Christmas Letter...kinda!

Merry Christmas friends!  We hope you are doing well and having a wonderful Christmas season.  I didn't include a Christmas letter in our card this year so I thought I would just quickly write a bit here. 

We have been able to see Brian's family three times this past year: last Christmas, spring break, and a summer family reunion. Yea!  They are all out west and we aren't always so lucky to see them this often.  We are looking forward to being together again at a reunion this coming summer in Idaho.

We live by most of the Vore family but were still able to take a short trip to Mo Ranch for a family vacation with the group.  We also are adjusting to Grandma and Grandpa Vore moving to Lubbock to serve in the Lubbock Texas Temple presidency.  We miss having Gram as a piano teacher and having Grandpa sharing his photography talents.  We are lucky though because they are able to come home most weekends and still make many important family events.

Brinley is twelve and loving Young Women's at church.  She plays the piano beautifully and is as sweet influence on our home.  She enjoys most any sport and earned three 1st place trophies and one 2nd place trophy at the city gymnastics meet this year for level two....impressive!

Parker, ten, spent most of his spare time this fall practicing and playing football.  He played offensive and defensive tackle and was the kicker for the Reagan Texans.  He worked hard, played great, and really enjoyed being with his coaches and teammates.  Parker is doing well in school and continues to be a generous family member and friend.

Tanner turned eight this September.   We were so grateful that both sets of grandparents were able to be at the baptism.  He is participating in piano, Cub Scouts and gymnastics this year.  Tanner is very determined and when he sets his mind to a goal, he accomplishes it!

Aubrey will be six in January.  She is in Kindergarten and loving finally being at school with her older siblings.  She is learning to read and write, and we love the little notes she leaves around the house.  She keeps things exciting at home with her spunky personality.

I have been adjusting to having all the children gone during the day.  It has been fun to have a few hours to myself.  The first couple of months I just couldn't believe how quiet it was at home...crazy quiet!  During the day, I enjoy working out, eating out (counter productive?), straightening the house and vipping at the kids' school.  After school, we are SLAMMED with homework, piano, sports and more...so I need to store up my strength everyday for the craziness of the after school and evening routine.  I am currently serving in church as the CTR 7 teacher in Primary.

Brian is continuing to work in Physical Therapy doing home health.  We love the flexibility that gives him to be with the family more.  He was also called this spring to be the Bishop (pastor) of our ward/congregation and amazes me with the way he is able to calmly balance church, work and family.

We hope you had a wonderful year.  We are so grateful for our Savior Jesus Christ and the path he paved for us.  We love you and wish you a Merry Christmas!

Sincerely,
The Gwilliam Family