Merry Christmas 2015

Merry Christmas to our Dear Family and Friends!

We are again sending our love and thoughts to you from our snowbird home in Arizona.  With temperatures here in the 80's, there's no "dreaming of a white Christmas!"  But, there is still a wonderful Christmas spirit here...with decorated homes, holiday parties, and the special joy of taking friends to see the inspiring programs and famous lighting of the Mesa Temple grounds.  And, we will soon be leaving for a joyous holiday time seeing 11 of our 15 grand kids in Texas and Virginia.  Plans there also include seeing the Washington D. C. sights and Temple lights.

We got so busy last Christmas that we didn't get holiday greeting to you (first time in over 50 years...guess we are finally getting to be old procrastinators after all!)  So, this year we will try to include an update of the Johnson Clan for the past two years.  As usual, preparing it has vividly reminded us once again how truly grateful we should be for God's blessing and grace.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY!

Where did all the time go since we were first introduced by Cosmo the Cougar on that blind date at BYU over 50 years ago!  We love each other dearly, continue best friends, and look forward to being together with our family eternally.  It was fun celebrating the milestone event by sailing the turquoise Caribbean waters for 3 weeks of the British Virgin Islands, Guadeloupe, and Dominica.

3 MISSIONARY GRANDCHILDREN RETURN HOME SAFELY

After faithfully serving the Lord in Singapore (Ryan Johnson), New York (Michelle (Cole) Barta), and Paraguay (Malia Johnson).  We loved their letters which were filled with their great love for the people, exciting experiences, personal challenges and sacrifice, and the joy of sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ throughout the world.  And, we are now hearing thoughts of two more grandchildren preparing to serve next year!  We are so proud they are following in the missionary footsteps of their fathers, our daughter, Shelly, all our fine sons-in-law, and, yes, even ourselves.

FIRST GREAT GRAND CHILD

Beautiful little Clara Dawn Anderson was born to Jennie (Cole ) and Justin Anderson.  Although being called Great Grandparents makes us feel kind of old, the joy of it being the start of a 4 generation heritage is wonderful.  "GG" is the name sweet little Clara calls Lawana, which brings tears to our eyes and joy to our hearts.

SECOND GRANDDAUGHTER'S TEMPLE MARRIAGE

Michelle (Sheri and Terry’s daughter), married another fine returned missionary, Andrew Barta, for time and all eternity in the Boise Temple.  They are now continuing their studies at BYU Idaho.

FAMILY REUNION IN WILLIAMSBURG, JAMESTOWN, YORKTOWN, AND BUSCH GARDENS

Our Clan loved reuniting to share memories and new experiences.  It was especially wonderful to walk the paths where our founding fathers, like Washington and Jefferson, fought so hard to create our great country.  At our previous Family Reunion, we had revered our ancestors who were among the early converts to the Church and crossed the Plains in handcarts and covered wagons.  At this Reunion, we learned more amazing things about our ancestors, but this time it was about those who fought for America’s freedom in both the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.  And, on the fun side, the grand kids were especially impressed that their 75 year old Grandpa rode the fastest and highest roller coasters in the world right along with them at Busch Gardens!

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP AND “GRAND SLAM”

Dick won state pickleball championships in four states. THEN, after playing only 3 years, he became a NATIONAL CHAMPION and completed a calendar year medaling “GRAND SLAM” by winning 9 medals in the sport’s 4 major national tournaments in 2015…a feat accomplished by few players of any age. Additionally, though his back surgery has prevented him from playing competitive tennis for 25 years, he also dug out the old racket for a few days this summer to win 3 Golds in tennis in the Idaho Senior Olympic Games for the third straight year. Yes, its been pretty tough pressure and physically demanding. But, if he had to retire tomorrow, he feels blessed to have fulfilled such a unique and amazing dream.

