Katie, 12 years old, is a loving big sister and is learning to protect herself from the occasional hazards posed by her younger sister Natalie :-). She is now part of the Young Women organization in our church, and loved attending Girls Camp this summer with her Mom. Katie is in 7th grade, and continues to have great grades! She is very self-motivated and loves to read. Her highlight in school is working with the special needs students through the Partners in P.E. program. She enjoys dance, playing soccer, and hanging out with her friends. She recently got her braces off and is a little more beautiful than we wish she were...and her insides match her outsides! She is such a blessing to our family.
Carter, 8 years old, is great brother and protective of his sisters. He flew with Denny to Utah to attend our church’s Semiannual General Conference in October. Carter was baptized and confirmed in December. He took the decision very seriously, and it was a very special day for him attended by family and friends. Grandma & Grandpa Hill, Popsey & Nammy, and Grandma Diane were all able to make the trip. Carter is in 2nd grade, he loves cubs scouts, guns, shooting, more guns, legos, and is hilarious. He regularly helps us add to an ongoing list of Carterisms - a recent example being the day of his baptism when he said, “Today is such an important day I’m going to write so much about today that I’m going to go AWOL...and I don’t even know what that means”
Natalie, 5 years old, loves swimming, playing games (especially Uno) and riding her bike, her brother’s bike, her sister’s bike, her friends bikes (not at the same time) around the neighborhood and to parks near our home. She is very strong willed, smart, happy, cute, and has the physical strength of a teenage boy. She can be a force to be reckoned with! She had her second cochlear implant in October, and has done incredibly well and made a lot of progress. She is a big fan of the “Going on a Bear Hunt” song, and we sing it pretty much everyday! Natalie loves her kindergarten class and is loving learning to read, writes beautifully, and looks forward to her ‘homework’.
Hope (The Wonder Dog), 2 years old YorkiePoo, still endures the unrelenting love that Natalie shares with her. This year she has killed two baby possums in our backyard and enjoys barking at the neighbors dogs. Hope is a snuggle dog and loves anyone who will let her sit on their lap. We are just impressed she’s made it this far - thus the Christmas letter mention!
Denny, 39 years old, enjoys going on dates with me and playing Super Dad. He goes on a lot of bike rides with the kids, and time permitting he enjoys mountain biking and wakeboarding. He continues to serve as a counselor in the bishopric at church. He is challenged working at Pegasystems with the purpose to positively impact how state government agencies achieve their missions. This summer Denny was gone for 14 days with the Scouts, 4 days for travel and 10 days spent climbing mountains in New Mexico at Philmont Scout Ranch. He described the Philmont experience in 5 words: physically, spiritually, challenging, rewarding, and altering. Denny is anxiously engaged in good causes as long as he can go to bed by 10:30pm.
Tracey, 29-35ish years old :-) , Denny told me I had to include, “Tracey is the best wife, mother, and friend. Tracey has super powers. Our children are fed, clean, and kept safe primarily because of her efforts. Lives inside and outside of our home are blessed because of Tracey.” I should bring a dose of reality to those words and tell you that I have been known to hide in my room when things get too crazy around here.:) After the kids are off to school I’m enjoying teaching a couple of dance classes a week, and hanging out with my sister Shelly Burton WHO MOVED HERE IN AUGUST!! I’m so happy the Burton’s are in Texas - it has been so great to have more family around! This year Denny and I relaxed in Puerto Rico (heaven!), and we surprised the kids by picking them up at school and flying to Disney World. Now THAT was fun.:) We wish you all the greatest blessings.
We are humbled as we ponder on the reason for the season.
We know that Christ lives.
Sincerely,
Denny, Tracey, Katie, Carter, Natalie, and Hope
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