Ah, the last Christmas of this millennium! It’s amazing how much excitement, confusion and questions about the future the Y2K has stirred up. Where will you be when 'the end’ (of the century) comes? J

We will be celebrating more than the New Year on January 1, 2000. Bob and I will celebrate our 17^th year of Marriage and most of all Bob’s continued good progress with his Leukemia treatment! (For those who do not know, Bob was diagnosed with Leukemia at the end of March , 99. He has been under intense treatment since then- point your browser to www.rions.com/brion/burkitts.html for more detailed information or www.rions.com for our general family site.

We were able to take two mini- vacations this year. The first one was over the july 4^th weekend to Montana for a family reunion. My sister Diane and her family really did a wonderful job organizing the event! We had so much to do- what great fun it was!

The second trip was in August to the Black Hills. We revisited many favorite places (Mt. Rushmore, Crazy Horse, and the Hills themselves.) Most memorable was the dinner with many lifelong friends. Time went by way to fast .. but there will be a next time.

Craig and Kristin have really grown up so much this past year. Craig is eleven and Kristin is eight. They both have great teachers and enjoy school. Kristin was picked to have a picture she painted put up on the school wall. Her picture will be displayed for four to five years! Kristin is also involved with Brownies. The troop she is with does a lot of arts and crafts (which she loves) and they have already been a few field trips. Craig is on participating in a school Science Fair. The competition will be held in January.

Craig and Sharon started taking Taekwondo in October. They have already graduated from white to yellow belt. The next testing will be in 8 weeks for orange. They both enjoy this exercise plus the time spent together.

We all feel very blessed to be together this Christmas and know that the New Year will bring even more blessings. You, our friends and family, have given us such support and strength- we thank God for all of you!