ANOTHER EAGLE SCOUT

Justin Cole became an Eagle Scout which continued the tradition of the boys in our Clan becoming Eagles.  So far, Justin makes the 4th straight grandson who has reached Scouting's highest achievement.  We are so proud of these young men and also younger grandsons, like Spencer Johnson and Jadeyn Cottrell, who are working so hard on their scouting projects.

SKYLA'S BAPTISM

Sweet 8 year old Skyla was so beautiful in her white dress as she entered the water to be baptized by her father, Jared.  It is, indeed, a special blessing for a child's father, who bears the priesthood and special authority, to perform this sacred ordinance for his precious daughter.

SPECIAL COLLEGE COUSIN REUNION at Lava Hot Springs:

We have 5 grandchildren in college at BYU-Idaho, Idaho State, and BYU-Provo.  Although all were unable to attend, we were thrilled that Jennie and Michelle and their spouses, Justin and Andrew were able to join us for a week at this beautiful place. We especially treasured getting to know better these two relatively new and fine grandson-in-laws...and, an extra bonus was all of us sharing little Clara's first time in the Rocky Mountain hot springs pools. 

PALMYRA, KIRKLAND, INDEPENDENCE, NAUVOO, and WINTER QUARTERS:

We loved our week living right on the banks of the Mississippi and visiting the many sites where our ancestors lived and suffered together with other new Mormon converts against terrible persecution.  It was there that the Church, in the dead of winter, was driven out of its third state, to finally cross the Plains and Rocky Mountains to Utah.  5,000 died along the way.  Very moving was Carthage Jail and the spectacular Nauvoo and British Pageants.  The new British Pageant was especially meaningful, because the British Isles is where many of our ancestors joined the Church and where our daughter, Shelly, served her mission.

BEAUTIFUL MCCALL

A year has seldom gone by for us without enjoying our place in the beautiful mountains and lakes of McCall.  Our Clan has gotten so busy and spread out across the country that only Sheri and Terry's family could join us this time, but that included Jennie and Justin and little Clara, too!

PALMYRA, KIRKLAND, INDEPENDENCE, NAUVOO, and WINTER QUARTERS:

More spiritual awakenings occurred during our trips to these special places.  The Hill Cumorrah Pageant, with its 800 member cast, was very inspiring and strengthened our testimony of Christ and his Gospel.  It was fun for Dick to show Lawana the spot on the top of the Hill Cumorrah where Dick slept in a sleeping bag on the way home from his first mission over 50  years ago.

 OTHER EDUCATIONAL and FUN TIMES

We’ve continued to try to give special emphasis to sharing our sunset years with our families, even though they are so spread throughout the country.  But, we also reserved some times just for ourselves, too, with trips to Jefferson's Monticello, Lincoln's Library and home, and Appomattox.  They all renewed patriotism in our minds and hearts for our forefathers.   And, pure fun and excitement was had doing volunteer work and dancing again to the music of the Sun Valley Jazz Festival; rooting on the BYU Cougars at the WCC Tournament in Las Vegas; and, hiking the glorious mountains around Bend, Oregon, and Stone Ridge, Washington.

IN CLOSING: 

So, now it is December again...and, here we are in Arizona, reflecting back on the past two years gone quickly by in the sunset of our lives.  As we do that again, it always reminds us of our many blessings and how very grateful we should be.  Of course, our family continues to bring wonderful joy and happiness to our lives.  With 15 grandchildren (and now our first great grand child!), it has become more difficult to keep up with them all.  But, as long as our health allows, we are going to try hard to do that.  We are so very proud of all of them!  We will dearly miss the weekly letters from around the world from our three missionary grandchildren who have returned home.  Their letters were always a wonderful reminder to us of the greatest blessing of our lives...the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His Divine Atonement for all mankind.  Our testimony of Him, and his great love and sacrifice for us all, continues to awe and inspire us.  We are also grateful for family and our many dear friends around the world.  And, want you all to know that we think of you often, and miss you who cannot be physically close to us.  

So, it is with wonderful memories and great love, that we wish you and yours a Merry Christmas and wonderful Holiday Season...and, may the New Year bring you all much happiness and success.

