Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

This past year has been fun and exciting for our family. We were thrilled to enjoy a trip to Walt Disney World and had a wonderful time while in Orlando. We also welcomed a new member into our family, Joseph Alan, Last of all – Mark finished school!
Taylor started Kindergarten this year and absolutely loves it. She easily excels in most areas and as a result, has been a little bored at times. She enjoys reading and has even started writing stories. She’s very creative and loves to draw, scrapbook, sew, and dress up. Despite all of this growing up she’s done in the past year, she still remains our little princess regularly donning her dress, cape, crown, and genuine plastic jewels.
Dani loves preschool and can’t wait for Kindergarten next year. She continues to be a loving young lady who enjoys helping, playing with, and caring for her brothers and sister. She misses Taylor when she is away at school, but loves to entertain Sam. Dani keeps her parents on their toes with her creative yet mischievous antics. Dani has discovered a new talent this year. She has been creating masterful works of art using media such as crayons, markers, pencil, and pen on sheets, furniture, walls, and even the floor. We’re just hoping the remaining art work (those pieces Mom couldn’t clean up) will one day be worth something, Until then, Mom will have a hard time appreciating Dani’s new talent.
Sam is growing into a fun little boy. He loves his Daddy and loves to horseplay. Sam is starting to talk, although his “words” are more like grunts and pointing at what he wants, he generally gets his point across. If not…he screams until Mom and Dad catch on. So far this method seems to suit him just fine. He began attending the nursery at church and loves it. He has become a lot more vocal and loves to chase after his big sisters and do exactly what they’re doing. He still has his great smile that no one can seem to get enough of. He has been dubbed “smiley” by friends at church. He’s just a happy little guy.
Joseph (Joey) arrived into our family on December 2nd at 8 lbs 7 oz. His siblings absolutely adore him and we’re excited to have him be a part of our family. As you might have guessed, his favorite things to do are eat, sleep, and fill his diaper. Maybe before too long, Dani can get him into art.
Stacey keeps busy with all the children and their schedules. She is currently the 2nd counselor in the Primary Presidency. Stacey was worried about taking care of 4 children, but as long as the baby sleeps most of the day, she does pretty well.
Mark is excited to move on in his career. He just finished grad school, finally. Mark has been working as a manager at Intermountain Hospital offering assistance to those in need of psychiatric care. He is working on getting a new job as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner as well as a Clinical Nurse Specialist. We look forward to this new phase in our lives. He has most recently been serving as the 2nd counselor in the Elder’s Quorum Presidency.
We hope the holiday season finds you well. We love you and wish you the merriest Christmas,

Mark, Stacey, Taylor, Dani, Sam, & Joseph