Christmas Letter 2008 and December Activities

It seems like the years just keep passing by faster and faster. Here we are with another one almost gone. We have had a great year with many blessings!

Riley James was born on April 27^th which now makes him almost 8 months old! He is scooting backwards on his tummy almost crawling but just a little too chubby yet. He loves playing with his big brother. Gavin and Riley jump on the bed together and love splashing in the bath tub.

Gavin turned 3 years old in August and is now potty trained! We never thought the day would come! He is really into animals right now and as always his favorite toys are his cars. We love to hear the new words and phrases he comes up with. Gavin looks forward to story time each week at the library.

Jill started teaching piano and sewing this year and really enjoys it a few hours a week. She also plays piano at church for the primary and is working on writing a couple of her own pieces. Other than that she has just been working on decorating our home and keeping the boys busy with activities in the community and neighborhood.

Cory is still working with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and enjoys it very much. He is now working at one of the downtown locations. Cory serves as the 2^nd counselor in the Young Men’s presidency and participates in their weekly activities and campouts. He is also always keeping busy with projects on the house. Most recently he and a friend put in more outlets in the kitchen and two new lights in the living room. It was a complete surprise to Jill and she loves it!

As a new family we are starting new traditions. This year we’ll read The Polar Express together on Christmas Eve for the first time. Maybe this will be a tradition we continue every year. We love this book because it’s all about believing in Christmas. This year we did a lot to celebrate the season. Our favorite activity was visiting Temple Square to see the lights and the nativity. It was beautiful. I think our favorite part of it all was seeing the Resurrected Christ statue. Being in that room gives you a feeling of peace and hope. Christ brings these into our lives in a way no other can. May we remember his birth, his life, and his sacrifice for all of us, which brings us Peace and Hope.

With Love and Christmas Wishes,

Cory, Jill, Gavin and Riley

Mommy and Riley out in the cold at Temple Square


Gavin and Daddy in front of the lights



Gavin and Mommy in front of the lights


Riley was all bundled up with just his little eyes peering out to see the lights


The kids got to see Santa and Mrs. Clause at the library


Gavin on Santa's lap at the Morley Extended Family Christmas Party


Riley was not as excited to see Santa.


Cory with the boys and his prize winning gingerbread train


Mommy and Gavin made a gingerbread house together. It collapsed right after this picture was taken.