MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Merry Christmas!! This year has flown by so fast - it’s hard to believe that it has already been a year since we moved to Denver. Much of the year has been spent getting settled into our new home, job and ward. Lamont has stayed busy with work. He really enjoys what he does and the people he works with. He also stays busy with his church calling in the Elder’s Quorum presidency. Melissa got a big surprise this summer when the bishop called her to be the Young Women’s president (fortunately after girl’s camp). That has been a big adjustment for her getting into the youth program and keeping up with all the youth activities. The balance of time management is a skill she is striving to master. Our big news this year is that we are expecting our third child, another boy, due in early March. Carter and McKay are really excited about the idea of having a baby brother. Melissa is doing great with the pregnancy so far.

Carter turned 5 this year and started Kindergarten. He really enjoys it, especially working on the computers, going to the library and eating in the cafeteria. Kindergarten has been much more of an adjustment for us, than for Carter. He goes to a magnet school about 20 minutes away, so all the carpooling, early mornings, and level of parental involvement expected can be a little overwhelming. Carter also played soccer again this year and continues to enjoy it. McKay is 3 years old and very busy and independent. He loves to read stories, play on his “playground” in the backyard, and do puzzles. The highlight of his week is going to a co-op preschool with 7 of his friends. He is learning so quickly and loves to share what he has made in preschool.

We love this holiday season and all the fun traditions that it brings. We are so grateful for the life and example of the Savior and to spend some time with family and friends. We hope you have a Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Baby, It's Cold Outside...

You know that bone chilling cold, where the minute you step outside and breathe in the air the inside of your nose freezes, yes it is that time of year here. Actually we set records yesterday of a high of -6F and a low of -13F. I would have hardly believed it myself except that I can't remember the last time that I was so cold. Lamont was reminded of his mission days in Winnipeg. I love how Christmasy the snow feels, but here's to hoping for a little warmer temperatures (I guess we made it to a high of 12F today)... last time I checked we didn't live in Canada!

Thanksgiving = Family Time

I think Thanksgiving is the time of the year, maybe even arguably more than Christmas, to be around lots of family. Who wants to have a Thanksgiving feast by themselves? I realize sometimes that friends must step in for family, but we were blessed to be able to make the road trip to Utah this year.

It was such a relaxing trip full of good food and fun activities. My whole family was together and we had a really fun time. Some of the highlights included: playing games, going bowling (a big hit with the boys, McKay takes his game pretty seriously), a movie (Twilight for the girls, and Madagascar 2 for my Mom and boys), a scrumptious dinner at the Brazilian grill Tucano's, a trip to see Christmas lights at Temple Square, and a Jazz game. It was a busy five days and it always makes me realize how much I miss being with family. I'm glad we're on the countdown for more family time at Christmas!