Merry Christmas everyone!
2012 has been an eventful year for the Wilkey family. Most exciting is the arrival of the newest member of the Wilkey crew, Lia Morae, born on Feb 23. She is the happiest, best natured baby ever, just what I ordered :). And even though she broke our pattern of boy, girl, boy, girl, we wouldn't trade her for anything now.
Since our family is growing, so is the list of home improvements in order to make room for everyone. Blain has been busy with my list of do-to's which include (but are not limited to): taking out the front closet to make more dining space in the kitchen, which forced us to redo the laundry closet to make room for the stuff in the front closet, which meant new tile, paint and new closet space added to the kitchen, which involved adding a new wall, and we'll top if off (for now) with new countertops and back splash.
Our family enjoyed trips to both sides of the US this year. First, in July we went to visit Blain's parents in the New England area who are serving a mission there. We got to do things like play at the beach, tour old forts, take a lobster tour, hang out with the missionaries, go see lighthouses, go candlestick bowling, and visit the Joseph Smith Memorial at his birth place.
We also got to visit our good friends the Pages who live in Vermont. We all drove together to Palmyra, NY to see the Hill Cumorah Pageant. When we got back to VT they showed us all the best "water holes" in the state.
Then in October we surprised the kids and took them to California for a fun trip to Disneyland and to see Blain's sister's family, the Morris'. We had a fun double surprise when my sister informed us that her family would be at Disneyland at the same time, so we met up with them and had a great time!
We've also made 2 trips to Montana. Once for the funeral of sweet grandma Rose Flynn, Blain's grandma, and once for Blain's cousin Julie's wedding. It was great to see the Flynn family. In August we drove to Lava Hot Springs for the annual Hall reunion and enjoyed 3 days of good old fun, Idaho style.
We have continued our family tradition of camping once a month from April to October (weather permitting) and this year we were able to do it each month except Oct, because of our trip to CA. We also have the extra perk of going up to stay at Sundance a couple times a year, which makes us feel like we're rich and famous for a night.
Blain is still the 2nd counselor in the Bishopric. He is still working at Sundance Resort as the director of sales. We have been blessed with another good year and we're grateful for a good job.
I am in Young Women's as the Laurel advisor and I love it. I will forever be in cub scouts. In March it will be 11 years, but I really love it. My biggest accomplishment this year is Lia!
Christian turned 16 and you know what comes along with that. He got his driver license, but no car, much to his chagrin. He hasn't gone out on a date yet, but he's talked about it :). He loves football and got to play this year on the Timpview sophomore team after taking last year off for his knee surgery. He got to go to NYC this month for a birthday/Christmas gift from his grandparents. He went to see "Newsies" on broadway. He is still playing piano and is very good at it.
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| Yes, those are hot pink high-tops and shirt |
Addy, 9, is taking dance lessons again finally, I think she likes it. She took sewing lessons and did love that. She loves to play school, sew, sing, paint her nails, crochet, make things out of duct tape, etc. She is now taking piano lessons at the same piano academy as Christian and she has improved a lot.
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| Addy was a Flapper for Halloween |
Jack Jack, 7, is a tender heart. He is a good little athlete. Right now he is playing on an indoor soccer team. He tried Jr. Jazz basketball this year too, but says his favorite is soccer. He loves to have his back rubbed at bedtime and we enjoy the snuggle.
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| Jack's first day of 2nd grade |
Lauren, 4, is my little helper. She helps me a lot with baby Lia, who is really her baby if you ask her. We hang out and do "school" while the big kids are at school. She is a smarty pants and is always saying the funniest things.
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| Lauren is also taking a dance class |
Lia, 10 months, is almost ready to walk. She loves to smile and has the brightest eyes. She loves to play patty cake, peek-a-boo, and dance to music. She has brought such joy to our family and the kids still "fight" over her all the time. And even though she is not quite sleeping through the night, I still love to see her at 4am with a big smile.
We are so blessed and we are so thankful for this time of year when we celebrate the birth of our Savior. May this new year bring you and your family peace, happiness
and lots of smiles!
