Holiday Greetings and Update

Dear Family and Friends,

[Yes, we think the chances of Rudolph being a dragon are probable.  Why do you ask?]


Last year many of our Christmas cards were intercepted in the mail system by some individuals who then tried to mine information, so we decided to forgo the traditional post and go digital.

This has easily been the most... adventurous... year for our family.  We write this blog to keep family updated on our lives, so for many of you, this quick review will not contain any new ideas, but we'll see if we can make it interesting and add a couple new thoughts.

The year in review by quotable moments:

"I think it's time for us to move." 
 So we did.  We built a nice new home with Ivory and sold (with a single day to spare) our last home.  Though we miss friends from our old ward, our new ward is incredibly talented and self-sufficient, full of quality, service-minded individuals.

"So that's what the sky really looks like?"
With some great assistance from a niece and some close friends in tow, we enjoyed Bryce Canyon National Park (great stargazing) for our big vacation this year.  We also stopped by and saw Mulan and Mary Poppins at the Tuacahn.  Mulan was phenomenal.

"What is this?  It is AWESOME?"
We introduced our children to Texas Roadhouse and a local Sushi joint as rewards for reaching their potential in their schoolwork. #deprivedasachild

"The good news is that it is not cancer..."
 Melissa's perpetual health decline included some amazing scares this year.  Since seeing the movie "The Croods" she gets up each morning and yells "Still alive!"

"I found that swimming works better when you close your mouth."
One of our children imparted this lesson to the other two who worked toward swimming proficiency with our water park passes we had this year. 

"What does your Dad do for a living?  Homework."
Apparently the children forgot David writes curriculum and teaches with all of his continued work on a PhD, presenting at conferences, passing classes, and going through tons of audiobooks while traveling.  We're grateful for reliable transportation.

 


"Move it! We're late for band/concert/lessons again!"
With Tim currently rock'n out with drum lessons, Ami performing with violin, and Maggie in band, we considered buying an extra vehicle and telling Maggie to learn to drive.



Thanks to all for dropping by, and an especial thanks to those near and far whose friendship means more than words.  May the Lord bless you and yours,

Sincerely,

David, Melissa, Maggie, Tim, Ami, and Susanna