Christmas Picture and Letter

To all who visit our blog, we thought we would just post our Christmas picture and letter instead of mailing them. We love you! Have a wonderful Christmas season!

Season’s Greetings, Family and Friends!

We hope, as always, that this letter finds all happy and healthy! We have had a busy year and are looking forward to the many changes this next year will bring!

One of the biggest changes we will have next year will be the arrival of a little daughter, due in February. The kids love to feel her kick and hiccup, and they frequently stuff dinosaurs and dolls in their shirts to pretend they have a “big mommy tummy”.

The other big change will be that Dan is graduating dental school in June, and we will be moving out of San Francisco and into an as yet unknown location to have an as yet undetermined job as a dentist. Sound a little nerve-racking? Yes, we would have to agree, but we know that Heavenly Father will help our little family settle into a place that will be right for us. So, we will keep everyone updated.

Throughout this year, Dan has been enjoying treating patients and having more time to spend with the kids. They literally charge him when he comes home, and although drained from the day, he indulges every request for wrestling, “horsie” rides, and “swing me, swing me!” Poor guy has his hands full with dental school, three new callings, two tiny energy-suckers, and a pregnant wife.

Courtney is busy with kids and is growing daily. We’d like to say that she is growing in height or character, but mostly the growth is straight out front. She and the kids have been able to explore the local parks and discovery museums and enjoy doing projects and school-time at home.

McKenna has had a lot of fun this year in soccer, gymnastics, and swimming classes (one at a time, of course). She is active and talkative and has made many friends both young and old with her sweet and silly ways. McKenna sang her first solo and gave a talk in the Primary Program this year at Church. She thrives on practicing and performing. We are afraid we may be fueling the fire for our little drama queen. She is a wonderful big sister to Jacob and has taught him many important life lessons already, such as how to run in Cinderella high heels and how to sing “I am a Child of God” at the top of his lungs.

Jacob started gymnastics this year and absolutely loves to climb and jump on and off of everything; he knows it’s legal to get his climbing fix either at the park or at gymnastics. All bookshelves, counters, fridge shelves, and dressers are off-limits. Jacob talks constantly, and we understand most of what he is saying since he pronounces his favorites very clearly: chocolate, park, and vacuum. Jacob’s latest trick is to say “I love you SO MUCH, Momma” when he is in trouble.

We are ever grateful for our many blessings, the greatest of which being our Savior.
Merry Christmas to all,
The Budd Family