We've been up to quite a lot together as a family this year. We went to Mammoth Caves over Memorial Day weekend and some camping trips to state parks around Ohio. My sister Melissa flew out to watch the girls while Eric and I ventured into the "hills" of Ohio for an overnight backpacking trip in May. Now we're all in Arizona after the girls and I spent a few days in California with a trip to Disneyland, the happiest place on earth.
Eric had a busy year as he continued as scoutmaster with the boys at church. Our ward was combined with the Enon ward in January so he lost all his deacons but gained some priests and teachers to work with. He went on a few camping trips and also scout camp. In September, Eric flew out to California to hike in the Sierra Mountains with my dad and his brother. It seems we always bring rain/snow back to California as they hit a major storm and cut their trek short. Eric also changed jobs in April and now we're changing jobs again, this time moving to Denver Colorado! We're excited to be closer to the mountains and all the different sports we can do there--hiking at elevation!, snow shoeing, skiing, sledding, rock climbing, and much more. Eric continued his bicycling and got a new road bike this year which he loves! Hopefully he'll be able to bike commute to work a few days when we move.
As for me, I've stayed pretty busy with the two girls. With the combination of the wards, I got called as the Primary president and have worked with fabulous women and kids. I did a few tax returns before April 15 to keep up my "skills." I also started my own little business as a Shade Clothing personal shopper in June. It's been a fun venture and has allowed me to get out of the mommy shell. I trained during the summer for a half marathon and ran the WPAFB half marathon in September and got a pretty good time for myself. I taught Elizabeth's Joy School in October and had fun with seven 4-year olds learning about the body.
Elizabeth has grown into a little girl infatuated with dressing up, princesses, and Dora movies. She has really blossomed in the talking area and often asks too many questions for my liking but it's cute. She loves her Joy School, especially being around the other kids even though she's the youngest. It's fun to see her with friends. She is also in a little dance class learning to coordinate the body a little. At Disneyland, Elizabeth was just tall enough to go on some roller coasters like Space Mountain and Thunder Mountain and actually enjoyed it. We saw all the princesses in the parade and Mickey but "he couldn't talk." She celebrated her fourth birthday with lots of Bartholomews and Schultzes singing to her and loving every minute of it.
Rachel started the year just walking and talking and is now a big 2 year old. She copies big sister in a lot of ways and they usually play together well which is nice to see. She also likes her friends and going to her "school" aka Mothers Day Out run by a local church. Rachel is definitely our adventurous little girl loving to swing, camp, climb, go out in the snow, and do just about anything outside.
We hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
1 comment:
hello Alicia!! do you remember your freshman roommate?? Your family looks adorable (I found your blog off hillary dummars!) Looks like you are doing well.
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