2006 was a year of transitions: into full-time home ownership, into a new job and back into an old one, and into toddlerhood for the newest members of our family.

It's funny how quickly we forgot the tribulations of apartment living: scrounging for quarters for the laundry machines, enduring a whining heating system that barely worked, tenants holding late-night parties…. Of course, owning a home has its own challenges. There's never enough time or money to invest in all those upgrades we'd like. And our lemon tree in the backyard didn't do so well this year, although it appears to be sprouting for next season. Not that we would trade our little place for the world! Our neighbors are wonderful, and Tori and Sam love exploring. Their favorite spot is a non-grassy area behind the garage. When they're not re-discovering the joys of dirt, they hang out inside a bicycle carriage we bought for them, where they sit, talk, and just imagine.

Speaking of , Sam and Tori were barely walking at the beginning of this year – and now, they're running and climbing on everything, and they can say about 50 words between the two of them. Favorites include "Mommy," "Daddy," and the always-popular "Cow." We had their birthday party just last week, and they and their tiny friends got to whack a couple of piñatas.

In May, Grandma and Grandpa came to visit the kids. What should have been a relaxing getaway turned in to some serious work, when we decided to remove some of the ivy in the backyard. Let's just say that the ivy had some ideas of its own... We also had a great time at the Los Angeles Zoo, and had a backyard party with the neighbors. Speaking of backyard, the Backyardigans has become the tots' favorite show. They spin around just like their cartoon friends, and they laugh at truly bizarre moments while watching.

In June, David left his job in Universal City for a new one in Century City, and he has never been happier at the office. He was just nominated by his new firm to be a California Rising Star, a prestigious honor which is awarded to attorneys with extraordinary legal talent who are under 40. Although his commute's a little longer than it had been, the hugs he gets when he walks in the door make up for that in spades! And after a postpartum delay, Hilde started auditioning full-time again. In fact, as of November, she's been averaging 2 "lottery tickets" (our code-speak for "auditions") daily. While that schedule can wreak havoc on some kids, ours have taken it in stride. Hilde also started volunteering again at the local library, reading to kids a couple of times a month. She even staged a Halloween puppet show at the Van Nuys Public Library, based on a story called "Grimley, the Grim Reaper," which David wrote for the occasion. In October, we celebrated Jenny's, uh, latest birthday in Brooklyn, and it was the kids' first trip to New York. Apparently, we brought the California sunshine with us, because Sam and Tori didn't really need their jackets all weekend. A trip to the Brighton Beach Boardwalk with the family, watching our children dancing to an organ player's Russian tune, was just one of the many highlights.

Hilde and I also became aunts and uncles, and the kiddies became cousins, as a result of some Miami procreation! (You know who you are.) We're hoping to visit in the coming year.... And in case you were wondering, we're still playing Sunday softball -- although now we have to chase the kids when they run onto the field. We came in second this year, a solid accomplishment considering the level of talent in our league, and our season starts up again in April, after the rainy season.

2007 will herald some transitions of its own, including at least 1 new car. With nearly 250,000 miles between the two we already have, it will soon be time to say goodbye. What about you? How did 2006 fare? Please drop us a line, or, better yet, come visit. You are always welcome!

We hope that you have a great holiday season and we wish you much peace and joy in the new year.

Love always,

Hilde, David, Sam and Victoria

 

P.S. Don’t forget to sign Hilde’s guestbook

 

Well, 2006 started with a bang! After a year of getting used to Mommyville, I finally felt ready to get back on track. I started submitting again, auditioning commercially and checking all on line site for the illusive part that is meant to be mine. Within two weeks, I booked another USC project and had been out on 10 commercial auditions. January flew by and I now have my new color headshots to start mailing to folks in town.

My goals for February? Many. I plan to start taking part in casting director workshops and will start working again with a private acting teacher to sharpen the skills that my year in Mommyville did not address. I plan to book a Co-Star role, a commercial and a part in a film this year. Yes, many plans, but all worth playing the game.

My kids are now walking, so I should take out extra insurance. And yes, for those of you who have asked- they do tend to go in different directions and yes, I wish I was Elasta Girl from the Incredibles.

If you have not signed my guest page, please do so and stay tuned. I will send out a notice as soon as one of the three goals surfaces this year.

Until then, be well.