Our Family Christmas Letter, 2010 Edition

We interrupt the Disneyland blogging (we'll resume recaps after the holidays, I promise!!), to bring you our family letter, that gives a general outline of our lives for the year 2010. Enjoy reading, and happy holidays to you all!

Merry Christmas!

Our family has been pretty darn busy this year. We took 2 major vacations in 2010—to Colorado/Utah in the summer, and to Disneyland at Thanksgiving; we had a blast! Also, we just found out that we will at last become homeowners; we close on a lovely home in Sahuarita at the end of January 2011! We're excited to see what lies ahead for our family. Here are some “individual” highlights from this year:

Nathan—Keeping up the good work at the Planning Department of the San Xavier Indian Reservation. In January, he finally dedicated the newly refurbished San Xavier Mission Plaza—a project he's personally overseen for several years now! His next assignment—the construction of a pedestrian bridge over the Santa Cruz River, to improve safety for the residents. Nate also serves on the Planning Commission of the Town of Sahuarita. In church, he serves as Elders' Quorum Secretary. In his spare time, he reads lots of books, plays lots of video games, serves as Dungeon Master in his newly formed RPG group, and teases/cuddles with his 3 daughters.

Adrianne—One busy mama. On January 15th, she had Baby #3—Aurora Leigh Barrett. Adrianne also participates in a weekly exercise/baby-sitting swap, a monthly book club, and various church activities (on Sundays, she plays the piano in Primary). At home, she cooks (she was especially proud of her home-canned salsa this year!); updates the new family blog; and earns a little spending money on the Internet. She also teaches piano lessons; this fall, she taught four students! Adrianne is very proud of how far they've all come, and hopes to continue teaching in the future.

Lorelai—The eager student! After a fun winter in preschool, Lorelai started kindergarten at Great Expectations Academy in the late summer—just before her 5^th birthday! In the last 6 months, Lorelai has learned to read & write better than anyone expected, and her imagination has taken off! It has been a joy to read the books she's written, and listen to her crazy stories that make us all laugh. She is quite the jokester! Lorelai also joined a Kinderchoir this fall, and she loves it as well.

Celeste—Our little diva! Celeste just turned 3 on December 13^th, and we celebrated with a “Wizard Of Oz”-themed party, after her favorite movie! Celeste has an excellent memory, and can sing songs very well after only having heard them a few times. She loves playing dress-up, “Mama,” and “princess.” She can charm her way out of many a jam, but her “terrible twos” sometimes get her right back in again! However, she is very sweet and brings so much joy to her family.

Aurora—The newest Barrett! She is a big, healthy baby, who is less giddy and more “serious” than her sisters. She loves to people-watch; to take rides in the car; to cuddle with Mama & Daddy; and to follow her big sisters around—she idolizes them! She has beautiful blue eyes, blond hair, and a big smile that lights up the room!

We hope this, the end of 2010, finds you all happy, healthy and prosperous. May the Lord bless you & keep you in the upcoming year!!