Dick and Lawana/Dad and Mom/Grandpa and Grandma/ Great Grandpa and GG!

NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES 2015

FYI, Dick has qualified to play two of the four biggest tournaments in amateur sports in July.  Gold, Silver & Bronze medalists from all the states and select medalists from other countries will compete for National medals.   Although Dick hasn’t made a big deal about it, I thought you might like to be aware of them:

Senior Games of America in Omaha:  60 Sports, month long event, 20,000 athletes of all ages, not just seniors. 48,000 spectators expected at Memorial Stadium for the Opening Ceremonies, where Dick will march in carrying Idaho’s flag.  Athletes’ Village, fireworks, Blue Angels show, celebrity concerts, etc.  

National Senior Olympic Games in Minneapolis:  60 Sports, month long event, 12,000 athletes age 50+.  Similar events as above, plus Olympic Flame.

We are really looking forward to going to these wonderful events.  Win or lose, it will be a fantastic experience just to be a part of it all and to associate with such great athletes.  

As you know, Dick has played only a very brief couple of weeks of Tennis each year the past two years to compete in the Idaho Sr. Games.  But, he’s also been playing his new sport of Pickle Ball pretty regularly, since beginning just three years ago.  I’m proud to say, my “Old Duffer,” as he calls himself, has done pretty well in both:

In Tennis, he’s won the Idaho Sr. Singles, Doubles, & Mixed Doubles Championship both years, despite only playing two weeks each year for the tourney…and serving underhand, because of his back fusion.  He also won similar Table Tennis state titles.  But, because tennis, pickleball, and table tennis are played concurrently at the above tourneys, and to not risk further back injury, he’ll only be competing in pickleball in Minneapolis and Omaha.  That’s sad, because he qualified, and would really like to take a crack at national titles in tennis and table tennis, too, but just can’t take the risk to his old body.

In Pickleball, he’s won the Idaho Sr Singles, Doubles, & Mixed Championships for two years and last year added Oregon Mens Doubles and this year Arizona Mens & Mixed Doubles titles.  So, he’s physically able to play Pickleball regularly, although still with some pain.  Its also kind of cool that he’s won a bunch of non-age tourneys playing people decades younger.  Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in North America.  You can learn more about it by Googling “Pickleball.”  When you do that, link up there to a 5.0 match and you’ll see how exciting the sport is.  And, it is not just for seniors.  In the other two big national tourneys that Dick will play later this year, the age brackets begin with juniors up to 19 years old. 

If you are interested, there’s a ton of information about the two tourneys on the web.  Just copy and paste the following to your browser.  (The “news” and “email newsletter” links there are especially interesting):

http://www.sga2015.com for the Omaha Tourney

http://nsga.com for the Minneapolis Tourney

                                                                                                                                           

2015 STATE OREGON SENIOR GAMES June 19-21

Dick Johnson and Tim Gleason Defended their 2014 Gold Medal 

and won the State Games for 2015

70's Men's Doubles: Gold Medal for the Oregon State Games

 

Dick and Tim Gleason won 

11-6,9-11,11-3,15-8 against Ron Greene and Bob LeRoy

Men's 75 Singles: Dick won Silver against Bob Robillard 

70's Mixed Doubles: Dick Johnson and Betty Silver won the Gold 

 11-4,10-12,11-1 against Irene and A. J. Fraties

McCall 2015

McCall JUNE 2015

Pool time with Four Generations!!

Sheri, Clara, Jennie, Lawana

Ice Cream Alley:  Clara had more fascination with the rocks than the ice cream

Here is our little Jadeyn doing what he loves best: camping!!!!!

