2022 Christmas Letter

I've spent the last day of this year reflecting on the many blessings, opportunities, and experiences we've had this year as individuals and as a family. We are most grateful for our savior, Jesus Christ, and the blessing He's given us of eternal families, forgiveness of our sins, and hope for the future. Here are some of the highlights of our past year ...

SOFIA: Sofia (4) joined the big kids in primary this year where she has enjoyed learning about Jesus. She says the most grateful, specific, and tender prayers. She finished her clogging dance class with a concert in May and started preschool in the fall where she gets to go to chapel each week and learn Bible stories. Sofia's reading a little bit and really loving the Nintendo Switch Pokemon game. She took her first piano lesson from Grandma this Christmas! Sofia's a happy, spunky little gal ... except for at bedtime when she has nightmares galore!

HANNAH: Hannah (7) has many friends at church and at school. She finished up basketball and clogging in the spring and then started soccer this fall. She's very fast and has a strong kick! Hannah has a loving heart and is a wonderful big sister. She is an incredible artist and will make you a picture if you ask! She loves being warm and cozy and also loves catching Pokemon!

BEAU: Beau (9) did basketball this year as well, but was saddened when football didn't work out this fall (there were no coaches available)! Fortunately, he was accepted into the elementary strings program and had the opportunity to play cello twice a week. He's a smart cookie and got into the gifted program this spring. Beau has a great sense of humor and a big group of friends who play football every recess. He is very well liked and makes everybody laugh! While he still likes animals, taking care of his bunny cured him of wanting to be a zoo keeper. Now, he thinks he might be an art teacher during the school year and a doctor during the summers!

HUDSON: Hudson (12) started the year out with a big exciting change! He was ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood, meaning he can now pass the sacrament at church! He attended the Albuquerque temple for the first time as well. Hudson's enjoying his Young Men's activities at church, which this summer included a river rafting excursion and a swimming trip to Blue Hole. He has a great group of friends at school and walks home with some of them each day. He's learning how to manage his time between homework and his greatest passion: video games! He brings home lots of fun middle school lingo that Mom is still getting used to. "What's goody! Bussin, bussin!"

JESSICA: Jessica finished five classes towards her nursing degree with straight As: Microbiology, Microbiology Lab, Statistics, Anatomy and Physiology, and Nutrition. It's meant lots of late nights perched on her stool in the kitchen. She wakes up early most mornings to make lunches and get the kids off to school. Jessica's still the primary music leader and loves working with the kids each week. The highlight of her year was watching Les Miserables with her sweetheart husband and wonderful parents in London! 

SEBASTIAN: Sebastian turned forty this year - he's now officially middle aged! The biggest highlight of his year was his very first foreign trip to England and Germany. He saw Windsor castle, toured the Tower of London, walked around Stone Henge, enjoyed the Harry Potter Studio tour, and swam in the Bavarian alps!