Having a pre-schooler and a toddler in the house this year has brought back the wonder of Christmas. Watching them experience the pure joy of seeing the Christmas tree put up; their excitement of watching for Santa Claus in the Candy Cane parade, playing with the wooden Joseph and Mary tenderly, has helped us to see the season from a renewed perspective. Seeing through a child’s eyes helps us to focus on the simple joys of the season.
Our family is all gathering together for the holidays. It will be exciting to have everyone together. Our family is increased by one: Benjamin Nikolas Barnard was born April 7, 2011. He was born exactly one year after Gavin. Having two grandsons born on the same day will make remembering birthdays easy!
Lyndy and Nik are preparing for a new adventure in their lives. They are preparing to move to Nashville, Tennessee in the new year. CMA- here I come! They are looking forward to a new chapter in their lives.
Russell continues his studies at SUU in Cedar City, Utah. He is writing, reading and studying hard. We enjoy seeing him every now and then. He spent the summer in Utah, proving that he is a new Utah resident. We are looking forward to welcoming Janae to California to celebrate the holidays with us.
Nicola and Danny are busy chasing their two active boys. Noah is now 3 ½ and in pre-school. He loves the animals and helping daddy in the yard. Gavin is now 20 months old. His passion is cars, then balls- and of course the new kitten that adopted us- Oreo!
Lee and I think being grandparents is the best job in the entire world. Our lives are busy with work, church and keeping up with family members in all places.
Last May we took a memorable journey. Lee, Russell and I went back to Germany to visit the places Russell served on his mission. It was such a spiritual experience for us to meet the families Rusell served in Germany. Traveling up and down the Rhine river, we visited Frankfurt, Mainz, Koln and many cities in between. It whetted my appetite for more traveling.
It is time to reflect on the meaning of the season. We wish you joy and pray you are surrounded by the spirit and love of your family and friends at this time of year and always.
