2012 has been a wonderful year for us! We've had many highlights throughout the year.
First and foremost the arrival of our beautiful Sarah Caroline! She is the sweetest little angel baby and we feel so blessed to have her in our family.
A close second would have to be the chance to celebrate my parent's 50th wedding anniversary in London with all of the Nattress siblings and spouses for the Summer Olympics! (Definitely a memory we will treasure forever!)
We were also blessed to have several visits this year from several family members we love and miss so much.
We've had some great "adventures in parenting" this year.
Becky made her "stage debut" this year when she played the part of 'Jane' in her middle school production of "Peter Pan." Becky is doing really well in school this year. She is enrolled in several advanced classes and is learning to balance a busy schedule of school, homework, piano lessons, ballet, play practice, church activities, babysitting, and an increasingly busy social schedule.
Julianne is also doing well in school. At the end of her 4th grade year she got a perfect score on her SOL (standard of learning) tests and is enjoying being part of the "600 club" an exclusive club only for those who achieve a perfect score. She is also enjoying piano lessons, ballet, and church activities.
Emily is following in her sisters footsteps and is loving school as well. She LOVES to read and enjoys reading on her own, and reading to her younger brothers and sister. She started piano this fall and is in her second year of ballet.
Dallin goes to preschool a few hours each week. And he's had fun attending a few sports camps this year at the local recreational center. He's a good big brother and (when he's not conspiring for world domination with Tommy) is a great "mommy's helper" during the day while his sisters are at school, but mostly Dallin lives for the weekends when his dad is home and can help Dad work on "projects" around the house.
Tommy has earned the nickname "Tommy the Tornado." Despite my best efforts, he seems to leave a wake of destruction everywhere! He's definitely TWO and completely fearless to boot! He is a sweet little boy though. He gives the best hugs and kisses! He loves to wrestle with his brother and help Dad mow the lawn. Tommy talks really well and will about talk your ear off if you let him.
Sarah has such a sweet disposition. She is very social and loves attention. She adores everyone of her big brothers and sisters and wants to be wherever they are. Her favorite things to do are playing "patty cake" and dancing to music. She babbles constantly and loves cruising around the furniture.
We feel so blessed and we are so grateful for the this wonderful season and the opportunity to reflect on those things that are most important. We wish all our loved ones a Merry Christmas and hope you have a blessed year!