We have officially been in our new house for over a year. We have been blessed with a great neighborhood, some new friends, and a wonderful ward to attend each Sunday. The children have a nice yard to enjoy as well as a nearby park frequently filled with neighborhood kids to play with. Addie loves being able to watch them from her kitchen window as they organize mini baseball games and swing on the monkey bars in the warmer months.
Mike enjoys his job in the city working as an international tax manager. He loves the challenge of dealing with new things day in and day out and enjoys the people he works with. He was grateful that Winter held off for a little while since he commutes on the highway to and from each day. Now that it has grown colder we decided it was time to say farewell to our 1999 CRV and invest in a newer vehicle to make his drive more pleasant (and keep his toes from freezing off). That old CRV has been such a blessing to us as we bought it from my parents for a dollar when we were first married. It's bittersweet giving it up, but his commute is much more enjoyable now that he has a heater and seat warmer.
Addie spends her days at home living the dream and is grateful for Mike and his career that allows her to be at home with the littles. She makes sure everything is going smoothly on the home front and takes care of things like grocery shopping, diaper changes, baking, and teaching Hyrum Kindergarten this year. She has recently made the adjustment to FIVE kids, and although some days are really hard, she wouldn't change where they are for a second. In her very limited spare time she enjoys keeping up with the family blog, serving in her Primary class, baking, and crocheting hats and slippers.Camilla is loving her new school and has made lots of good friends! She is doing well in all subject areas and and has a really great teacher this year who helps make learning fun. She takes the bus to and from school and independently walks to the corner each morning to catch it (one of the perks of small town living). Life with four brothers isn't always easy and she cherishes her "girl time" with mom anytime she can get it.
Hyrum started Kindegarten this year and is writing and reading small words. Mommy likes having him home for the extra year as he is a great big brother and peace maker. When Camilla leaves for the bus in the morning he jumps on the piano and gets a little lesson from Mommy. We have made it half way through his piano book already this year and he enjoys the challenge! He loves playing with Joe and Fin and holding Oliver when Mommy needs extra help. He is really into his Lego and loves to build things.
Joseph is busy and fun! He loves playing with Hyrum when Camilla is at school and they've been getting along well. He has a huge heart and loves spending time with people. He loves to work and when he starts to get bored and pick on his brothers Mommy puts him to work washing walls. He thinks it's the greatest thing ever which makes his mom laugh! His brain moves at such a quick pace and he always needs help to stay busy! We love him and the extra spunk he brings to our family.
Finley has just entered the "terrible two's". He continues to bring us so much joy along with the messes he gets himself into each day. Mommy has to keep an extra close eye on him during the day and quiet usually means trouble. He makes up for any problems in cuteness and has the most contagious little laugh. Right now he loves copying everything his brothers do, right down to every word they say sometimes. If they are all shouting for our attention or telling us a story he will chime right in beside them repeating word for word what they are saying. It's quite fun to watch him grow!
Oliver is growing like a weed and probably our biggest baby. At his two month appointment he was in the 90th percentile for height and weight (compared to the 25th percentile of the rest of our kids). He has huge hands and he may just be our tallest boy. His brothers might be able to pick on him for a short time, but we will smile each time we remind them that one day he WILL be bigger then them.
A recent loss in Addie's extended family has caused us to reflect on this Christmas season with more tender feelings than ever before. We are grateful for our Savior and the comfort and peace that He brings us not just at Christmas time, but all year round. We are counting our blessings and feeling extra grateful at this time of year for what we have. Christmas is more about presence than presents this year and we are so glad for loved ones near and far.
Merry Christmas!
Love,
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