Christmas Letter 2011

Photo collage created with Smilebox

Season’s Greetings, 2011

I can’t believe it is time for the holidays already! I love this time of year to reflect on all of our family’s past successes, growth, and blessing. Here are a few of those:

Daddy- The business Copper Canyon Design was officially open an entire year in May. We are thankful many of our family and friends have supported him with projects and referrals. He was released as second counselor in the bishopric and then called to serve as the first counselor. This is three years for him serving our ward. He does a fantastic job. I know he really loves his calling, especially working with the youth. (He is super excited that rechartering is done for Scouts) He took up running when he has a spare minute which is usually on his lunch break or when he can drag Ry with him. He also made time to build a shed and remodel our family room, spent time with the kids and helped me with my projects.
Momma- I am still the RS meeting coordinator and I also teach the Sunbeams B primary class. Sundays are super busy; thank goodness we have an amazing ward family that helps out. I still do a little hair out of my home…. Other than that I try and keep up with the Jeff and the kids’ crazy schedules.
Ry- Ry Ry has done so many new and exciting things…. She finished Kindergarten then went to visit her cousin in Charlotte NC. She played soccer and scored some goals. This fall she started first grade and with that, the French immersion program. Her French sounds amazing and she is doing very well in school. She was even given an award in front of the whole school for being a good friend. She sings with her school chorus and is starting Jr. Jazz basketball. Her absolute favorite things are crafts, play dates, and sleepover dates with grandparents.
Gator- Gator has kept us on our toes and our calendars full. He fought off a couple of sickie bugs with oxygen last winter but recovered nicely and completed his first year of preschool. He declared his wish to visit Disney World in the spring. He went to his first Demolition derby and loved it! He got to ride in a real Army truck in the Days of 47 parade with some amazing soldiers! We love those Army guys. In August we had the most magical trip for Gator's wish. Our memories with Gator are priceless. Two weeks later Gator had his Fontan Surgery. His recovery was record time thanks to all the visitors and friends. He returned to the hospital four days after discharge with a staph infection. We did heavy antibiotics at home with a PICC line. He finished treatment six weeks later. We celebrated at Lagoon!!!! Gator was able to start preschool again. He is growing and playing like crazy.
Munchie munch- Miss Munchie is growing so fast. She speaks many words and is walking all over the place. She is curious, smart, and loves following around the big people. She is still a fantastic eater and sleeper. She will go to just about anyone but is super stingy with her smooches. She went on her first airplane ride, had her first sleep over at grandparents, cut 8 teeth, knows how to deal with her sibs and is a complete joy to our family!

Above all we feel so blessed this year by so many that have stood by us, prayed for us, and have given of their time, talents, and resources to help our family. We have been so blessed and wish to give thanks to Our Heavenly Father for all those blessings and trials that we have received this year. Thank You all for your love!!!

We hope this finds you happy and healthy! We wish you a Very Merry Christmas!

LOVE,

Us