Sandy ultimately accepted a wonderful position as Vice President, Business Development for Ellie Mae Corporation whose business is mortgage software and connectivity. provides solutions that link borrowers, mortgage originators, service providers and mortgage lenders to originate residential loans quicker, better and more efficiently than before.

Later in the summer, The MacDougall’s went to Vail, Colorado and spent some quality golf and hiking time with Katie and Jim Kellen. In Denver, we also managed to spend an evening with with additional MacDougall family members, Doug and Lisa Pierpont and their children.

Sandy enjoyed his grandfathered in Boys trip to the annual Judge Smails Memorial Golf Invitational in Lake Tahoe with Tom Sheffield, David Taylor and Dave Butts.

At Sandy’s Tennis Boys trip, the Vineyard Classic 2005, Sandy prevailed after a grueling 7 matches on the clay and a 3 out of 5 set final against the 2004 VC Champion, Chris Abate. What a thrill! Sandy gets to proudly display the perpetual VC trophy for the next year.

An additional bonus thrill for Sandy this year was playing Cypress Point with friends Rob Carpenter, Jim Jackson and brother Tony Lyon. As usually happens in the crazy game of golf, Sandy followed a blow up on the famous 16th hole with a spectacular birdie on 17.

We found out some exciting news in October. Sharon is Pregnant! Yes, we are going to be bringing a baby girl into this world in May of 2006. So yes, our 2006 Newsletter may be a little different! The best way we know how to celebrate is with another trip! So where to?

Our love of travel and exploration took us to Costa Rica in Novemberwith Art and Susie De La Parra. Highlights included Canyoning down waterfalls (not exactly doctor recommended for pregnant women), hot volcano heated thermal pools in Tabacon and surfing 2-3 foot waves in Tamarindo. Except for the potholed roads, which were almost humorous at times, Costa Rica offers an exceptional vacation experience for those interested in adventure, sport and natural beauty.

We enjoyed the holidays with friendsnfamily. We first had an intimate gathering for Thanksgiving at El Niguel Country Clubwith Bob, Patsy, Nicole Aunt Barbara and Uncle Roger.

Sharon then hosted two wonderful parties over Christmas at our house in Corona Del Mar. Sharon prepared a wonderful gourmet Leg of Lamb at her always popular girls night. Frazier, our adorable pug and Sandy crashed the party late in the evening along with JT who just stopped by before his “one and done” at the QW.

The subsequent Alshuler, Chisholm and MacDougall gatherings made us appreciate our loving family and the joy of the Christmas season.

Today on Christmas we reflect on God’s blessings in our lives. We are so fortunate to be able to experience and share these memories. We wish you all a healthy and prosperous 2006. Until next year, see ya:

Love,

Sharon and Sandy MacDougall