The biggest news in our family this year is that I was born on March 4th. I showed up a bit early--one week before I was due—but not too soon for my mom. After a pretty rough pregnancy, she was grateful for a swift delivery, practically free of complications. Thank God! I beat Katie by 2 pounds, weighing in at 7 pounds, 12 ounces. Okay, I know she was born early, but still, I won! Aunt Kate and Uncle Spencer took care of Katie while we were in the hospital. As luck would have it, I got to meet Grandma Jennifer on my first day. She was in the area for a quilt show that weekend. Grandma Laurie and Papa drove over from Spokane in time to meet me while we were still in the hospital. They stayed to help our family for a week! Grandma Jennifer came back a few weeks later to help Mom while Dad went out of the country on a business trip.

Speaking of business trips, Dad has taken quite a few of them this year. And, to some beautiful places, too. He’s been to Copenhagen, London, Belfast and Japan. He’s had a long year of hard work, helping to start a new business venture in his company. I know he hopes it will all pay off early in the New Year.

In October, I took my first plane trip. Mom and Dad took me and Katie to Hawaii! Grandma Jennifer, Grandma Laurie, and Papa came too. We stayed for a whole week on Maui. Boy, we did a lot of stuff while we were there. Mom, Papa, and my grandmas went on a zip line adventure. Katie, Dad, and Grandma Jennifer went up in a helicopter. In a few years, I think I’ll be jealous about not getting to take that ride. We all drove the Road to Hana. That was a REALLY long time to spend in the car. Katie and Mom swam in the ocean at Hana Bay. Everyone, including me, swam in the pool at the resort. I really like the water. Mom, Papa, and Grandma Laurie went snorkeling off of a sailboat. Although Papa got really seasick, he did get to swim with a sea turtle. Several years ago, Mom epically failed at snorkeling. She was excited to succeed this time.

Katie is a really good big sister. She loves to give me hugs and make me smile. She also makes sure that I don’t put anything too small into my mouth. Katie is 4-years-old, and loves to draw, write, and read books. She’s gotten really good at drawing ladybugs, princesses, cats, and sharks. And, you should see how quickly she can write out her first name! She really likes her pre-school, Sunday school, and Kindermusik classes. She walks around the house singing and dancing. She says “look at me,” all the time. In October, she had her stage debut, singing a solo in “So Long, Farewell,” from The Sound of Music, in a concert at church. I wonder what she’ll do next!

Mom stopped working just before I was born and stepped down from chairing the Worship Committee at our church. That was a good idea, because Katie and I sure take up a lot of her time during the day. She stays busy with us, household stuff, and the church. She sings in the church choir, volunteers her time to purge the music library, and is now chair of the Interim Pastor Search Committee. A month ago, she auditioned to be the female vocal soloist for the West Seattle Big Band. It would be an amazing opportunity for her if she is chosen. Wish her luck!

Lately, my family has been talking a lot about something called Christmas. I’m not sure what it’s all about, but Katie seems really excited about it. It sounds like when it comes, we’ll be spending time at my Uncle Spencer and Aunt Kate’s house with my Grandma Jennifer. Katie introduced me to a chubby-looking guy with a red suit and a cool white beard. We sat on his lap and Katie asked him if he could bring us some stuff for being good kids. She asked for a Doll and I think she even asked him to bring something for me. He hasn’t brought me anything yet, but I’m going to try and stay good, just in case.

Love,
Kyle