Merry Christmas!

Here is a brief summary of our 2010 year:

Lindy is almost 3 months old already and is starting to smile a lot, and even laugh a little.  She was born on October 3 at 8:23 p.m., after just two hours of true, active labor (I had irregular contractions throughout the day though).  She weighed 8 lbs. 7 oz. and measured 20 1/2 inches long.  She was born with a dark head of hair, but it's already lightened up quite a bit.  She is very much loved by her siblings and we're excited to continue to watch her grow into her personality.

Avery is our joyous 2 year old.  She loves to color and draw, and is a second little mother to Lindy.  We love her big brown eyes and curly hair and how quick she is to smile and laugh.  She can often be caught singing or dancing at any given time during the day.  She surprises us with big words sometimes.  Her most recent "big word" phrase: "Oh Mom, my cup accidentally fell on the floor."  The "big word" she says most often: "actually".  Avery definitely keeps us smiling.

Graham turned four in October.  He has a knack for sports and plenty of energy.  His favorite activity this summer was riding his two-wheeler without training wheels.  He likes to wear shorts and continues to wear them as often as he can, even in the winter.  He loves to color and is quite the artist.  He is very sweet with Lindy and is often the first to help make her happy if she's upset.  He really enjoys playing with his siblings and friends.  He is in preschool this year and is always excited to show off what he's been working on.

Drake turned six this spring, and was already counting down to his seventh birthday the very next day.  He is in 1st grade and has really taken off on reading and writing.  He often leaves little notes around the house for different people.  He is the social one in the family and makes friends anywhere he goes.  He likes to take charge and often makes up fun activities or games to play.  He is very creative and has quite the imagination.  He has recently started taking piano lessons and is learning fast.

Angela is grateful to play at home with the kids all day.  She continues to love photography, music, and reading when she has the time.  She can't keep up on the house but enjoys trying to keep up a picture journal via this blog.  She has started practicing the violin again as incentive for Drake to keep practicing the piano.  She is still the secretary in Relief Society and has really enjoyed getting to know people better.  The kids keep her plenty busy, but she wouldn't have it any other way.

Shad has had an activity packed year.  He went on High Adventure with the scouts in our ward, went backpacking in the Wind Rivers with his brothers-in-law Matt and Nathan and some of their friends, and has had a number of over-nighters, including snowshoeing  to stay in a yurt.  He has been a counselor in our ward's bishopric for just a few months, but is really enjoying the opportunity to serve others.  If he's not busy with his calling he can often be found working on one of many home improvement projects.  He still enjoys his work as a Physician Assistant, but enjoys his "job" as a husband and father much more.

We're grateful to all our family and friends who continue to make each year wonderful.  Thank you!