Even in hindsight, it is remarkable to see how much life can change in just twelve months. We began the year on one side of the world (Hamburg), just the two of us, but knowing our lives were about to change. Kirsten was five months pregnant. Jim was still focused on his job in Hamburg and did not know what he would be doing upon our return. We had just celebrated our five year anniversary in Germany. We ended the year in Chicago with an eight-month-old bundle of personality and an entirely new life. What a difference a year makes!

I think it is safe to say that 2006 was the year of Dylan. He has been the one constant in a penultimate year of change for Kirsten and Jim. Our sadness at leaving the friends and life we had made in Hamburg could only have been offset by the joy we have experienced being able to share our son with our own families back in the United States. For those of you who haven’t visited us in a year, you will get your fill of pictures and videos in Dylan’s Corner of the Greco Gazette. Dylan can’t stop smiling when you hold up a camera!!!

So what’s up with us now? Well, we’re back in Chicago, living in our condo in Wrigleyville. It feels a bit smaller now, but we’re managing and hoping to move into a larger home next year. We’re slowly getting settled and are gradually reconnecting with old friends. Jim’s job is now in downtown Chicago, and he is ecstatic that he doesn’t have to get into the car to go to work. Kirsten has begun playing her guitar and singing with the church choir at our parish here in Chicago. It still feels a bit weird to be back, but it is getting a little bit better each week.

In closing, we’d like to wish everyone a blessed holiday season. Enjoy this year’s Greco Gazette – our European memories remain, and we’ve begun supplementing them with some good ol US of A pics as well!!!

Frohe Weihnachten!