From December 2008

Well, here we are likely in the worst recession most of us will ever see and I’m only making it worse! Being in the banking business and having studied economics in college, I am very well aware of the power of consumer spending. Which also means I know the impact of changing behaviors, even something as small as putting a sticker on the back of a Christmas card and writing in a free blog, you repeat a few small cost cutting measures like that, multiply by 300 million and, oh crap, you lost half of your 401(k)! Unfortunately, the economics stuff also taught me that people will generally act in their own self interest when they think they alone can’t make an impact, so here we are.

To finish up the economics lecture, our economy is still great up here, business is good and housing is holding. Although, check back next year if oil is at $12 a barrel. I do work at a bank but consider myself extremely lucky to work at the strongest, large bank in the country right now, in the only state that is not in recession. 

From November Fun

Now on to the important stuff, my top five stock picks for 2009. – Just kidding.  In 2008 our little Birch tree grew another branch when Eliana Lynn Birch was born February 2. And just a quick note to those we don’t talk to much, her full name is pronounced “Ellie-anna” and we usually just call her Ellie. Ellie is now 10 months old and becoming quite a little firecracker, and not just because of her red hair. Ellie has quickly picked up the art of wrestling with Mason and I when I get home from work, and I can say with certainty she is tougher than he at the same age. Although in Mason’s defense, he didn’t have the benefit Ellie has of constantly being attacked by swords, pillows, race cars and legos by an active, 2 year old sibling. Even though Ellie likes to rumble with the boys and enjoys a good bout of growling, there is no question she is a momma’s girl. I always could get Mason to calm down, but Ellie will not deal with me when she is pissed and I can already hear the doors slamming in about 13 years. Even though daddy is not her fist choice when she is cranky, I think I might have a little tomboy in the making! As you can see from all the pictures, she is beautiful and has definitely captured all of our hearts, even Mason. 

From December 2008

As for Mason, he is now a little man. Even though he won’t be three until January 28, he absolutely amazes us everyday with his intelligence, understanding and wit. We continue to wait for it all to start rolling downhill into the “terrible twos”, but as long as we make sure he is well rested and fed, he is actually very reasonable – “No Mason, it would not be a good idea to eat ice cream and candy canes for dinner and stay up all night long. Why? Well, if you do that you will be too tired to eat candy canes and ice cream tomorrow!” (I didn’t say there wasn’t any bribery). He is very excited about Christmas, which makes the season that much more exciting for us all. Mason will start going to pre-school in February, just two days a week for a couple of hours, but it will be a good opportunity for him to spend some time with other kids and start to learn about what it means to be in the classroom. I will say he is “cautiously optimistic”  about going to pre-school, intrigued by snack time, the teacher and crafts, but likes to tell us he is “a little shy at first with the kids”, he will be fine. 

From October ‘08

Heather is mom and wife of the year, not sure if you saw the announcement. I’m not really how sure how she keeps it all together, with two active kids ages 10 months and 2 and a husband who could probably stand to do a bit more to help out, but she does. Not only does she maintain, she excels. We have got two healthy, happy kids and I don’t think any husband or family could ask for a better wife and mother as her. Heather’s days are busy just taking care of the kids, but she is still able to get out often and make trips to Fred Meyer, meet friends for play dates and head to the library, zoo or gym -what a mom!

From October ‘08

As for other fun 2008 highlights. At the end of February, I made my 4th annual hockey trip to Las Vegas with my work team, always a fun time when 15 adults act like children for four days. In April we went with the family down to Palm Springs and spent time with my grandma Carolyn and my parents. The highlight of that trip was Mason and Ellie’s first trip to Disneyland, a very fun time. In June Heather had a girls trip to California for her friend Shoshana’s wedding. That was followed by a great fourth of July trip with Jack and Sue to Chelan. They rented a nice home on the lake and a ski boat.  Back in Alaska, my parents bought a family cabin on Big Lake and most weekends were spent there working on projects, including a nice deck my dad and I banged out in a day and a half! In October, we traveled back to Washington, where Heather and the kids stayed while I went to the east coast for work for a few days. Luckily, the huskies were not in town when we were in Seattle. This Christmas, we will be on Whidbey Island, and from the looks of the forecast, it sounds like we WILL have a white Christmas. 

From July 2008

Well, I’m tired of typing and you are tired of reading, so lets end this. If, for some reason, that was not enough there are plenty of posts on here going into more details and a plethora of family photos and a few videos (mostly dated right now) that can be found by clicking on the links on the right side of the page. 

From the Birch Family with Love

Hoping your holiday is bright

Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!