This is our second year of using a Christmas Blog for our family and friends. Don't bother checking back frequently, as we're just using this for our annual Christmas letter. So...without further ado, here is the latest on each of us:
- Randall: This has been another great year for Randall. Work has been very busy, mostly with new business and new ventures. He helped start a new insurance company based in the Cayman Islands that is going to change the insurance world. He was also in charge of a new building for the company headquarters that took much of his time (they moved into the new digs in August…NICE!). At church he served as the Ward Resource Specialist (financial planner for the poor). The highlights of his year were (in no particular order): 1) Family vacation to California, 2) Trips to San Diego, LA, Orlando, 3) Reunion trip to Utah, 4) Family vacation to Maumee Bay. He does like to travel, although family trips are much more fun than business.
- Angela: Angela is amazed at how quickly this year passed! She has enjoyed a little extra free time this year, thanks to Kindergarten. Despite the idea of free time, she has filled it with work with the Cub Scouts, being a gym rat, volunteering in the kids' school libraries, taking care of a new "child" (Smokey the cat), and singing with our local community choir (Summit Choral Society). She also teaches piano in her spare time. She is constantly busy keeping up with the kids' activities and keeping the house operational. She has enjoyed watching the kids grow up and learn new talents and skills. She really enjoyed the opportunities to be with family in Utah, and loved seeing her brother Norman in LA. Angela loves Disney so much that she went twice this year: once to Disney World (without kids…yee haw!) and our week of family fun in California that included a stop at Disneyland.
- Ethan: Ethan has had a great 2008. He is excelling at his new school (middle school). He's been really dedicated to swimming and now can easily outpace older kids and even his dad. He enjoys playing intramural soccer and taking piano lessons from Mom. He also started playing the trumpet this year, which thrills Dad. Ethan loved Thanksgiving with his Davis cousins, and his trip to Utah (we're glad he survived). He loves playing with Smokey (our new cat) and his friends and riding his bike when it's warm outside. The highlight of Ethan's year was our trip to California. His favorite ride was Disney's California Screamin where he did his first loopdeeloop. He's looking forward to Christmas.
- Alexander: Alex is a very studious Kindergartner this year and is excited to be learning to read and practice his math and science skills. His teacher says he is a model student and "is a joy" to have in class. He also is taking to swimming and just qualified for Red Cross Level 3 swimming. He was very proud. He still loves to dress-up in costumes and play imaginative games. He loves snuggling with our new cat, Smokey. He also enjoys playing with Lego's, especially Lego Star Wars. He had tons and tons of fun at Disneyland. His favorite rides were Space Mountain and the Tower of Terror (which he rode 3 times in a row!). We were impressed with his bravery and spirit of adventure. He also loved the Sourjacks at Papa Davis's cabin in Utah. He loves playing with friends and seems to have unlimited energy.
We've been very blessed this year. We're grateful for this holiday season to reflect on the love of our Savior and the love that we have for our family and friends. We're grateful for you and your examples of love and kindness. We're better people for knowing you. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
