* Steve starting a new hobby. He picked up a road bicycle and did the cycling portion of 2 triathlons this summer. His team which consisted of Steve, my Dad (Stan), and Jake's fiance (Marcee) placed 1st in their division in the Spudman and got a very unique potato trophy. :)
* Steve completing 2 National Instrument certifications and 1 training course for work. He enjoys his job and the guys that he works with.
* Steve buying a new car. We finally sold his 1990 Honda Accord and bought him an Audi A4, which brings him joy.
* Ellie learning to ride a bike this summer. She loves having her friends come knock on the door and ask if she can come play. I enjoy watching her ride her bike or scooter down to their house and all I have to do is call and have them tell her to bike or scooter home when it's time.
* Lila and I participating in a joy school with some wonderful neighbors. Lila has truly blossomed and is learning a lot. I love to hear her call her friends names when she sees them around the neighborhood--she even recognizes all of the Moms who are participating.
* Ellie reading like crazy. She loves reading and for a family activity one night I got each of the girls a mini copy of the Book of Mormon and we showed them how to use them. She loves having us tell her scriptures to look up and then reading them to us.
* Ellie starting piano lessons and loving it! She memorized 4 Christmas songs and started teaching herself another Christmas song this week. Lila also loves to play the piano and sings non-stop much to the annoyance of Ellie who is always saying, "Be quiet Lila, you're annoying me."
* Having family and friends visit us in our new home (we love that we are in a location that provides us the opportunity to see family so much more and a convenient spot for friends to stop off.)
* Britney leaving the girls with Steve for her first girls' weekend. She met up with dear friends from Tucson in Phoenix to attend Time Out for Women.
* Traveling to this beautiful remote location in northern California to celebrate Carole and Russ's 50th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful trip, full of lots of memories.
* Flying to Seattle for UEA weekend to be there when Jake proposed to Marcee. We are so excited for the two of them and love the dynamic they bring to the family.
* Going on a Disney Cruise with Carole and Russ. Our girls loved every minute on the boat with Mickey and friends and the special time with Grandma and Grandpa.
Nothing brings us more joy than sharing the message of our Savior Jesus Christ. I can testify that He lives and that this is a wonderful time of year to celebrate His birth and life. "Joy to the world, the Lord is come; Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room." May your heart be touched by His love and may you have joy this Christmas season and throughout the new year.
Love,
Steve, Britney, Ellie, & Lila
