Here is a Christmas song to listen to while you read our letter (you may have to endure a commercial first). Enjoy! If you love it, go check out their album on Amazon.
This year has been an "unusual year" for us. We didn't move. We didn't have a baby. We didn't change jobs. We're almost at a loss for what to tell you.
We did go to Disneyland in May to celebrate Eli and Kristin's birthday's. We spent 4 days at the park and were there for the kick off of the 60th anniversary. We had a great time and can't wait to go back again!
June we celebrated 7 years of wedded bliss while enjoying a day in Portland. We enjoyed the cooler weather, seeing friends and taking a road trip out to Idaho for a wedding, and seeing more friends. We came back refreshed, but somewhat dreading the very hot weather.
Throughout the year Erik decided to tackle two new goals for himself. He has always enjoyed running, and ran a 1/2 marathon when we lived in Austin. It's been two years since that race. This year he trained for a full marathon (ran a few 1/2 marathon's while training), but on top of that he decided to eat a plant based diet. It's gone well over the year, and he has learned a ton about food and nutrition. We will evaluate at the beginning of the year if it's something he will continue full time or not. With that said, it's been just over 5 years since we initially started Take Shape for Life and it still amazes us how foundational it has been to achieving our goals and challenging us to learn more about a healthy lifestyle. We love talking about it, so if you are ever interested please let us know. We would love to encourage you in your journey as well.
Erik is working at Cactus Semiconductor and has done well with the two projects he as been a part of. The most recent project is a spinal nerve stem chip. This particular project Erik has been leading the team instead of doing the design work. It's a new role for him and with everything that is new, it will come with challenges and learning opportunities.
Kristin is full-time domestic engineering at this time. She keeps the boys on a pretty tight schedule to ensure there is a nap time every day...okay...most days. With the weather being "stupid hot" here in the summer she most of the time will go to the mall and walk and play with the boys. This has led to some great relationships, and a seasonal employment position with the Disney Store. It's been a great opportunity in many ways.
Eli is now 3 1/2 and full of energy and silliness. He is sweet, compassionate, easy going and empathetic. He does find ways to frustrate his brother, but we hope some day they will turn into great leadership skills. He's still the kid who will crack up laughing just by giving him a sly look. He is mostly potty trained (still have some hurdles to jump) and loves to do pre-school books. We work on sight words, cutting, shapes, letters, colors and even some random things like the states and capitals. He really enjoys learning.
Zak is turning two in January. His personality and verbal skills are blossoming in so many ways! He has quite the personality in testing his limits. He also very sweet and cuddly after nap time. He is now in a big boy bed and sharing a room with big brother. He doesn't cry much unless we are having a frustration with communicating needs and wants and the occasional squabbles with his brother. He loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Miles of Tomorrowland. He is communicating when he needs to go potty most of the time, even without us prompting him. His favorite food is mac and cheese, which he asks for in the morning and he loves to eat pancakes any time of day.
Both boys are VERY interested in "Trash Truck Tuesday"!!! The excitement starts Monday night when they haul the trash can out to the curb. Tuesday morning they are "over the moon" excited for him to come with his "grabber" and get our trash can. All week long they ask if it's "trash truck day". If only the trash man knew how much of a celebrity he is in our home. We have had quite a few Tuesday mornings when we have to bolt out of bed to get the boys outside to see him. We love getting excited with them about simple things.
Recently we have discovered some food/environmental allergies with the boys and we are in the process of meeting and doing testing with an allergist. We are hopeful that they will outgrow some of them, but it will be a process. We would greatly appreciate your prayers and encouragement as we navigate this new lifestyle.
There is so much to celebrate throughout the year. Birthday's, milestones, growth, promotions, raises, opportunity, setting and reaching goals, marriage...and the list continues. We celebrate at this time of year an amazing birth of One who has changed the world. We celebrate why He came. We celebrate the gift that He has given us through His sacrifice on the cross. We celebrate the miraculous work He has done in our lives. We celebrate the daily mission we have been given to live in a way that reflects who He is and what He has done. We celebrate that while this life on earth is imperfect and broken, that He is still a God who loves, provides, cares for His creation. We celebrate the hope that we have in His glorious returning.
We hope you have a wonderful Christmas and splendid New Year!
P.s. If you are wondering what happened to my pinterest new year's resolution, I still did it. I just didn't get around to posting about it.
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