Family Year in Review!

Christmas Card Newsletter Written by Jimmy....

This year has been a busy one to say the least! To start:

Allyson was blessed to get a new teaching job in the middle of a recession/possible depression (depending on who you ask). There was a freeze on hiring teachers here but she was already hired by the school district and had preference in getting a contract. She also took on getting her master's degree=more brains, more money! She has little time left for fun things and only got a few handmade Christmas cards done this year!

As for Sydney, she turned 3 on Nov. 22 and we had a barbecue party for her at a local park. We had a pony ride and petting zoo for the little kids (see pictures below) and basketball, football, wiffle ball and Frisbee for the big kids! The weather held up right until the end of the party, then rain and wind. I know I have a few angels watching over us! Sydney is quite the little firecracker who likes to repeat anything she hears. She is very smart but wants things done her way only!

For me it's been a lot of change - I retired from construction after 20 years in April and was able to get my full pension/medical/dental for us. Naturally, I became Mr. Mom and that is one of the reasons Ally went back to teaching. We are lucky we can still draw two salaries and not have to put Sydney in day care. The other reason Ally went back to work is not to be stuck with me 24 hours a day I'm sure!

We just got lucky and rented our condo out last week and are staying at Ally's dad's shop apartment for 2 more weeks until our new house is finished being built. It will be closer to Ally's school and being back in a house will be great for us and Sydney! As for our land in White Hills, we are glad we didn't move there. The new bridge is still on target so it will be an investment for now!

We are looking forward to a more quiet year!

Merry Christmas!

Love, Jimmy, Ally and Sydney

Sydney's 3rd Birthday Party

Sydney had so much fun at her park birthday complete with petting zoo and pony rides!

Thanksgiving

Okay, so I know I am super behind, but we had a great Thanksgiving! Unfortunately, here are the only three pictures I took:

Sydney and Aunt Darlene

Sydney and Matrix (Uncle Michael, Aunt Rhonda and Alexa's dog)

Sydney and Alexa crafting with the crafts Alexa provided. What a great cousin!

Happy Birthday Syd!

I am a little behind, but I can't believe Sydney is three! We celebrated with a few presents and a little cake on her actual birthday since her party was not until the next weekend. (Thanksgiving and party pictures to come soon....)