A belated Christmas post

Our Christmas was wonderful this year.  Once again, ALL three girls sat on Santa's lap to tell him what they wanted to receive.  For Analiese she asked for a Fijit friend, Grace, a bell from his sleigh and Sarah wanted a Wii game.  They all must have found their way onto the "good" list because they each got what they requested...plus some!

We did not travel at all over the break.  The weather was perfect (very warm) so we got to spend some time outside.  Sweet Grace had practice and only had a few days off.  Her schedule was reduced but she had to be at the gym everyday except for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day!  Not that she minded, she is lost when she has too much down time!

The boys were able to spend a few days with us. It's always nice to have all of the kids together!  Dave and I have a great respect for the adults the boys are becoming.  William and Thomas are within a year of graduating from Tech and James is ready to commit to the Army so that he can get a commission when he graduates in a few years.

We LOVE having a full house and the girls love how much attention the boys give them!  Some day they will get together with their families and share the great memories of the holidays they had growing up!

Sarah chose a VERY grown- up dress this year.  Her Dad was not  happy but agreed that she looked quite beautiful!  Sarah received a laptop for Christmas and was quite excited to get rid of her very slow, very old desktop model.  She promptly pulled the dinosaur out of her room and set it up in the playroom for Analiese to use.

Grace also chose a more grown-up dress and couldn't wait to pose for her photo!  She is growing up so quickly.  Dave and I believe that she just might be a little older than her 10 years. It certainly wouldn't be the first time the Chinese were off on their "age guesstimate"!!  Grace was so thrilled to get the bell from Santa's sleigh.  She really did not want anything else but I did talk her into asking for some clothes for the gym!

Then of course my sweet, sweet Analiese!  Notice that she is now growing her hair out.  She also is growing up.  We have noticed such a maturity in the past year!  She continues to make an impression on everyone she meets.  She received a guitar and a karoake machine from Santa.  What excitement as she now can write a song, play it either on her keyboard or guitar and also sing it into her microphone.  How blessed we are to hear her excitement!!

As a family we couldn't be more blessed.  We are all healthy and Dave and I have good, stable jobs.  We thank God everyday for the things that we have and ask for his guidance to navigate the coming year.

Happy 2012 to each of you!