Christmas Letter 2017 - Take 3

Merry Christmas! This is draft 3 of our annual Christmas letter. I've been trying to decide what you all would like to hear...News of our year, news of our kids, what we've been thinking about lately, or a little of all of it! (Or none of it! Ha!) So in an effort to not make this letter too long & rambling, here's a snapshot of us.

News of our year...
The big kids have taken up rock climbing, we drove the RV out west for a 3-week adventure, K & I celebrated 16 years of marriage, L turned 8, H turned 6, and R turned 3! We enjoyed some amazing shows, including my very first U2 concert. We camped at Holiday World (in Santa Claus, Indiana). K went to Asia & South Africa. We celebrated at four weddings at four fun destinations this year: one cousin, two nephews, and one niece got married. (Starting to feel old over here...) Our time in Florida continues to be life-giving for us, and we are so thankful to spend time there in the winter. Our homeschool continues to evolve as we go, which keeps it interesting! We have been blessed by both of the Classical Conversations communities we are part of as well as the Wild & Free community.

L is an amazing 8-year-old. A sampling of his interests are reading, Lego (jumping into the programming/robotics side of that this winter), working with his hands, playing piano, rock climbing, shooting hoops, and adventuring at White Pine Wilderness Academy with his sister and buddies. He & I have enjoyed reading aloud the Lord of the Rings series this year.

H is a beautiful young lady who can certainly keep up with her brothers. She continues to love all things nature (even the dead things) and has also loved her time at White Pine Wilderness Academy. A sampling of her interests are rock climbing, playing dolls, zip lining, read-alouds, cooking with me, and playing with R.

R is full of joy & gusto. As a 3-year-old, he is verbose and happy and very physical. He learned to swim this fall as well as potty-training...a big September/October for him! He wants all things big-kid...no baby toys for him. He wants glasses like L when he gets big. He adores his big brother & big sister. He loves balls & zip-lining & tickling & books. He brings us all such joy with his easy laugh & personality. He is our one true extrovert.

Gus turned one this year and has proved to be a true wonder dog, made of the stuff Syd & Max were made of. He is sturdy & adventurous & loves to play and cuddle and just be with us. He hunts the squirrels...and the blowing leaves...wholeheartedly. We are in love with him.

The kinds of things we are thinking about these days...thin places, our rallying cry, how to live a gospel-centered life, (what is the gospel?), how to live out church...to name a few.

May your holidays be blessed & your new year be full of wonderful surprises. We love you all & hope our paths cross sooner than later along the journey.

Love,
K, MB, L, H, R and Gus the Wonderdog