Savannah (14) is a freshman at El Segundo High School. While the academic transition is a challenge, she is enjoying the additional freedom and social activities like dances, football games and clubs like her improvisational comedy group. The highlight of 2011 for her might’ve been last spring when her 8th-grade class went to New York and DC for a week. Savannah is thankful for her friends & family.
Charlotte (11) is in her first year at the Middle School. There have been lots of adjustments like changing classes and carrying a heavy bunch of books, but all her friends are there and she is fitting in comfortably. After a hiatus, she is playing soccer again. She is definitely better and her team finished the regular season in first place. For spring break, Charlotte bravely flew all alone from LA to Atlanta to visit Dan’s family. She is still as silly as ever! Charlotte is thankful for creativity. 
In raising the rest of us Lesli has found a special challenge in our year-old rescue-dog Wally. She really enjoyed our November trip to an all-inclusive Dude Ranch in AZ. The horseback riding, hot-tub, outdoor meals (and no dishes) made for a very relaxing getaway. She continues to be involved in the school’s environmental endeavors and even received an award in recognition of her contributions. Lesli is thankful for her hard-working husband who takes the family on great trips.
Dan took 3 months off of basketball to surgically repair a foot broken long ago. He is back on the court albeit slower than ever! Against his instincts, he bowed to the girls’ wishes and booked our first-ever cruise vacation. We all loved it! He’s been selling TV technology at Ericsson for 7 years. Dan is thankful for moments with the family that remind him of his own youth.
We had a scare in November when our dog Sydney (13) had a stroke affecting her equilibrium. She has recovered a great deal. She is still unsteady on her feet, but at first she couldn’t even stand up! Today she does all her normal routines albeit slower. In 2012 she will celebrate here 10,000th walk around the neighborhood!
Best wishes to you & yours for 2012,
Dan, Lesli Savannah & Charlotte
[dankenla@gmail.com; leslikendall@gmail.com]
