Chirstmas Letter 2009

Wow, has this year gone by quickly for anyone else? I can't believe that 2010 is upon us! We have had a good year and hope that you all have as well. We are grateful for the blessings we do have, including our three munchkins.

Jonah (5) has been thriving at preschool. He still goes three times a week and is also in speech class. His teacher says that academically he is more than ready for Kindergarten, which is a huge relief to me, seeing as how he was really behind in language skills when he started the program. He has improved by leaps and bounds and life is just getting so much easier when you can actually successfully communicate with your child. Who knew? Jonah loves learning about all things, especially animals and nature. He also continues to love reading, dancing and singing. He had his first experience with sports this year as he played a season of T-ball. He is a good big brother and is even starting to mediate fights between the kids.

Eden (3) is our fire-cracker. She keeps us on our toes, and it's either because of where she falls in the family, or because she's a girl! She is super dramatic, but also so loving and friendly. She is not afraid of anyone and loves saying hi to every stranger she encounters. She usually brightens people's day with her happy personality. Eden's major accomplishment this year was to get potty trained! After a few failed attempts, she finally did it, and we are loving the lower diaper bill! Eden started preschool this year, and takes the bus with Jonah, which she loves. She also loves her teachers (at school and at church). Eden enjoys making new friends, playing outside, coloring, and swimming.

Levi (2) is gradually getting into his terrible twos. He is usually a sweet and loving boy, but he can have a temper! Most would say it has something to do with his red hair, but I know from experience that that is just a myth :) He has been my little buddy when Jonah and Eden are at school. Unfortunately he doesn't enjoy running errands and shopping as much as I would have hoped. He loves Nursery at church and also enjoys singing, playing with trains, and reading books. He has a great laugh and a fun personality. He is always getting comments from people about his red hair and piercing blue eyes!

Connie has finally found her groove with these three kids so close in age. Having two in preschool has really helped! She has spent the year painting, repainting, canning fruit, doing a little reading and sewing, and throwing parties! She enjoys being the Nursery Music Leader for three of our ward's seven nurseries.

Peter is still working as a software engineer at Wells Fargo. He keeps pretty busy with work, but still finds time to read, keep the yard looking nice, and practice the piano. He recently was called to serve as a Clerk in our ward and has been spending a lot of time in meetings.

As a family, we were able to make a few trips to visit the kids' grandparents in Logandale, Nevada and were also able to make it out southern California a few times. Peter and Connie's highlight this year was a trip to Newport Beach and Catalina Island, all thanks to Grandpa and Grandma Willard, who watched the kids. We also made a trip to St. George, Utah for Thanksgiving and had a lot of fun with Connie's dad's side of the family.

We now look forward to Christmas and the wonderful feeling that this time of year brings. We hope that we can all remember the Savior and the blessings He gives us all as this year comes to a close. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a wonderful 2010!