This year has been a busy one for us.  Since we have not had the time for taking pictures and sending the traditional Christmas Cards, we are doing this Christmas letter/email to our friends and loved ones. 

            The kids were really excited to open a present early.  They were even excited for the new Sunday clothes until they were told to put them on so that we could go get pictures. Brenna and I saw these huge Christmas ornaments on the corner of the road herein Queen Creek and thought they would make a great backdrop.  Justin thought it was funny to be in a parking lot to take the Christmas pictures.  I think they turned out great. 

This year I changed jobs and now work at the Pinal County Clerk of the Superior Court.  The jobs are so similar that not even my job title changed.  Now I just stay in one office instead of traveling to several offices. Brenna is busy as ever working with the primary kids and our home.  Due to her great help, we made it through the year without any stitches or hospitalizations, so far at least. 

            Ashlee-13 became a teenager (I won’t say a rotten teenager since she will read this).  She had her braces removed this year and the lead role as Juliet in the school play, Romeo and Juliet. 

            Justin-12  is now a deacon, so we taught him the deacon shuffle.  He is very concerned about his shirt being tucked in and his shirt collar being straight so he doesn’t look like the other deacons. 

            Bethany-9 is now the big sister walking to school.  Until this year she has always walked to school with an older sibling.  Now she enjoys being the oldest as she walks Emma to school in the morning.  She set a goal for perfect attendance for the first quarter of school and she achieved it. 

            Emma-5 started kindergarten and has her cousin Tyler in her class.  She is excited about school and is quickly learning to read.  Now we will have another bookworm in the house to help us find new interesting books to read.  She is very happy to read to Hunter and anyone else who will enjoy a good story.

            Hunter-3 made it through the year without permanent damage to himself or someone else.  He has had a lot of fun trying to find new ways to scare his parents.  He really enjoys the back yard because there are small critters to chase and dirt to dig and taste.  The garden grows little green balls that don’t taste to good until they are red, but who can wait that long, they throw just fine when they are green.  I didn’t get a home grown ripe tomato ALL YEAR. 

            We hope this letter/email finds you all in good health.  We hope this Christmas season brings a renewed sense of hope and happiness.  May God bless you all for the happiness and joy that you have brought into our lives.  The Caldwells.