10 this year, experienced his first year of Sail School at the Eugene Yacht Club! Natasha, who learned to sail there growing up, has fond memories of this place, so it was quite wonderful to have her own children attend, in addition to two of his best friends, Sage and William! We are most grateful to our Grandpa for this opportunity. It was a week of great fun and building memory.

By Summer's end, we confirmed that Ireland would be in our future!...this left only the question of when to leave... Ultimately, we packed up our house and pulled out of the driveway the end of September.

Autumn, as it turns out found us landing in Ireland on October 5th, and after a month searching, moved into our new house on November 1, the kids started school on Nov 6 and we're now settling into a new life on the other side of the planet. Halloween came and went. Then Christmas brought Natasha's father from the States and her brother, his wife and child over from Germany for a terrific holiday together. The holidays have come and gone and now here we are...2008! Whew!...what an adventure.

Now, the dust settles and life is falling into a routine. It's beautiful here in Ireland! We are getting to know the lay of the land, Paul is enjoying his work, the kids are making friends and we're just starting to be able to make use of the weekends to see some sights. Now life is beginning anew...


To all our friends we left behind in the States, we love you and miss you! To our family near and far, we love you and miss you! We look forward with great anticipation for the opportunity to see you again and, if you're so inclined, to have you come visit us in Ireland!