Christmas 2009

Is it possible that 2009 has come to a close? What a wonderful year we have had as a family. The highlight of the year is certainly the cruise vacation to Alaska. 16 days of fun and adventure with the entire family, and Grandma and Grandpa! The kids played in snow for the first time, a cold delight. After walking on the snow, Kevin exclaimed, "My foot fell into a crevasse!" Perhaps we watched too many discovery channel shows on Alaska before we left. No Kevin, you are just walking on snow. Kendra fell in love with the husky puppies while visiting a musher in the Yukon Territory. She cried after we left, begging us to take her back to the husky puppies soon. Jerome felt adventurous as we took him on a rock slide climb to get to the bottom of the waterfall next to Mendenhall Glacier. The scenery was beautiful. Grandma and Grandpa, thank you for going on vacation with us, and being our cruise directors... you knew all the great places to visit. The entire family cannot wait to return. If you are in need of a tour guide while on a trip to Alaska, I am offering my services.

Jerome began 5th grade this year at a new private school. He LOVES it! He is blossoming in his new school, and we know this was due to all of the hard work Mrs. C (also known as Grandma) put in during 2nd-4th grade to catch Jerome up to grade level. Thank you Mrs. C, your hard work is appreciated. Jerome is enjoying a school where he can learn about God, and his self confidence is flourishing. He auditioned for the church Christmas program solo,k and got the part! We are proud of you Jerome!

Kevin began 4th grade this year in Mrs. C's class. He had no idea all of the work he was in for! He is working hard, and it is paying off. Kevin reports that he is thrilled to be learning so much this year. We are proud of you Kevin! While in Alaska, Kevin discovered a new love...salmon! He ate salmon each night for dinner (all 14 of them) on the cruise. We joked that Kevin and Grandpa were sure to leave Alaska with gills because of all the salmon they ate!

Kendra began 2nd grade this year. She is certainly growing up fast. She enjoyed several dates with dad this year, including attending a welcome parade for the new Princess Tiana. Kendra loves anything and everything princess, and is very excited a brown princess will be joining her Disney collection. Kendra has been a very busy teacher this year as well. All of her My Little Ponies received name tags (I tear up at the names, all of whom have our last name!) She spends hours "instructing" them in all that she has learned at school. We are proud of you Kendra!

Lowell and his mom had movie star status this year, as Grandma Pattie stared in a commercial for the hospital. We drove up to Tallahassee the day of the shoot so that Lwoell could also be in the commercial that talked about him being hit by a car at age 5. I enjoyed watching the kids play with cousins Kendall and Cody while conversing with Great Grandpa and Grandma Allen. Thank you for making our 24 hour visit a great one! We are so spoiled to have Grandma Pattie and Papa Paul drive down to visit with us. We have really enjoyed our trips to Disney with you both! Thank you for driving to visit with us! Lowell is now doing photography at Disney, as well as for our company, Portraits by Lowell. Check out his work at www. protraitsbylowell.com

Would you believe that we see to be becoming "beach people"? We spent many days at the beach in Ft. Myers with my Grandma, enjoying the weather and the company. We have been able to take the kids to places form my childhood, like Mc Tee's restaurant on Sanibel Island. It is known (to me at least) for its Mud Pie Dessert. The kids LOVED it as much as I did as a kid, and frequently ask when we are going to drive the 3 1/2 hours to Ft. Myers so we can have Mud Pie.

We are all thankful for the surprise visits from Aunt Jacinta! After she and Uncle Sam moved to Connecticut, we had no idea we would be seeing her several times this year. Thank you for visiting with us. We love you both very much, and treasure our time with you. We can't wait until this coming summer to drive up for a visit at your house!

Ten years ago, as Lowell and I were married, I never would have dreamed this would be how our life would look ten years later. Three beautiful kids, ages 11, 9, and 7... living in the town I grew up in, teaching at the school my mom taught, loving photography, and yet, I wouldn't change this life for any other. I love you, Lowell.

We want to thank you for sharing in our lives over the past 10 years, and wish you a joyous year in 2010.