Rebecca & Kevin Cottrell & family

What a wonderful year this has been!

Who knew that it was possible to just keep getting better. As you all know, Jadeyn, our little boy, joined the family in April ‘08, so this is our first full year with our little munchkin. He has definitely been the highlight of our year. He hasn’t stopped us from doing any of the things that we love, in fact he has only increased them.

We camped and fished as much as possible and quickly discovered that these are Jadeyn’s #1 favorite things to do! He loves the outdoors just like we do, he loves getting dirty and he LOVES to fish.

We went on several amazing trips this year. We went to Florida’s three National Parks to continue our goal of seeing all of the National Parks in the US. What an amazing trip! The Everglades were just as breathtaking and mysterious as we expected. Exotic birds and allusive alligators, and the noise of the swamps was beautiful. Biscayne and Dry Tortugas came with some incredible boat rides complete with dolphins and manatees.

Hershey’s Park, PA was another fun highlight of our year. We couldn’t go through a whole year without visiting an Amusement Park could we? We flew to Pennsylvania and met Stephanie and family, Kevin’s sister and had such a great time with them. Who knew and entire amusement park could smell like chocolate? We stayed in Hershey Lodge where when you walk in the door, you just have to smile sweetly and you are given a full sized Hershey bar!!

Life in the working world has been going very well. Kevin’s optometry practice is doing great He has helped the practice to grow and thrive through the tough economy and enjoys helping his patients everyday. Rebecca continues to enjoy working part time for a local plastic surgeon and being able to spend the rest of the time with Jadeyn. Two days at work a week is perfect!

Life this year has been great and we try to enjoy every moment that life gives us.

P.S. This only covers 3/4 of the year as our dad, Mr. Planner, insisted on a deadline for submitting the Christmas letter! :)

Merry Christmas!
Kevin, Rebecca, Jadeyn, Dozer & Newt