Christmas Letter

This is the Christmas card and letter we sent out this year. The family photo was taken by my sweet friend Monica (http://monicahudsonphotography.blogspot.com/).

Dear family and friends,

Hurray, it’s Christmas! Jen, Thomas (6), Nicholas (4), Estella (2) and I are still enjoying life in Grand Junction, CO. If you don’t already live here, you are welcome. Jen’s been studious about her photography and I’ve been studious getting my MBA from Mesa College. We enjoy the process of learning and the prospect of putting the knowledge to good use where we can. Thomas started Kindergarten at Appleton Elementary and rides the bus every morning. Nicholas is part of a rotating preschool, and we are starting to see Estella’s feminine differences from the boys.

2009 in some respects has been a rough year for us, but we have felt Heavenly Father’s guidance and are enjoying life. We have felt closer to each other and to friends and feel that these relationships are the most important and have provided a great source of happiness. Thank you for your kindness.

It’s comforting to know that my family is always with me and on my side. Essie says things like “luh-boo daddy,” and “read this book a me?” and rubs my face and says “scratchy.” Nicholas wakes us up in the morning saying “can I snuggle with you?” and when I tell Thomas he’s a good son (which he is) he tells me “you’re a good dad.” Jen encourages and supports everyone, keeping things fun, I love her. We wish you a merry Christmas, and a happy 2010.

Love,

Jackson, Jen, Thomas, Nicholas, and Estella

Thanksgiving

This year we celebrated Thanksgiving at Jackson's parent's house here in Grand Junction. It was a lot of fun. Michelle (Jackson's mom) had gingerbread houses for everyone to decorate after dinner. I was amazed at the self control Thomas and Nicholas showed. They definitely put more candy on their houses than in their mouths. Estella, on the other hand, did not.

We are still here!

I can't believe it has been so long since I have posted anything! We are all happy and healthy and loving the Christmas bustle. I have lots of pictures to share. Here is one for now :)

Sweet Angel

This little girl just melts my heart!!!

"Cool Tricks"

Today I had the privilege of documenting a "Cool Trick" show, starring the Berry brothers.

Happy Monday

Whenever he sees the camera he starts making faces like this. He cracks me up!

Fishing

Jackson's dad called us last week and asked if we wanted to meet right after dinner to go fishing. We went, and had a great time!
He ties his own flies and had one that looks like an ant. He told Thomas to just let it touch the surface of the water and the little fish will bite it every time.

Sure enough...they bit right away.

Thomas with his first fish.

Removing the hook.

We put them all in this bucket and then set them free again. There were two that were big enough to eat, so we did take those home, cooked them, and ate them.

This is how Thomas felt about the whole experience!

Next time we are going to bring a pole that is a bit smaller and more manageable for Nicholas. He had a hard time maneuvering that big pole! Thanks, Bubba, for the fun time!

She Strikes Again!

The make-up monster strikes again. This time she did it while I was on the phone telling my sister the funny story about when Estella got into my makeup! Little did I know she was at it again! I have seriously got to find a new home for my makeup bag. Preferably somewhere very very high.

Under Dog!

That is what my boys ask for as soon as we get close to a swing. Thomas now boasts that he can pump higher than an underdog. Maybe so, but that isn't nearly as fun!

After I put the camera away, I lost Essie...TWICE!!! Then, today at the library I REALLY lost her. I had two complete strangers frantically running around the library searching for "a little girl in a pink fleece jacket." We finally found her in the teen section blissfully jumping from beanbag to beanbag. She is TOO FAST! I am seriously considering a leash.

Sleeping Beauty

Grammy

I had to bring the words "Aged, Pink, and Paper" together into a picture for my photography class last week. I thought of Jackson's mom's mom, Grammy, because she is so beautifully aged, love to wear pink, and has both written books (paper)and plays the piano (paper music). So, I went to her retirement apartment house last Sunday morning before church and we played. I am so glad I was pushed to do this, and am now motivated to photograph my other grandparents.

This is the image I chose for the class. She is holding one of her published books.

Here are some of the others I liked.

I love you Grammy!!!