Merry Christmas to ALL!!

Merry Christmas everyone. I can't believe it has been 2 months since I posted last. I guess I know what one of my New Year Resolutions will be. We spent Thanksgiving week in Orlando visiting Mickey Mouse. Jeff's Parents gave us all the trip for an early Christmas present and we had a ball. We rented a house and it was super. It had a heated pool, game room and plenty of space for all of us. Jeff and I are still in debate who had more fun, the kids or Poppop Howard. We had some family time, big kid time, grandparent time and an overall great time.

Travis turned four the day we returned and got his first taste of an "American Birthday". We loved seeing the big smiles and joy on his face. He is doing really well. His English is fluent (well 4 year old fluent). We wish he was putting on weight faster but he is growing wonderfully. He is never still and we are just afraid he will try to rewire the Christmas tree before we take it down.

Blake will be 3 in January and is packing on the pounds. He loves to eat and I love to feed him. He is growing well all around and is a generally happy kid. He is speaking well and loves to learn. He can count, knows colors and is learning shapes.

Devon is a trip. She has grasped language skills with a lot of flare and keeps us laughing. God knew what he was doing when he made her cute. She has her own ideas about how things should be done and what pace they should be done as well. Needless to say, she is our challenge right now. She is very loving and it is so great to hear " I lob you too mommy".

Sydney is just growing up so fast. We put in her application for Sussex Technical High School. I can't believe she will be in High School next year. Her grades have really improved this year and she is finding her way in a teenage world. Her sense of humor keeps us in stitches. We are really enjoying her these days.

Branagh is doing Irish Tap dancing this fall and loves it. Her first recital is next week and we are looking forward to her performance. The middle school transition has proven to be quite a challenge for her. She seems to be settling in and hopefully will show improvement the second half of the year.

The weather has not cooperated with Jeff in November. All the rain has made it difficult to get corn and soybeans out and get wheat planted. He has kept a brave face and moved forward the best he can. He has been very busy with 4-H with Sydney and Branagh and it is good bonding time for them.

Overall, Work is work, Home is busy and God is good. We are so excited to share the holidays with our family complete. It was just a year ago we got the referrals from Russia for both boys and they have been home almost 8 months already!!! We wish you all the Merriest of Christmas' filled with Love, Joy and most of all each other. Come see us if you are in the neighborhood. We don't get out much but love the company.