The Family Christmas Letter I Don't Send

I have never been energized enough to do Christmas Cards, but if I did, this is the letter I would probably put with them.

We are still surviving in Lehi.

I was recently called as the Cub Master and I am hoping they will release me as the Enrichment leader. I am slightly afraid they might just let me keep both. In my spare time I enjoy chasing two one-year-olds up, over, and around the house and watching Maggie and the Ferocious Beast on a daily basis. Periodically I also do mountains of laundry and dishes.

Dave is still the Young Men's president and a few months ago he switched departments at the church office. He is now the Finance Manager of the Perpetual Education Fund. It has been a great experience for him so far and we both have a new respect and testimony of the program. It is truly inspiring to know how the church is helping people around the world and it has made us so much more grateful for what we have. There are so many wonderful members of the church living in very different circumstances and the PEF is helping to give them the opportunities they need to change their lives.

Ashton is in third grade and enjoys math, reading, and playing with all his little friends--usually at our house.

Allison is in first grade and is turning into quite an artist. She also likes to play with her friends (especially playing dress-ups) and is enjoying gymnastics.

Hunter is four years old and my little sweetheart helper at home. He is a great big brother to his little sisters. For the last four months he has been going to the basics class at the literacy center and about two weeks ago he came out claiming to have read a book in class. My distracted mother response was, "That's nice Hunter," but later that evening he floored my by reading five beginner books. Who knew?

Kristen and Loryn are 1.75 years old and dictate a lot of what goes on in our home. They play really well together and it is very fun to see them interact. They seem to communicate well with each other and they hold hands as they walk around the house or give each other hugs. They also like to trash their room together instead of taking their naps. They are starting to talk and it is wonderful that sometimes I understand what they want because they can tell me. Loryn still gets herself mixed-up with Kirsten and will call "Loryn, Loryn" when she is looking for her sister, and Kristen makes the greatest pouty-lip faces when she doesn't get her way. Loryn is our little free-spirit and reminds me of a sweet little elf. Kristen is very enthusiastic and shows all her emotions on her face and through her body language. You never have to guess what Kristen is feeling.

In all we are doing really well and look forward to another year.

Merry Christmas! With Love,
April and Family

Sledding on Ice

The day before the hill side was still fresh and powdery, but the second day it was all packed down and icy. We didn't sled very long because it was too fast and it was also a lot colder the second day.

Say Cheese!

Those are some amazing red cheeks Hunter. Ashton getting ready to head down the hill in the background. What are you thinking?

Ashton on his way back up the hill. Is that a happy smile, a scared stiff smile, or a "my face is completely frozen" smile. Knowing the temperature I think it is the last.
Dave looking glamorous in his "Men in Black" sunglasses. It was more fun to watch from the top of the hill than to actually put your life on the line and speed out of control down it.

Look into my eyes!

Rachael and Catherine--half crazy! It was so cold Rachael's glasses were fogging up even while we were still outside. Actually she is a space alien in disguise, Catherine probably is too.

Antarctica

Catherine brought snowshoes. We felt very extreme crunching across the frozen tundra in our fancy spiked snowshoes. Ignore the houses in the background--we are in Antarctica. Who knew Antarctica was so inhabited.

Along the coastline of Bear L---heheemmm--I mean Antarctica. We aren't really smiling...our faces are just frozen that way.

We claim this land for US--as in the Ashton, Day, Speirs families.
Land, beautiful land!!

Note: Dave is the strategically placed shadow.

Christmas Morning

Christmas morning at the condo was really fun. Everyone packed into the little livingroom with presents piled everywhere.

Kristen and Loryn were mostly in a state of confusion and awe.

Rise and Shine Kristen!

Loryn wondering what all this stuff is. Allison sitting amidst her gifts.

"What is all this stuff again?" asks Loryn.
As a trick on Jens the tags for his and Rachael's presents were switched. This is Nielson's reaction to Jens receiving a yoga mat. Of course Jens's face was twice as good. He was very confused but trying to pretend to be thankful. Shortly thereafter Rachael, who was in on the trick, exclaimed, "I think this is actually your present," as she handed him an iPod Nano.

You have got to be kidding!

Ashton and Allison enthusiastically help the very tired and less enthusiastic Loryn open our present from Catherine. It was a great dominoes set.

Rip it!

Christmas Eve Nativity Play

Our traditional nativity play starts with Mary (Allison) riding on her donkey (Niel) with Joseph (Ashton) walking beside her.Ashton holding baby Jesus (Kristen) with Allison and the faithful steed, Niel, watching.
Shepherds ( Hunter and Joy) are visited by the angel and go to worship Baby Jesus.
Wise Men (Hunter and Joy) arrive to see Baby Jesus. The angel (me April) in the background.
Brooke and the alternate Baby Jesus (Loryn). Every good production should have an alternate baby.