Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever. Psalm 107:1 NIV
Merry Christmas! We hope you have had the chance to reflect on the greatest gift this Christmas season. We had quite a busy year so have had to be intentional about it ourselves. Here is a bit of what kept us moving this year.
The kids got their first flight experience this year as we flew down to Disney World for spring break. As for most people, it was everything and more than we thought it would be. The kids were troopers as we went pretty much five days straight getting up early and staying up late to hit as much as we could. We were very fortunate to hit almost everything at just the right time to where we never waited too long in any line. The kids (Izzy in particular) loved the rides and we enjoyed all the food and other extras the parks had to offer. We were a little surprised at how much they didn't care to meet any characters other than the Star Wars crew, which included Jedi Training battling Kylo Ren and Darth Vader. While it started as a once in a life opportunity, the door has been opened for a return visit, probably once the expanded Star Wars land opens in a few years.
We chose to go back to Rocky Mountain National Park this year for our annual camping excursion. We made it all the way there in one long drive and then got over 25 miles of amazing hikes in just four days including one storm-shortened day. Elisha is always a trooper, but Izzy and Zeke's wills were tested. The uphill climbs were worth it after seeing the sights from the top and then getting an easier hike down. We spent a couple days in Denver after camping where we explored downtown a bit, took a tour of the Mint, and got out to the Coors brewery.
In anticipation of Hamilton coming to the Twin Cities next year, we became season pass holders of the touring Broadway theatre in Minneapolis. We've been to only four shows so far, but we have not been at all disappointed. It is something we wish we had done in the past. We were even able to take the kids to a couple: Aladdin and Finding Neverland.
Within the past year, both Ryan and Steph have started new roles within their existing companies. Ryan at the end of 2016 with UnitedHealthcare and Steph in the last month with Best Buy.
Both Ryan and Steph also ran the Tough Mudder this year, this time together, and are already signed up for next year again. It was rough this year because there was a heat advisory that day. Instead of running between obstacles, there ended up being a lot of walking. Steph also ran quite a few other races including her first half marathon. This of course means that Ryan now gets to run one with her next year.
Elisha spent a large chunk of his summer doing sports camps rather than the normal day camp he has done the past few years. He had one soccer camp and three different basketball camps. He received some recognition for his hard work and performance a couple times.
That effort translated into making a couple traveling teams this fall. First a fall soccer team and then a basketball team this winter. He surprised us by being the point guard on his shift (they have two five player shifts). He also continued playing on his school soccer and basketball teams. He started running cross country this fall too. They only had one meet, but Elisha won the fifth grade boys race. Elisha also continues to impress us academically. A new thing for him this year is playing the trumpet.
Isabella is in first grade this year and continued with dance and gymnastics this fall. She is constantly practicing both at home. Her new favorite has been basketball the past month or so. She has a couple practices and a game each week. It seems clear to us that she just loves any opportunity to be busy.
When finishing up kindergarten last year, Izzy got to show off some stage skills in their class play. She was in all her glory having the lead role in Stone Soup. She has been inspired by the couple shows she has attended with us.
Zechariah started Kindergarten this fall. He played T Ball this summer (with Izzy) and then played soccer in the fall. He is eagerly awaiting to be able to play basketball too. Zeke also was pledged to be married to Cinderella's step-sister, Anastasia while at Disney by Prince Charming. She was not too excited after finding out that he does not own a castle, but Zeke still got a peck on the cheek out of the deal.
Things have been going well for him health wise. No updates on his nevus, but we will likely find out more and/or take more action in 2018. His asthma has seemed better, but still bothers him from time to time and he had to get glasses this year. Elisha remains the only with perfect vision.
Have a blessed Christmas and New Year's. We hope we can share some of 2018 with you!
Love,
Ryan, Stephanie, Elisha, Isabella, and Zechariah
