Merry Christmas from Omaha, Nebraska!
Brrr it’s cold here right now.
We were spoiled with a fairly mild summer and long fall, but now Winter is here and it is very cold!! I think I am ready for a big snow storm. Last Christmas we were snowed in and it was GREAT!!
This year has gone by so fast. We have been very blessed with health and happiness. The picture was taken in Park City, Utah this summer as we celebrated my parents 50th Anniversary.
Here is what we’ve been up to…
Megan turned 5 in April and was very excited to start Kindergarten. I was thrilled as well, although it was a bit tough to get into my own routine. One that didn’t involve dragging Meg along or making sure she had play dates lined up. She would ask me every night what we were doing the next day. She transitioned very well into Kindergarten. She loves it and is doing very well. We have only had one bump (so far) and that was when she got stitches. She and her friend were playing with bungee cords in the back yard, stretching them from one end of the slide to the other and it slipped out of her friends hand and hit Megan right between the eyes. She was very lucky! The first thing she said to me was, “I DON’T WANT STITCHES!!” She knew right away, maybe it was all the blood. Anyway, she didn’t want to go tot school because everyone would stare at her. Megan is so funny and is a delight to have around. She keeps us on our toes as we try to remind her who is boss! J
Jenna is 8 and was baptized in September. She is in third grade and absolutely loves her teacher. Jenna loves to draw, listen and sing to Taylor Swift and is constantly wanting to play and have sleepovers with friends!! She is going to give us a run for our money as she gets older. Drama is her thing. Funny that she has always seemed to be dramatic, but as she gets older the dramatic events become even worse!!! I am not sure we’ll make it to the teens. Jenna has really improved with her school work and loves to read. She has continued to be the peacemaker in our family (at least when she wants to be). She is so sweet and is a great big sister.
Tyler is 10 ½ and continues to surprise us with all that he does. He loves school and fortunately he has never struggled much. He is in EY (Excellence in Youth) Program in school that challenges him in Math and reading. Earlier this year (end of 4th grade) was inducted into the NEHS – National Elementary Honor Society. They meet once a week and plan activities and service opportunities to do for the school and community. Tyler is 100% boy. If it’s a sport, he needs to watch it and play it. This year he played outdoor soccer. He’d love to play tackle football, but the league here only has games on Sunday. Tyler loves cub scouts as well and has almost earned his Weblos badge. He is a great kid and we love to have him around.
Justin is doing great! He too had a bit of an exciting year. He was given a more challenging calling at church which takes up a lot of his free time (EQ Pres). He does a great job at it. He also had the opportunity to change jobs this year. He was at Deloitte Tax for 3 years. He is still doing tax work, but it is at a company called Gavillon. No more busy season for him (US). YEAH!! During his time off between jobs (2 weeks) he was playing soccer and tore his calf muscle. What a way to spend his vacation before starting the new job. He was on crutches for 2 weeks and he will tell you they are not any fun. Then he graduated to a walking boot which he wore for a few more weeks. He is all healed up and doing great!!
Kari, (I can’t write about myself in 3rd person) I am doing well too! Still staying busy with my church calling. I have done a “great job” adjusting to being home with-out Meg!!!! I will say that I am not as productive with out her here. Who would have thought, no kids = less productivity. I don’t understand it, but it’s true. I have been working more though and I am sure that has a lot to do with it. I have also started a new hobby….quilting. I made a denim quilt in August and now am working on three surprises for Christmas. That is the main reason why I haven’t gotten Christmas cards out this year. Too many things on my plate I guess. Oh well. I love my life.
We are so blessed to be alive. We have wonderful friends and family in our lives.
Thank you to all of you who have been in our lives at one time or another. We truly love you and miss you (if you are away).
We love the gospel and our Savior Jesus Christ.
Please keep in touch!
Justin, Kari, Tyler, Jenna & Megan
8316 Decatur St.
Omaha, NE 68114
