A Christmas Letter

At some point in my life I wrote a Christmas letter every year. It was a chance to update family and friends what we as a family, were doing. The last one I wrote was in 2008. In March, of 2009 I made my life quite public by writing in this blog. When the holidays came around that year I simply didn't have the energy to sum up what 2009 had done to us as a family. Last year I didn't feel like doing it either but this year I am feeling ready so here goes:

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope that this letter finds you in good health as you prepare for the holiday season. We have had another busy year around here. It's pretty hard not to be busy with three kids running around! Usually I'd start with Calla but since Maya is the middle child I thought that I'd write about her first this time.

Maya finished up preschool this year and in September she started kindergarten. We were all a little bit nervous about how she would adapt but I am thrilled to say that kindergarten and Miss Granda have been the best thing to happen to Maya in three years. She is loving school and thriving. I am so proud to see her becoming a social butterfly and gaining confidence. Maya is still dancing and loving it! She has requested to dance more often so next year I'll be putting her in at least two classes. She also tried soccer this year and liked it. She hasn't quite decided if she will play again this spring. Maya is also becoming quite the skater. So much so, that I even asked her if she'd like to play ringette. So far the answer remains 'No'. Her true love is DANCE.

Calla started grade 2 this year. She has become a fantastic reader and is loving the 'Geronimo/Thea Stilton series right now. She decided to dance ballet and jazz this year and continues to enjoy it. She has given up piano because she didn't want to try a new teacher. The teacher that we had won't be back in town until next fall. : ( Calla did join the school choir however and seems to be loving it. She learned at least a dozen Christmas songs this year and had the chance to sing them at a Seniors' Residence and the mall. Calla is also still skating but really only does it because one of her buddy's is in her class. LOL Skating really isn't her thing!

Aria has grown up so much in the last year. Her language skills are quite advanced as she is now speaking in short sentences. Today she said, "I wanna see where Maya go!" She is busy, busy, busy and... fearless! She broke her arm in November by climbing up onto our piano stool and standing up before falling down. She had wiggled out of her sling 13 days later and the break hardly seems to have slowed her down. Currently, Aria is obssessed with puppies, Elmo and just yesterday "Yo Gabba Gabba!" She loves to dance and sing and her favorite song is 'Baby Baby, Baby' by Justin Bieber. I am not kidding. She asks for it and sings along! LOL

As for Mike, it has been just over a year since he moved from IBM to Great West Life. He is quite happy and we attended the Children's Christmas Party just last weekend. Lots of fun! He continues to bake bread but not quite as much as his quest for health has led him to believe that too many grains aren't good for us. So, we all eat a little less bread. He is looking forward to going to the Grand Canyon at the beginning of February with his dad and siblings. They will be celebrating Bob's 60th birthday.

As for me, I stay busy. I ran my first 10k in August and it felt great! Now that all of my running has to be done inside I've let it slide for now. I also escape once a week to Pilates but am hoping to do it a little bit more in the new year. I have also started to sub a little bit again and am pleased to say that there is little to no anxiety on the part of Maya or myself. : ) Mike and I hosted the 3rd annual Georgia's Journey of Hope this year. We managed to raise approximately $12 000. It continues to be a labour of love.

We are looking forward to escaping some place warm in the next couple of months but have yet to book. The season is just keeping us so busy!

From our home to yours - Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Love Kristen, Mike, Calla, Maya, and Aria