Christmas 2018
I read over the last blog entry (which is our last Christmas letter), and the theme of last year was dealing with the unexpected. While 2017 was not the year we expected, 2018 said, “Hold my beer”.
We knew to start 2018 something needed to change with Erik’s work. We endured some challenges at his job that really strained us as a family so we started making considerations on what could change at his current job or to find another opportunity. We knew we needed to be patient and wise in our decision. We made many considerations and it took more time than we expected, (in the past many decisions have required a short amount of time) but the decision was made in April that Erik would take a management position at NXP.
The change of work with no travel (at this time) has been a great change and blessing for our family. After a year like 2017 and making changes we reflect back and realize the effect those challenges had on our family. We would say we are still recovering and seeing the ripple effect from 2017.
I read over the last blog entry (which is our last Christmas letter), and the theme of last year was dealing with the unexpected. While 2017 was not the year we expected, 2018 said, “Hold my beer”.
We knew to start 2018 something needed to change with Erik’s work. We endured some challenges at his job that really strained us as a family so we started making considerations on what could change at his current job or to find another opportunity. We knew we needed to be patient and wise in our decision. We made many considerations and it took more time than we expected, (in the past many decisions have required a short amount of time) but the decision was made in April that Erik would take a management position at NXP.
The change of work with no travel (at this time) has been a great change and blessing for our family. After a year like 2017 and making changes we reflect back and realize the effect those challenges had on our family. We would say we are still recovering and seeing the ripple effect from 2017.
However, 2018 started off with a cannonball splash in discovering that we were pregnant. God-sized surprises are always a blessing and we welcomed Annalise Elizabeth on October 9th. If you are looking for ways to be challenged and sanctified, then we wholeheartedly suggest enduring a pregnancy in Phoenix during the summer. Thankfully the week she was delivered the weather finally cooled down. We are so thankful for our unexpected blessing.
Other highlights of the year include a couple trips to Portland, celebrating 10 years of marriage, and one trip to Disneyland.
Eli is 6 and enjoying kindergarten. He has many questions that he often asks Google for help on. We often have to ask him to leave Google alone, but we are thankful that Google never tires of being helpful for all his questions. He also enjoys attending Sparks (Awana’a program) and riding his bike.
Zak is 4 (almost 5) and attends half-day preschool 5 days a week. We are starting to see his talkative and silly side come to life. He has surprised us with how much he has absorbed at school and how outgoing he can be. He is our homebody kiddo and enjoys playing games and watching cartoons. He also really enjoys bike rides at night.
Eli is 6 and enjoying kindergarten. He has many questions that he often asks Google for help on. We often have to ask him to leave Google alone, but we are thankful that Google never tires of being helpful for all his questions. He also enjoys attending Sparks (Awana’a program) and riding his bike.
Zak is 4 (almost 5) and attends half-day preschool 5 days a week. We are starting to see his talkative and silly side come to life. He has surprised us with how much he has absorbed at school and how outgoing he can be. He is our homebody kiddo and enjoys playing games and watching cartoons. He also really enjoys bike rides at night.
Annalise is 2 months old and growing perfectly. She is easy going and super sweet. She is starting to smile and coo at anyone and is adored by her brothers.
