Christmas Letter 2015

Merry Christmas!

We hope you and your families are in good health and spirits this Christmas season.

2015 was a busy year for our family. It mostly consisted of us keeping up with our twin daughters and adjusting to life as a family of five!

 

(as you are looking through photos- Anna has the white flower and Brynn has the pink flower)

Anna and Brynn have been the biggest blessings in our life and they truly bring us joy each and every day.  They have been growing fast and we enjoyed celebrating their first birthday on September 10^th with a family birthday party. As much as I did not encourage it, they were early walkers and haven’t stopped a minute since. Although raising twin babies has its many challenges, I am always in awe of their special relationship and how they love on (and annoy!) each other when interacting daily. They have forever changed our family and we are thankful for their happy spirits!

Michael had a big year with starting kindergarten this fall. He loves his teacher and has made lots of new friends. He is forever telling us stories, making up adventures, and drawing pictures from his imagination. He loves legos, minecraft, and being a good helper in our family. He has been taking ice skating lessons this fall and we are looking forward to a winter full of practicing our hockey moves!

 

Scott is still at State Farm in Johnston. Business is good and he enjoys maintain and forming new relationships with his customers. I went back to school in January after my maternity leave and been going nonstop ever since! I had my largest group ever of 5^th graders start band this fall and am hopeful it is a positive trend that continues. We are both thankful for fulfilling and meaningful employment.

While traveling has become a bit trickier this year, we did manage a weekend trip to Kansas City for a family wedding, a trip back home for the Woodbury County Fair, an overnight to Adventureland Park, and our annual visit to the State Fair (where the girls won “Most Alike” in the one and under category in the twins contest!).  I resumed playing my flute in the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble after last year’s leave and Scott continues to play in his men’s hockey league. Thanks to my sister’s generosity with her time watching the girls, we were able to take the boat out several times this summer and enjoyed some nice mid-week breaks on the water.

 

Brynn

Anna

We are looking forward to spending Christmas in Muscatine with Scott’s family after a busy December filled with our own family traditions and holiday concerts. We are looking forward to a fresh new year that includes a weeklong trip to Florida with Scott’s parents, which will include a few days at Walt Disney World as well as visiting the beach, Legoland, and Seaworld! We can’t wait!

 

Although Christmas time is a joyous season that gives us time to spend time with our families, we always find time to remember our sweet angel, Trace, and other family members who left this earth too soon. In our brightest and darkest hours we cling to the hope that we will all be reunited one day.

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Luke 2:10-12

Wishing you peace this Christmas season,     

Rose, Scott, Michael, Anna & Brynn

 

Brynn, Anna

All photos taken by Mandy at April and August Photos! Follow her on instagram!