And I decided to write a Christmas letter.
I know. Weird.
I know. Weird.
'Twas two months before Christmas and all through the house,
Every creature was stirring, one almost small as a mouse.
The Legos transformed into ships from Star Wars,
And babies in strollers were pushed over floors.
The children were running all over the place,
With bits of chocolate or Go-gurt on each little face.
And Mom at the piano bench and Dad in his khaki,
Were quoting Princess Bride and acting quite wacky.
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
We sprang to the door to see what was the matter.
Little Eric had fallen and broken his leg,
He was prescribed a cast, bones fragile as an egg.
2 months before he had broken his arm.
Each time, our trampoline the cause of the harm.
The culprit is gone now, sold for a nice bit of cash,
And hopefully no one else will end up in a cast.
While grandparents visited over the summer,
Mom and Dad went to Vegas, eyes filled with wonder.
The Lion King, Venetian, and Phantom were highlights,
Our quick three-day trip outshone even Twilight.
We returned to find Aubrey cute as a button,
She smiled and we melted right down to nothin'.
She loves babies and shoes and Elmo and dolls,
But as her first word indicates, she loves Daddy best of all.
Eric began kindergarten, finally able to ride the bus.
He's doing well -- most days he gets there without too much fuss.
He's reading and writing and counting each day,
Though all he'd do is play computer games if he could have his way.
He still enjoys Legos and building castles with blocks,
Helping with dinner, and cutting up every box.
Isaac entered a Chinese immersion program this year.
After struggling initially, he now knows there's nothing to fear.
Numbers, colors, and family members are just some of what he knows,
Not to mention writing characters and singing Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.
Like his brother, Isaac loves computer games and Legos,
Though he has also added a love for the piano.
Halloween, as always, was filled with parties and fun.
Our decor, among other things, made this the best one.
We Hosted a Murder with some really fun friends.
Alyssa tried to kill Levi, but got someone else in the end.
Then Alyssa took a break from teaching piano
And flew to Kansas with Aubrey in tow.
She went to see Alex before he headed to war,
Grateful for the chance to hug her brothers once more.
Levi played Mr. Mom exceptionally well,
Cleaning and organizing more than one can tell.
While he considered quitting his job to stay home,
Logic dictated that from Ipayables, he should not roam.
Now December's upon us, with all the busy-ness it brings,
Recitals, class parties, and taking on one too many things.
Alyssa found herself executing much of the ward party,
While Levi stayed home with the kids. Not fair. Not hardly.
We got a visit from the Jolly Old Elf,
A friend's Christmas party brought the Big Man Himself.
Isaac hopped up next to the bowl full of jelly,
Asking for Battleship, which he saw on the telly.
Santa told Eric he had broken his leg once, too.
Jumping out of a sleigh can be a dangerous thing to do!
Bionicles were the toys requested by this one.
Lego robots promise hours of fun.
Aubrey wasn't quite sure what to think of St. Nick.
She was ready to get down pretty quick.
Candy canes extended her visit a little,
But as soon as he let go, she was off like the down of a thistle.
2011 has been one to remember, indeed.
Broken bones, a growing girl, and Isaac learning Chinese.
From our family to yours, as the year flies from sight,
Happy Christmas to all!
And hold your loved ones tight!
