Since my blogging has been less than stellar this year, I'm going to attempt a short recap...
Our year (2012) in a nutshell:
Eric:
- Survived another year as EQ President. Got released when our ward boundaries were rearranged, enjoyed 10 glorious days with no calling, and got called back again to be EQP in our new ward. He's a trooper.
- Became a cycling addict. Literally... he LOVES to ride his road bike. He even got me out of bed on Friday mornings during the summer at 4 a.m. to go for rides with a group of our friends.
- Spent 10 days in China on a "man trip" with my dad, my brother, my uncle and my cousin's hubby. He had a fabulous time. I'm so happy he was able to have this "once in a lifetime" experience. Highlights included the Great Wall, the Forbidden City, watching my dad and brother eat scorpions and shopping for Rolex's in the Chinese Underground shopping market.
Christy:
- Took a couple spring classes at Chandler Gilbert Community College. Learned a lot about hmy new Mac, Photoshop, Illustrator, and my camera. Decided to keep my photography skills in the "hobby" category and not pursue it as a "business".
- Ran my first Ragnar. I say first, because I'm already signed up to do another one in April of 2013. Get to run the SoCal race with some of my bestest best friends. Hoping to avoid pulling my hip flexor and screwing up my IT Band just a few weeks prior to the race this time around. Injuries notwithstanding, the hardest part of the whole thing was being up for 40 straight hours with no sleep. That almost killed me.
- Survived another year at Girl's Camp as the 4th Year Hike Leader. The second time around was so much EASIER... at least, I knew (more) what I was doing.
- Got a job working for our school district. I'm a part time aide for a boy in 6th grade with autism. I only work on days my kids go to school and I absolutely love my job!
Taylor:
- Spends most of his free time swimming, running or weight lifting. Consumed hundreds of protein bars and protien shakes, as a result.
- Took over the Montero and started driving it full time when Eric got a new car. I got bumped back to the Suburban. :( I'd rather be driving the Montero, so he better take good care of it.
- Ran Cross Country and did Swim Team all at the same time. He went to XC practice at 5:15 am and did swim practice after school until almost 5 p.m. every day for 3 straight months.
- Getting ready to be seriously preparing for his mission, now that he will be able to leave sometime next summer.
Megan:
- Survived the 4th year hike! She was one of the slowest hikers, but she made it, and I think she had a good time, too. Can't wait for her to be a YCL next year at Girl's Camp.
- Got new (and adorable) glasses. She was having a hard time reading the board at school, but she loves her glasses so much, she wears them all day.
- Joined the swim team. She swam JV... but she has real potential with her Butterfly. Amazing form. She just needs to get more speed.
- Megan got her driver's permit. We need to graduate beyond the church parking lot. Good thing Eric has more patience for drivers training than I do.
Ian:
- Graduated from Elementary School and started 7th grade at the Jr High. His best friend and he got 4 out of 5 classes together. They were both super nervous about the Jr High transition, so this was a huge blessing!
- Had fun playing Flag Football and running Cross Country.
- He grew somewhere between 4 and 8 inches. I won't know for sure until I ask the pediatrician at his next physical in the spring. Let's just say he went from short and stalky to tall and beanpole skinny. He's a scrawny giant who is just an inch shorter than Taylor, but already has bigger feet than his older brother. Can't wait to see how tall he gets when he's done growing for good.
- Makes us laugh every day with his sense of humor and wit. :)
Brayden:
- Spends all his free time watching Spongebob, jumping on the trampoline, or building legos.
- He loves 2nd grade and has a phenomenal teacher. He is doing really well riding the bus by himself every day.
- He is a very thoughtful gift giver, and will plan out a gift for someone months in advance.