Spring Break in Boise

It was wonderful having the children home from Spring Break. Only Julie's children were out of school, but Rebecca, Kevin and Jadeyn joined us for a few days. We had wall to wall kids, but it was a delightful time. Sheri and Terry joined us as much as they could but with their kids in school and Michelle's play they didn't have as much time. We all attended Bye Bye Birdie in which Michelle played the lead role of Spanish Rose! She was awesome, amazing, and truly talented. Her lines were so fast and furious and involved. I can't imagine how she remember them all. We were very proud of her.

We had just celebrated a night of Hawaii with Jennie. We watched the movie "Hawaii" and had homemade ice cream. She has accepted schooling at BYU-Hawaii! She will leave in September and should have an incredible time. Fortunately, her aunt Kristi lives in Honolulu, so she shouldn't get too homesick, but it will give everyone the opportunity to visit her! We are so excited for her. It will be a wonderful experience going away to school! We love you Jennie!

Sheri, Julie and Rebecca had a blast going through all the things they had left behind and mostly took them home with them. But we still have more things to go through. With our remodeling almost finished, we want to send as much as we can to all the families to enjoy now. Terry and Jared and Justin went to pay 'army' with the paint balls games in Kuna while, Kevin and Dad went for a very long TR-6 ride. We thought they were lost they went so long. Then they came home only to go to the movies together. All the little children loved playing, dressing up, watching movies and creating things. It was fun to have 'boys' in the house, even tho they were tiny little ones. (Jonah and Jadeyn)

Each of the girls went over to see Grandma Johnson and spend time with her. She will be 93 this September and is very spry and cheery for her age. She appreciated so much having them all come. We missed Shelly and family for this visit but look forward to spending time with them in August when they will visit us.

Closing the year 2009

We were blessed with another wonderful close of 2009 with the ability to visit with all of our precious Children. Julie and Jared blessed their 5th child, a son, Jonah Scott, on November 1st and Sheri and Terry were able to attend. A brief, but memorable, time with everyone in Idaho at Julie's home in Twin Falls, ID. I had a moment of self-destruct as we left and slipped on the icy steps which has slowed down the holiday season, but also been a blessing. We discovered a large cyst that will need to be removed in January. So sometimes, blessing come with a hard fall. LOL

We had Sheri and Terry and kids over for Thanksgiving dinner in our new kitchen, which finally was finished, except for painting and a few other misc. things. We learned that Justin is a fantastic Chess player, so be prepared if you challenge him! Michelle is doing beautifully with the piano and drama this year. While Jennie is a young adult looking for work so she will be able to attend college in the fall. She is looking forward her last semester of tennis as number one seed. Can't believe we have a granddaughter who is graduating from High School.

On December 21 th, we left for Houston, TX to warm up the tennis rackets with all the kids down there. Dick played most every day with someone. We had major celebration time while there. Ryan had just had his 17 th birthday a few days before we arrive. He had requested a BSU tee shirt so he could tout the TCU people. Christmas Day came far too quickly, and then Spencer's 8th birthday and baptism. He was baptised before he even got a chance to open his presents at 10 AM. It was a beautiful day for him. Sunday, Malia sang and Shelly played for her song, Miracles. It was very moving. Then Shelly was asked to speak in Sacrament Meeting and sent a beautiful message about "it matters" what we are doing our lives. "It matters" what we are doing in our lives because it develop the eternity of our future.

We had a wonderful time visiting Kevin, Rebecca and little Jadeyn in Longmont. Jadeyn really got excited to see us, even though we knew he didn't have any idea who we were. He warmed up to us and loved us. We were thrilled to have the time with them over New Year's. We watched movies, played games, and ate lots of fun things. Kevin and Rebecca are great cooks and love to cook, but we did go out to eat several times. We went to the animal shelter and almost brought home another cat. They already have two "boys" (cats) that were their first children before Jadeyn. The weather was wonderful and we played outside in the left over snow. It was a grand time. We look forward to when they can come see us in Boise.

MERRY CHRISTMAS!
from the
DICK   and LAWANA JOHNSON FAMILY!

