Christmas Letter, 2010, an A to Z exercise on one page.

The letters have been written and printed. Blog readers get to see this before they are mailed.

We hope you’ve had a wonderful year from A to Z! Hope to see you in the New Year…Catherine, Mark, Erik, and Grant

Africa. Our amazing, two-week trip to South Africa included a safari.

Bob. Uncle Bob took Erik and Grant to Nashville and Arkansas for a fun filled week this summer.

Coaching is Mark’s passion – swimming and water polo.

Dubai. Catherine and Mark went to the UAE in May.

Each new year Erik and Mark start with a polar bear swim!

Family.

Golf is Grant’s raw-talent sport. He participates in Pgh’s First T program. Erik and Grant sold programs at the US Womens’ Open at Oakmont.

Hearing continues to be Catherine’s mission and expertise.

International Baccalaureate is where the boys continue to study – both doing very well.

Just a quick trip to Canada for Grant and Catherine.

Korea, South Korea was Erik’s destination this summer along with a full scholarship for the trip!

Lyla and Sam (cats) continue to make us laugh.

Mark provided swimming experiences for the PPS Summer Dreamer’s Camp this year.

New sport – Grant played baseball this fall.

Outrageously wonderful friends – we are all blessed.

Parents. Catherine’s Mom and Mark’s parents are all in Pittsburgh which makes for great visits.

Quite a few trips to Washington, DC this year including celebrating Grant’s 13th birthday.

Reform task force of the sports variety. Mark is on this committee to improve sports in the schools.

Swimming. Erik’s HS team won city championships for the first time (Dad coaching) and Erik went to zones and states. Grant helped continue the middle school tradition of championships (16!).

Teenagers – we have 2 and Erik is now driving.

Uncle Charlie. We lost our much loved Uncle Charlie this year. He is missed.

Violin. Grant plays with PMA and school and Erik is playing with the PMA orchestra this year.

Water Polo. Grant loves water polo and plays for his Dad and for Tiger Water Polo.

Xerus (an African ground squirrel ) – we saw a few.

Youth Group. Catherine and Erik are still enjoying the UU Youth Group. Lots of good discussion.

Zip Line through the canopy in Drakensburg, SA – check out the pictures on Mark’s facebook page.

Be in touch: mark @rauterkus.com 412-298-3432 xxx 412-xxx-xxxx Mark and Erik are on Facebook; Mark’s blog at http://Rauterkus.blogspot.com or visit, 108 South 12th St. Pgh, PA 15203