Well, it's March and nothing like now to realize that I didn't write a Christmas letter this past year. I know it's only on the blog and nobody probably even reads it, but I decided to write one anyway. Twenty years from now, I can look back and read it and smile and maybe chuckle at the fact that I am crazy enough to write one 3 months late.
This past year, we have much to be thankful for - Edmund finishing his first year of elementary school, a vacation to Northern Minnesota with the Plantenberg family, the birth of Emmalyn Jane, our continued Life Group, wonderful friends, and visits to see family.
Eric finished his fourth year as a statistical analyst at Citizens Bank. He has continued his hobby as a suburban farmer and has grown in his love of brewing beer in our basement. He has even branched out and is dabbling in wine making. He is currently leading Edmund's Cub Scout den. He read a little less than last year, played in his annual church softball league, provided for our family, and helped us all keep our sanity after adding another baby.
Anna continued her job as a home economist for her busy family of six. She spends her days changing diapers, cooking, cleaning, entertaining, coloring, exploring, and loving the kids. She has continued to be involved in her church's MOPS group, serving on leadership as the Finance Coordinator. She is also involved in her local mom's group and has become more involved in the PTO at her boys' school. In her limited free time, she enjoys running, reading, drinking coffee, and photography.
Eric finished his fourth year as a statistical analyst at Citizens Bank. He has continued his hobby as a suburban farmer and has grown in his love of brewing beer in our basement. He has even branched out and is dabbling in wine making. He is currently leading Edmund's Cub Scout den. He read a little less than last year, played in his annual church softball league, provided for our family, and helped us all keep our sanity after adding another baby.
Anna continued her job as a home economist for her busy family of six. She spends her days changing diapers, cooking, cleaning, entertaining, coloring, exploring, and loving the kids. She has continued to be involved in her church's MOPS group, serving on leadership as the Finance Coordinator. She is also involved in her local mom's group and has become more involved in the PTO at her boys' school. In her limited free time, she enjoys running, reading, drinking coffee, and photography.
Edmund turned eight this year. Edmund is in second grade at Walnut Creek. He continues to be curious, thoughtful, and independent. He is an excellent problems solver and is full of ideas. He is a lover of reading books and can almost always be found reading one or running around outside with his siblings. He also loves building with Legos, climbing trees, riding his bike, drawing, playing board games, going to COSI, and traveling. He had his third season playing baseball, went to swimming lessons, and started his second year of Cub Scouts.
Nathaniel turned six this year. He is thrilled to have joined is brother at Walnut Creek where he has started Kindergarten. He is social, kind, and is known in his class as being a helper. His positive attitude and friendly personality have allowed him to make a lot of friends. He was chosen as the Kindness Crusader at school for the month of September. He is strong, athletic, and full of energy. He loves singing, playing with his stuffed animals, building with Legos, playing outside, climbing trees, and going to the library. He is now in his second year of AWANA Sparks, played his third year of baseball, went to swimming lessons, and started Cub Scouts.
Clara turned four this year. She started her first year of preschool at Genoa Christian Academy where she is thriving. She loves her class, learning, and has enjoyed making friends. She has gotten much better at writing her letters and can clearly write her name. She started dance this year at Straub and started her first year in AWANA Cubbies. She loves running around in her princess dresses, making food in her play kitchen, having tea parties, and reading books. She is high energy, into everything, and loves people. She can be shy at first, but once she gets comfortable, she doesn't stop talking. She loves helping with everything, especially cooking.
Emmalyn has turned one year old. She is a darling, sweet, and easy going toddler. She has made so many milestones in the first year. She loves hanging out with her siblings, having tea parties, climbing on chairs, and loving on her baby dolls. She has a tender heart and hates being told no.
Family Highlights
- Vacation to Twin Cities to see the Plantenberg Family
- Family vacation to Grand Haven
- Camping themed birthday party for the boys with friends
- Little Sunshine party for Emmalyn turning one year old
- Canvas art party for Clara
- Cub Scout Camp at Hocking Hills State Park
- Weekend at Mohican State Park
- Trips to the pumpkin patch, apple orchard, and local farm
This year started out challenging with a small baby, but slowly morphed into a beautiful breath of fresh air. Life with four kids is full, fun, and a little bit crazy. We are grateful for all of our friends, family, and blessings in our lives. We truly have so much to be thankful for. We are also thankful for being able to celebrate the birth of Christ with many that we hold dear.