We hope you are enjoying a wonderful Christmas and Holiday season! 2009 again brought many changes to our family's lives that we would like to share with you. We'll begin with us:

Toward the end of last year, we finished our 3 year mission for our Church . . .a wonderful experience! Most of our time since Dick's retirement had been given to that mission, so 2009 brought a return to more normal life and finding out what being retired is usually about! We enjoyed great times at home and on trips to Twin Falls, Texas, and Colorado to be with our most choice possessions, our 4 daughters and great sons-in-law and 15 grandkids. We've also caught up on lots of backed-up projects, even including major remodeling to most rooms in the house...WHEW! ... almost done with that, thank goodness!



















We also enjoyed great trips with good friends/family to France, Cancun, Chichen Itza, St. Augustine, Ft. Lauderdale, Disney World, Island Park, and McCall. Several road rallies came in between with our British Sports Car Club in our little green TR-6 convertible. And, Lawana had a special time with several of our daughters at the Women's Conference in Provo.









The year closed with a unique, life-changing "mini-mission" experience that we will never forget! We were asked by Lawana's brother, Corwin, to visit and serve with him and his wife, Peggy, for around 6 weeks in Kenya, Africa. They were serving there on a special three month measles prevention mission for the Church and we had the wonderful opportunity to help implement it. Such humanitarian work is very needed in undeveloped countries like Africa, where a totally preventable disease like measles still kills 500 children each day. During the closing week, around 93% of the African young children were provided measles "jabs" (vaccinations) in the area we worked around Mombasa and the Chyulu Hills. Most of our time went to this greatly-needed work and we came to love the wonderful, loving spirit of the very poor, but very noble African people. Along the way we also went on several safaris in Africa's wild bush and saw many fantastic wildlife sightings. It was Springtime there, so we saw practically every species of African wildlife with their young babies! Should you like to learn a bit about the measles work there and enjoy a taste of the wonderful African people and the majesty and splendor of that wild, dangerous, and beautiful country, just click on "Measles" at the top left under "View by Subject." (Incidentally, for you who have already seen some of our African pictures, we have added a lot more great safari wildlife pictures in the "Measles" section which you might especially enjoy).

In closing our part of this Christmas letter, we continue very grateful for freedom and America, fairly good health, loving friends and family, and many other blessings. We are especially grateful for the Gospel of Jesus Christ in our lives. We thank you all for your love and friendship. We wish we could see or hear from all of you more often. Please know that you are always welcome in our home. We wish you the very best during this glorious Christmas season and hope that the New Year brings you & yours much success & happiness.

Please continue scrolling down for the Christmas Messages to you and fun photos from our Daughters' Families:

Sheri & Terry Cole Family

The Cole Family
Terry-Sheri-Jennie-Michelle-Justin

This year has been a year of growing and changing for the Cole Family. We have had a lot of fun together, including a big family trip to Disneyworld, Florida. We decided it may be our last family trip with everyone all together so we asked the kids where in the world they would like to go, and they chose Disneyworld. We played there for a week, amazed at how hot and humid it can be, and then spend a second week on the beach with Grandma and Grandpa, playing in the waves. It was a wonderful time.

Terry is going into his 20th year as a Firefighter, Captain of his station for 11 years now. He enjoys his work, especially because of his great schedule when he gets to be home and doing the things he really wants to do. He went on a big trophy elk hunt this summer in Utah, which was a lot of fun, but didn't see anything big enough to bring home to rival "Ed the Dead Elk Head" already on our wall. He took Justin hunting and camping a lot this year, and they are having a great time together.

Sheri has still been enjoying being a stay at home mom and has realized your kids need you even more as they get older! She is continuing her part time window decorating business, painting various businesses around the valley for holidays, promos, etc. It's a great little job, working hours she chooses to work, and the money feels like it comes for free because painting is so much fun. She continues to stay busy with 3 callings, 2 of which she shared with Terry on Activities Committee for the ward and Dance Couple (in charge of Saturday Night Youth Dances) for the stake. Also, she is looking forward to finishing her Nursery Calling which they have promised will be over in December!

