2011 Wrap Up

Though I did my best to get our Christmas cards and yearly update to everyone who may be interested, I know I was missing some address'...

Here was our letter and love to you:)

Dear Family and Friends,

It is so hard to believe that we are wrapping up 2011! We had such a fun year with our busy boys. Jacob had his first birthday at the end of January and has been on the go since. He is a very happy little boy with a great sense of humour, he loves to make people laugh with his dancing, singing and silliness. His words are coming along quickly now but he never has a problem making his opinion known. He really looks up to his older brother and enjoys being included in Ben’s activities. Ben is fortunately, very patient and loving with him. They have a wonderful relationship that is a joy to watch.

Ben and Jacob both participated in a program at a local working farm run by our city this past spring. They had tractor rides and learned how to care for the many animals. Their favourite activity each week was grinding the corn to feed the goats. They learned to make new things in the kitchen and enjoyed a weekly animal craft. We were fortunate to have Gramma join us as we got to experience a little bit of farm life.

Summertime was full of swimming, playground picnics, outside fun…and the yard sales that Jenn loves! We were more successful in growing a garden this year, in that we harvested more than weeds. Our raspberries did the best and we were pleasantly surprised to keep picking into our mild October. We canned strawberry jam and applesauce for the first time and enjoyed the experience…not too much can beat the smell of strawberry jam cooking on the stove.
The boys participated in a gymnastics club summer program which they both really enjoyed. The trampoline was their favourite gym activity and Jacob made us nervous every time! He has no fear in anything he does.

Ben Turned four at the end of August and we celebrated with his friends at the farm. He has really grown up and is full of questions and imagination. He talks incessantly and amazes us with his creativity. His interests include firefighters, superheros and space. He loves to draw. Most afternoons will find him at the table (or sprawled underneath) with his paper and art supplies. He will, on some days stay there for hours. He is learning his letters and is very enthusiastic about learning to read.

Jon is busy at work and we are fortunate that his office is only 5 minutes away so he is home early in the afternoon. He is still helping to teach a Kung Fu class for children two nights a week that Ben has recently started attending too. He is working at obtaining his higher belt levels in the adult class held afterwards.

2012 will bring some big changes to our family as we recently sold our current home that we have lived in for four and a half years and are busy looking for a new home that will suit our growing family. We are excited to be expecting our new baby in late June!

As I mail this off I can’t help but think of all of the loved ones in our lives and further away that we wish we could see more often. We hope this card finds you well, in good health and spirit. We send you our love and wishes for a Merry Christmas and wonderful 2012.

Love Jon, Jenn, Ben and Jake
xoxo