It’s
time again. Amy is almost done making the Christmas cards and I can no longer
put off writing the letter. Memorable family moments this year would have to
include the Grunion (that didn’t) Run, the Disney Cruise to the Bahamas, 4
wheeling and Orlando (gators anyone?). Knott’s Berry Farm, camping trips, mud
runs, sledding and our mega road trip to 5 National Parks were also fun family
adventures. We loved the road trip and thought that Carlsbad Caverns is the
coolest place ever. But sadly enough, I think that the highlight of the trip
for all of the kids was either the Home Town Buffet in Las Cruces (to their
defense, it was the best buffet ever!) or High School Musical 1 and 2 (playing
on the hotel tv’s two consecutive nights). That one is still a little
embarrassing.
Incredible
news at the beginning of the year: We no longer have to buy diapers! The down
side, Owen learned how to pee in a bottle during rush hour (just don’t ask
Carson to hold the bottle). Yes, we use advanced potty training methods. That
was an adventure! The way he says words is so cute, I almost hope it never
changes. He is a happy, smiley Daddy’s boy who is as sweet as the day is long.
Emma
had a very busy year. She joined a local theater company and played the part of
an orphan in the play “Annie”. She had so much fun! She is now in piano
lessons, continuing in dance and now wants to try basketball. She gave her
first impromptu talk at Church this year. Mom and Dad totally forgot about the
assignment, but it didn’t bother her one bit. She just smiled and winked at me
from the front as if to say, “I’ve got this”. She then proceeded to give a 5
minute talk on being thankful. She is amazing!
Wyatt
loves anything to do with the outdoors. He is particularly fond of fishing and
camping and asks when we are going to go at least twice a week.. It only took
him two weeks at school this year to start his first food fight in the
cafeteria. Mom was not happy! He is having a great time in Karate. I know what
you are thinking, should we really be encouraging Wyatt of all people to punch
things? He started piano lessons a couple of months ago and he is doing really
well. Next up-basketball.
Carson
has come a long way this year in basketball. By the end of the year he has
actually started to figure the game out. He is not a physically imposing
player, but is very cerebral in his approach. He really enjoys showing off his
piano skills and really has quite a talent. It is so funny to watch him grow
up. He now gets self-conscious about silly things like participating in the
family lip sync and dress like a cow day at Chick-Fil-A, yet is totally fine
wearing gold sequins for show choir. Carson got chosen as Ranger of the Month
for his class. My favorite part was after she announced his award he said
"I knew it!" really loud.
My
sweetheart of 13 years now is even more amazing than the day we were married.
Every year we experience a miracle regarding her work and this year was no
different. She is teaching 2nd grade again at the school where she taught
for 6 years and is really glad to be back. She orchestrated an awesome “What
does the Fox Say” routine for our family performance at the Ward Talent show. We had to put her singing career (and what a
career it was!) on hold for a bit this year as she had surgery on her vocal
chords. Not caroling with us is going to kill her!
I
got to take Carson and Wyatt on their first backpacking trip this year. We went
to the High Sierras with the Barnes’ boys and we had a blast. Life may never be
the same (and neither will my back!). Amy also sent me to Alaska with some
buddies to fulfill a lifetime dream of mine for my 40th birthday.
Amazing! She insists that it was a one-time deal, but after something like
that, can you really only do it once? I think that I can wear her down.
May
the Lord bless you and your families! We love you and Merry Christmas!
The Mortensen’s
instagram.com/amyminette
or tmortyt amyminette.blogspot.com
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