Jennie is enjoying her Senior year at Rocky Mountain High School and is living it up before entering the big bad real world. She continues to keep up her high GPA and has been busy filling out college applications for next year. She has narrowed her interests of study to either the field of Nursing or Dental Hygiene. She has been very busy this year working on the Yearbook Committee, and is sure to be seen over and over in this year's edition! In the Spring she plans to once again take her place as Number 1 Varsity Singles player for her team. Cross your fingers for no sprained ankle!

Michelle is a Junior and having a great time in the Drama world of high school. She is currently rehearsing for a play that will be performed next week by the Drama classes, and has just received 2 leading parts in the winter play, A Christmas Carol, which will come out in December. She is having a wonderful time in a new class offered this year, "Musical Theater," where she has discovered not only can she act, but she has a great singing-stage voice as well! Michelle also continues to improve her piano skills by practicing everyday, and this year has begun teaching 4 young piano students.

Justin started at Sawtooth Middle School this year and is a big 6th grader. He has adjusted to the idea of having 8 classes really well and is keeping up with good grades in all of them! His favorite classes are PE and World Civ. He has made a lot of new friends this year and will soon be joining the 12 year old Scouts and will become a Deacon. Justin has also enjoyed camping and hunting with Terry and loves the big outdoors. He continues to like Bionicles and wants to design toys for Lego when he grows up. That, or an artist. Or a chef, as he loves to experiment with new recipes and share them with our family.

Shelly & Doran Johnson Family

Merry Christmas
from
The Johnsons in Texas!

I love the end of the year—not just because of the warm, cheery holidays of thanksgiving and Christmas, but because it is a time to sit down for five minutes in a room bathed in soft Christmas lights and music, wrapped in a fleece blanket, with a cup of hot chocolate and think about all the things that have keep our lives so busy throughout the year. Of course, here in The Woodlands, Texas, we have to set the AC very low so to get the desired cozy Christmas mood! Such is the case as a few events of 2009 spring to mind.

Ryan (16) achieving his Eagle rank the same week son #4, Spencer (almost 8), enters the wonderful world of Cub Scouts and Gavin (13) begins working on his Eagle Project (Doran laments he will be in boy scouts forever, but inside he secretly must love it!)

The mother/son’s campout Shelly spent with Gavin and Ryan staying up late for midnight mischief and sleeping snuggled in our down bags in the woods. And biking 18 miles together the next day.

Watching Malia (15) perform in her splashy roles in the musical “Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat”, complete with Egyptian painted eyes and wild costumes.




Derek’s incessant pursuit of magic—he has the best 10-year-old sleight of hand ability I have ever encountered. I seriously think he could make money performing! His ten little fingers are pretty good on the ivories as well. He is exceptionally gifted—piano seems effortless for him.




Annalee (5) tromped off with all the kids on the first day of school to Kindergarten, her backpack thumping the backs of her calves as she walked down the sidewalk, only turning back to say, “Bye mom! I love you!” She adores school.





Spencer’s (almost 8) baptism will take place the day after Christmas. What a special time of year to make covenants to follow Jesus. He is excited and talks about it almost daily.




The countless hours we have spent pounding tennis balls around the court regardless of Houston heat, humidity, & even rain! Fortunately, our efforts are bearing fruit--Ryan, Malia and Gavin love it and are having success on their teams.

Ryan’s unbelievable ability to read, write and speak Chinese. He has incredible aptitude for abstract languages.



Piper, our Irish Water Spaniel, has grown up this year—lives to go on walks, tug on Shelly’s arm should she dares to teach piano or sit at the computer, and loves to play tag with little Jesse, our Cavalier and any kids who are home.



The momentous day Doran decided to shave his head! Have you noticed this is a cool trend among men? Thank heavens he has a handsome head!

Frequent visits with family! What a blessing it is to be in the same country. Our lives are inexplicably enriched by the love of grandparents, siblings and cousins. Getting together with family is worth every mile on the car or in the air and a complete gift!

