Merry Christmas 2011!!

Merry Christmas
2011

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 2011 has been a great year for our little family. We have enjoyed camping in North Fork, day trips to Pineview, a few trips to St. George to visit Matt’s parents, and to top it all off a trip to California to visit Disneyland (decorated for Christmas…loved it!) for three days. That was easily the highlight of the year for both our kids and us. To see Ethan and Sarah light up with all the characters walking around, the rides, holiday decorations, and time together without interruptions…priceless!

Ethan (6 years old) is has successfully moved onto the first grade! He loves his teacher Ms. Huillet and was so happy his good friend Sarah H is in his class again. He is a natural when it comes to math and science (our little engineer in the making) and loves reading. This year Ethan has discovered the joy of superheroes. It began with the Avengers cartoon and has developed into a nice infatuation with all things super-powered. Each night before bed he and Sarah beg for punishment from the mighty Hulk (Dad) and his beautiful sidekick She-Hulk (Mom). The couch pleads for mercy as children are thrown relentlessly into its cushiony soft goodness. The battle isn’t over until the incredible Hulk and She-Hulk are conquered. Just the kind of thing naïve parents like to do right before they put their kids down to sleep. Ethan has quickly learned that as long as he uses “Heavenly Father Power” he remains invincible. This has been a year of firsts for Ethan: He lost his first five teeth (2 up, 3 down) and no, it wasn’t because he got thrown into the couch; caught his first lizard (every boys right of passage); jumped off the diving board without a life jacket and successfully swam to the side; kicked the ball nine times in one soccer game (we couldn’t have been more proud); and went on the tower OF TERROR at Disney California Adventure. After he got off he said, “Dad I only had one brave in me (holding up one finger), I tried to grow it into more, but it just wouldn’t grow.” Oops, probably won’t get the best parent of the year award for that one. Ethan has become a valiant big brother and remains our sweetest boy.

Sarah (3 years old) has really blossomed this past year. She is our very independent little girl. She loves to dress herself (especially in dresses), put her own shoes on, brush her teeth and make her own decisions. She is a big fan of nursery. As a matter of fact, if you’re not careful she’ll disappear and you will find her sitting comfortably at the table waiting for playdough and Sister Lindmeir. Sarah is brave almost to a fault. She has no fear of heights, the faster and higher the swing the better. On the big toy at Ethan’s school there are no age differences, every kid is a peer to Sarah. She runs and plays with the best of them and they all love her! Sarah’s firsts this year consist of: being potty trained (after every bribe known to man was offered, who knew pink bubble gum was the key to Sarah’s success?); sleeping in a big-girl bed and only falling out once; reciting her ABCs; counting 1-20; memorizing Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, Jingle Bells, I am a Child of God, the periodic table . . . ; swim lessons with her teacher Wendy (whom she questioned each time about Peter Pan’s whereabouts); and fearlessly riding the Matterhorn with not a single tear shed. Sarah’s favorite phrases this year are, “I’m serious”, “I’m not joking”, “Actually”, “You’re my best friend”, “I love you so much” (with an emphasis on the much). Sarah’s biggest milestone this year was saying goodbye to her oldest and dearest friend “The Binky”. After much thought and consideration Sarah by her own free will and choice cut the binky with the scissors and threw it in the trash. This was huge for Sarah! Her binky was her constant companion and we really worried about how to take it away from her. In the end we turned it over to Sarah and she did it and never asked for it again. When she sets her mind to something she does it and never looks back! Sarah has become so soft and tender and is very sensitive to doing the right. She loves to hug and give kisses and cries if Daddy, Mommy, or Ethan leave her without giving her a hug and kiss before saying goodbye. She loves her cousins and loves to go shopping with Mommy. She is a true girl and the best companion you could ask for.

As for Matt and Amy we are still pretty much the same. Matt is still loves engineering and his work with Beijer. This year Matt got to go to Texas for a conference and feel in love with the Riverwalk. He is still in the Young Men’s Presidency and loves teaching the deacons and going camping with the boys. He has become a runner this past year and really enjoys his early morning runs. Amy is still home with the kids and loving every minute of it. We only wish we had four more of them running around the house. She volunteers once a week in Ethan’s school with Sarah by her side and loves being involved. Amy started running too with her faithful sidekick Julia in the wee morning hours, but due to some terrible shin splints has now become a speed walker (is it age?) Amy is still in the Relief Society Presidency and loving it.

We feel truly blessed this year. Our testimony of our Savior Jesus Christ is strengthened each year as we pass through our trials and triumphs. He is our Redeemer and our King and it is to Him that we offer our most sincere gratitude for this wonderful life. We wish you all well and hope you find peace, joy, and laughter during this holiday season.

With Love,
Matt, Amy, Ethan, and Sarah Parkin