Dear Friends and Family,
Merry Christmas! We hope 2009 treated you well. The year has flown by, and the kids are growing fast. Here's what we have been up.
Rob is now in his tenth year of teaching and has added flag rugby to the sixth grade curriculum, which the boys and girls alike love. He finished a brick patio on the side of the house which turned out beautifully. Rob is still avidly playing mens' league soccer, and recruited most of our neighborhood to play pick-up on Saturday mornings, and he only lost one front tooth to soccer this year.
I, Susie, became the Relief Society President in our ward (church congregation) last January, which has kept everyone in the family busy. The job entails lots of meetings and lots of visits to people, and particularly helping meet welfare needs. It is a big job that never actually gets done, but it is also rewarding to be able to help people obtain food, clothing, and other things that they are in need of. Emma asked a few days ago how much I got paid to do it, and was shocked to find out that I am paid nothing! I did make time in November to participate in a contest called National Novel Writing Month, or NaNoWriMO. The goal is to write a novel in a month, 50,000 words in 30 days, no editing or revising. I finished, which was exciting, and want to do it again next year. The rest of the family is not so sure they are up for it...
Sierra finished up sixth grade in the spring, and danced for the elementary school ballroom team. She earned money all year to spend a week at space camp in Alabama last summer. It was an amazing experience and she plans to return. Before starting junior high, Sierra and her cousin hosted a big back to school party for their friends. Sierra is now swimming on the swim team, babysitting often for me and for the neighbors, surviving allergy shots, and doing lots and lots of homework.
Emma is in second grade this year. She has kept up with her ballet and figure skating lessons, and getting to perform often, which she loves. Emma competed three times at ice skating competitions and performed in two shows. Her hard work always pays off, and she has yet to be nervous in front of a crowd! For her birthday party later this month, you guessed it, she decided to go ice skating with her friends. Emma has also become a great reader and helper around the house. She also loves to spend time with her friends.
Kate is in her last year of preschool. Kate is always very busy. She loves to play with her friends and to bake things, especially cupcakes. Kate decided she wants to try everything the older girls have, so she has taken up ballet and gymnastics, and tells her dad that she wants to play soccer when she is big enough. Kate also likes to perform in ice shows, which she has done a few times this year. Where she gets her energy when she spends most of her time sick is beyond us! She got a set of tubes in her ears and had her adenoids out, which we are all helping will help keep our tiny Kate healthier so she can keep doing the things she loves.
As a family we took a fun trip to Lake Powell this summer, visited family in Phoenix for Easter, spent the Fourth in Wyoming, and Thanksgiving in Cedar City where the boys played football, the girls did a little competitive shopping, the kids played with their cousins; everyone got to ride ATVS and Emma earned a new nickname "Annie Oakley" for her target shooting.
We were very sad to say goodbye to Grandma Hart this year, but enjoyed all the time we were able to spend with her and with other family before she had to go. Overall though, we have many blessings to be grateful for, including all of you. We hope that you have a wonderful holiday season!
Rob, Susie, Sierra, Emma & Kate