With the kind innkeeper who found room for Joseph and Mary in his inn and found a place in his heart for the baby Jesus, we echo the words he might have spoken: Let Him in. We live in a busy world with many good things to occupy our time and energy. It is our prayer and wish for all to make room for Him in our lives, hearts, blessings and our challenges. The peace the Savior offers is real and is lasting. It tempers all our stresses and envelops all our joys. And it is a gift to all, for all. Let Him in. You’ll be glad you did. We sure are!

Merry Christmas!

Julie & Jared Morgan & Family

Jared and Julie Morgan and family

Hello everyone,

Another year has as they say “flown by” with a whirlwind of activities. We’ve been busy with life in all its many parts but we’d love to fill you in on some of the highlights of the year.

Jared – Work hasn’t change much during the economic down turn for him which is a great blessing. The human animal bond between pets and owners looks to be able to endure most crises. This summer he did get a break from work to again to be part of the young men and women at church with scout camp and weekly activities. He even got to go and be the medic for the 3 day Stake pioneer Trek that took place in the mountains south of Twin Falls. He also continues to enjoy helping with local and not so local wild life and has brought home for a short out of hospital stay such things as lizards, snakes, baby raccoons, a young deer, an occasional puppy or kitten, and even for a short time a baby alligator. You never know what might be in that box he’s carrying in the door.

Julie – A mom’s work is never done and multitasking is her middle name. Argument referee, homework tyrant, piano practice manager, Primary President, culinary artist, gardener and custodian. Despite all these activities and being pregnant most of the year she still manages to make life fun for everyone. She made it through being pregnant with number 5 and is so glad to have baby Jonah here.

Mikayla – Our oldest daughter, Mikayla is growing up fast as a third grader. She is a great older sister to all her younger siblings, especially baby, Jonah. She loves to help Mommy when she is busy and he cries. She is loving school and has a good attitude of determination to be a good student and stay ahead of Jericca.

Jericca – While she is right on the heels of her big sister and tries to compete with her in all points of life. They are best friends and do everything together. It’s really nice for them to have each other to share life with, even though they do disagree terribly at times. Then, they will be back and loving each other in a short time not remembering the problems that just transpired. They both are hard at work learning the piano this year and are making real progress.

Eliza – She really loves dressing up as a princess and is continually leaving her regular clothes behind to transform into someone like Snow White, Cinderella, a ballerina, or something else from her imagination. She is excited about getting ready for school and is frustrated about having to wait until next year to start kindergarten. To help with the waiting process she is in a preschool twice a week that Julie trades teaching and is really loving the learning and social interaction.

Skyla – Is a joy to be around despite being in the middle of the terrible two’s. She will have the occasional melt down, mostly when she’s tired and worn out, but those quickly fade and she is back to hugs, kisses, and giggles. She loves having 3 big sisters to play and run around with and is very tolerant of their bossing and ordering her around during the games they play. Now she is thrilled to be a big sister to her new little brother.

Jonah – Well, it finally happened. A boy has come into our family for a permanent stay. Jonah Scot Morgan was born August 11, 2009 and couldn’t be a better baby. Despite some early on difficulties with keeping his bowels moving he is a happy healthy fun little boy. He loves to eat and play and will even sleep through the turmoil and commotion of an active family of five whirling around him. He looks so much like all of his sisters yet at the same time there’s no denying that he’s a boy. Julie says he looks just like me! (too bad for him)

Luciana – You thought we were done but here’s one more to talk about. Luciana is from Brazil south east of Sao Paulo and will be staying with our family for the school year as an exchange student. She has definitely added a completely new dimension to our family. She is always busy with Volleyball, church, dances, and parties and soon, basketball. As well as extra home work that’s not getting done and makeup and clothes to make sure is perfect so she can maintain her constant state of “beauty,” her life is always hopping. We really enjoy the addition of having a really big sister in the house and are glad she’s here.

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