Christmas 2011...

So many photos I want to share from christmas and I will work on getting them all up later today when I have some more time.  I just wanted to express on here how much I enjoyed this Christmas.  Last year I was sick as a dog with the stomach bug and basically, missed Christmas. It was not fun to plan so much for your family and have your parents come only to get sick. So this year, I am glad to say, minus some sniffles here and there, we were healthy on the big day.  We did miss out on some fun activities due to unseasonably cold weather here in South Texas. We had planned on Sea World with the kids and with the temps only at 43 for a high with rain for about 3 days, we didn't get to go.
My mom and dad arrived on the 22nd.  The kids were beyond excited to have them here and to spend time with them doing anything at all.  They haven't seen them since the begining of August.  We really do hate how long the time was between visits, but this year has been busy and we chose to stay home for Thanksgiving for a lot of reasons.  Having my parents here has been great.  I feel so lucky that they get along so well with Brandon and that my children have such a great relationship with them. Distance sucks, but my parents have made it a point to be as active as they can in their lives and it shows.  I am so thankful for that.
We had a very fun Christmas, lots of gifts, laughter and love.  I am beyond thrilled that everyone seemed to enjoy the day, the dinner and the time together.
I wish I could do a million things after my parents leave...I always look back and think I wish I took more pictures, we had more outings to fun places, we went here or there, but you can do that through life and miss out on all the fun you did have.  Memories are so special and made those.  I am so thankful we had the chance to do the things we did and next time I will work on the rest. :)

Here is one photo from Christmas and I will share more later. I am always sad to see them go and today is no exception...I miss them...no relationship is perfect, but I really do love my mom and dad and I love having them here with me...

Merry Christmas!

This year I wrote a Christmas letter, but only put it in a few cards since I felt so many people keep in touch through things like this or facebook.  But, then I realized it would be a nice chance to share the letter on here, for future reflection if nothing else.  

So here is our picture and letter we used this year for our cards...Merry Christmas everyone!!!!

Dear Friends and Family,

Happy Holidays! We hope that everyone is blessed with a wonderful holiday season. After taking last year off from writing the family Christmas letter, I am back and ready to report on our year. 

We have had a really good year here in Texas for all members of our family.  We can’t say enough how much we have loved our time here in San Antonio.  Three years has gone by way too fast for us and we hope one day we can return to call this area home. Right now the Air Force has other plans for us and we are going to be on the move in late May.  Brandon was accepted to AFIT at Wright Patterson AFB in Dayton, Ohio.  We know we will be there for the one year of school, but after that, your guess is as good as mine.  Brandon will move up in early May and the children and I will follow later in the month in order to let them finish school.

Speaking of the children...Zachary and Erin are growing and changing so much, too fast if you ask me.  Zachary is in 2nd grade and doing awesome. He is continuing to score off the charts and tested into gifted and talented.  He tried soccer and t-ball and enjoyed both a lot.  He continues to work very hard at all of his therapies...he goes 4 days a week on top of full days of school in a regular classroom.  He continues to amaze us with all he has accomplished.  He is an amazing boy, but I am a bit biased.  Erin is in 4 year old pre-K this year and doing great.  She has grown to love school, her friends and teachers.  She is a social, sweet, loving, compassionate and fun little girl.  She also tried soccer this fall and was quite good despite being so much smaller than her teammates.  She is still doing gymnastics and loving it.  She is just full of life and love and is learning new things every day. I am simply amazed at how much both of them have grown and changed during our time here in Texas.

Brandon has had a great year, enjoying work and chances to fly. He just had eye surgery and is looking forward to being contact and glasses free.  He is excited to head to Ohio and go to school again too for his second masters.  I have continued to stay busy with my mom duties.  You can usually find me folding laundry, cooking, cleaning, driving my taxi, volunteering and most certainly late...just like my Christmas card this year. :)  I have loved every minute to being home with the children and the opportunities it has given us as a family.  We have made so many great memories and friends here!

  We have so much to be thankful for this year and it doesn't go unnoticed that so many people aren't as fortunate. We are thankful for so much, including the men and women serving our country overseas during the holidays and wish them a safe and quick return.  We wish you all a very Merry Christmas, Happy Chanukah and a Happy New Year.  May you all have a safe, happy and healthy holiday season and know you are in our thoughts and hearts not just at the holidays, but throughout the year.  Happy 2012 to each of you. 

Love, 

Susan, Brandon, Zachary and Erin