THE NEVE 2008 GALACTIC REPORT

This year's newsletter is dedicated to Star Wars fans – our house is always full of them!

WillbeTwo Kenobi (Jonah) – Jonah is the joy of our galaxy. The “dark side” cringes because this Jedi brings light wherever he goes. He easily makes friends and wins admirers, drawing comments about how happy he is. With three older siblings, he's determined to be a big kid. In reality, he's a tiny squirt and has the doctor scratching his head as he still hasn't hit 20 lbs. He's always on the move and loves to be wherever the action is. His vocabulary is starting to expand to keep pace with his personality!

MASTER Yoda (Malia) – Spunky little fireball (must be a Rasmussen). Despite her short stature (4 yrs old going on 16), she's confident that she should be calling all the shots. The bravest of souls seeks shelter if she feels “crossed”, which is the most potent weapon against the “dark side” of the force. Malia enjoys her weekly Jedi Council meeting (aka...playgroup) where she's right at home with three boys in her group. Ironically, this tough Jedi Master never leaves home without a tiara on her head, play jewelry on her fingers or around her neck, and loves anything to do with princesses. Ahh shucks.

Darth Sillious (Zachary) - Zach loves to make any type of creature in the solar system laugh. His gentle nature and sense of humor really helps “lighten” certain situations. Watch out though because he can quickly change sides, especially when he hasn't had enough sleep. In order to sharpen his skills with “the force” he excels in First Grade, plays soccer and baseball, and participates in Karate. Even though he can't take a “Star Cruiser” or an “X-Wing” to school, he's quite happy riding the bus.

Can't Chewabacca (Seth) – Soon after the holidays, Seth will have to have seven baby teeth pulled from his mouth (orthodontist recommended) in order to make room for his permanent teeth. We hope over the holidays he enjoys “chewing” all he can. We hope that early action now will prevent future problems. When Chewie is not traveling the universe or protecting his friends, he can be found breaking a sweat at any of the following: baseball, basketball, soccer, karate, cub scouts or piano. While it can be hard picturing a Chewabacca playing the piano, he's picked it up well.

Princess “Grey”a (Taralee) – Dealing with epic battles between the divisions of the force at home, this Princess has earned more than a few (...psst DON'T say anything...she's still 29!) grey hairs - much to her dismay (we keep telling her she looks more distinguished, then we sleep outside for awhile). Training Jedi's is no easy feat, and leaves little time for much else. Princess Greya is involved as a den leader for cub scouts, throws neighborhood renowned birthday parties, makes homemade jam and salsa, cooks amazing cuisine, maintains a blog, and is really close to a breakthrough on cold fusion.

Jobba in the Hut (Phil) – Phil still works from home, sequestered behind the moon of Endor (his office in the basement). He's not getting much exercise during his stairway commute to work and might start tipping the scales at galactic weights. The benefits are out of this world, as he has lots of interaction with the most important people on the planet. When he does leave his cave, he enjoys coaching soccer, baseball and basketball. He can also be found meeting with the Jedi Council (aka, the High Council).

We hope all is well in your sector of the galaxy, may the force be with you in the coming year!

Love,
Phil, Taralee, Seth, Zachary, Malia and Jonah Neve