Christmas Letter 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

2011 was a wonderful year for us, and especially so since it was the year we welcomed our daughter, Bethany Adelle, into our family.

Bethany, born on November 8th, is our "angel baby." Very sweet and mild tempered, she loves to watch her big sister and be cuddled by mom and dad, and has just started to really smile and coo (though I swear she began smiling the day she was born). She is a sweet, calming presence in our home, and we're so grateful to have her as a part of our family.

Grace, now 2 1/2, loves her little sister, who she talks to in a high baby voice, saying things like "Hi, sweetheart!" or "Hi, wakies!", gives lots of hugs and kisses to, and makes sure that she's taken care of by mom and dad, with directions to us like "Mommy feed her!" or "Daddy rock her!" Grace also loves to color (which she does several times a day); watch Signing Time and Curious George; play with her cars, Little People, and grocery cart; sing songs; read books; play the piano; and go to the park and zoo; and has just entered the "why?/question" stage. She never ceases to make us laugh, is too smart for any of our goods, and is a delight to watch as a big sister.

This year was full of new experiences for Jenny. First and foremost, being a mother of two, which she finds both a little challenging and very rewarding. Also, she started running (she competed in a 5k in February) and doing Zumba dance (which she loves, and is now considering becoming an instructor in someday). She also began a formal study of photography, and hopes to continually improve herself in that area. Jenny continues to serve as a compassionate service leader in her ward (with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints), and to enjoy reading and spending time with her family and friends.

This past year also held new things for Travis. He began his 3rd year of Podiatry school in July, and has since participated in weekly clinic experiences at various clinics and hospitals in the area. He enjoys the practical experience he gets at clinic, as well as seeing new cases and procedures. He also began the exciting new hobby of ultra-marathon running. After several months of training, he competed in his first ultra-marathon in June, a 50 mile race, which he ran in just under 13 hours; and in September, he ran his second race, a 50k (or 31 miles), which he ran in about 6 hours. He LOVES distance running, and is always on the lookout for a new race to run and a chance to run on the trails. Travis continues to work with the young men in our ward, though now as the Young Men's President, and enjoys the time he gets to spend with them. In his free time, Travis enjoys running, baking, and spending time with his family.

Looking back over this past year, we feel so blessed, and hope that you and your's have been blessed too. We also hope you had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season, and that you'll now enjoy a blessed New Year.

With love,

Travis, Jenny, Grace, and Bethany