Hillesheim Headlines 2008

"Banking/Credit Industry Collapses as Kate Resumes Former Job. Coincidence?"

"Candidates Scramble to Take Education Off Priority List as Aidan Declares:
'I Already Know Everything'"

Aidan at the University of Minnesota Math & Science Fair

"Crime Rates Increase as Coleman Learns to Walk"

Because of a break in his leg and inner ear tubes placed, he had a minor gross motor delay. After a year of therapy at the University of Minnesota Children's Rehab center, our little muffin top finally walked in April and we're happy to report is now off and running.

"St. Anthony family accused of starting unregulated zoo. Rumored sightings included collection of large insects, frogs, hawks, an opossum, fledgling birds, squirrels, deer, rabbits, mice, and dinosaur eggs. Authorities dropped the case when investigation revealed only one very hyper dog living at residence."

We had a variety of wildlife this year for city dwellers, which was wonderful and a little freaky in some cases (opossum). The best of all was a cicada found in the sandbox by Aidan (peeking from behind here) and the swallows that nested in one of our annual baskets on the deck.

"Kate leaves for weekend, returns to find children behaving well and husband needing time out."
--or--

"Breezy Point, MN experiences first ever grain-based beverage shortage as annual girl's weekend gets underway"

"Hillesheim family calculating ways to cash in on Cole's passion for vacuuming."

"Clearly not challenged by everyday life Kate decides to take on a bigger foe: cancer. At last report, cancer was seen running away. Crying."

I was at my regular check up at the dermatologist in April when doctor found three suspicious moles; one of which turned out to be cancer. I had the tumor removed (they took a chicken-breast sized piece) from my arm and after about six weeks recovery, there's nothing to be seen but a hairline scar. Preventive medicine works!

"Boy, 5, head implodes as he visits child-sized outdoor train garden in Eagan, MN"

"Fuses Blow in House with Brand-New Electrical System as Joel Transitions to New Job"

"Kate Sets and Meets Goal to Run 5K; Oil Drops Under $50/Barrel. Failed Republican Ticket's Energy Policy Draft Rumored to Have Provisions To Use Bailout Money to Entice Her to Sign-up For Ultra-Marathons as it Could Lead to OPEC Paying People to Use Oil/Gas".

"After Watching the Documentary, "Monsters, Inc", repeatedly, Aidan Declares Monsters are not Scary. And Are In Fact, Funny. Coleman Disagrees".

"Boys shown to love chickens despite constant exposure to city life and customs."

We visited a farm to get our pumpkins this year and the boys fell in love with these chickens. They are Rhode Island Reds. Tears were shed when we had to leave. Joel now realizes he's outvoted 3-1 in getting a coop and having chickens at home.

"Kate and Joel celebrate 8 years of marriage. Rumored to be morphing into one likeness from common towel use. Have you seen both together? Apologies to those who had 8 in the betting pools. FYI - 9 is not looking promising either. "


We had an amazing and trying year. A large part of how we got through it is because of the extraordinary people that surround us: our families, friends, Coleman's doctors, Aidan's teachers, and so many others. We encourage you to be that person for someone in your life and to leave no work undone, no conversation unspoken, or one minute unused. Happy Christmas and holidays to you!