Our Christmas Letter 2008

If anyone missed it, here is the Christmas Letter we sent out this year. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas 2008

This year has been eventful. It started with a nice visit from my sister, Steph, and her husband, Matt and their two boys, Oscar and Aaron. They came just after Christmas last year. It was great. We went to the beach on the coldest day EVER! Then we ate Gator in New Orleans. It was a fun visit. Soon after that Zack has his tonsils and adenoids taken out. He recovered real quickly and since has been doing just fine and his breathing is so much better. In March we were able to go visit Valdosta, GA. That was where Adam was stationed first. That is where Ben was born. We met up with some old friends from there and had a wonderful day reminiscing about the time we all lived there. It was fun to show Ben where he was born and where we lived.

Ben finished the 1st grade this year. During the same week, Adam was at some training in Tampa, FL. Because his hotel was already paid for, I loaded up the kids and their movies and headphones in our van and drove the 7 hours down to meet him. We stayed with him a couple of nights and we were able to go to Busch Gardens for free because of the gratitude they have for military members. We also walked around Orlando and got a pin from the Hard Rock Cafe to add to my collection. We totally forgot to stop in at the HRC in Tampa. But that means we just have to go back there again, at least for a pin!

The kids probably will say that July was the best month of the year. We ended up 'adopting' a puppy. We named her Shasta. She was born on April 20th and was only 3 months old when we got her. We were at the Animal Shelter getting information on how to adopt a puppy. A man just happened to show up as we were leaving with 3 puppies to drop off. He finally convinced us to take one (for free) before he gave them to the shelter. The kids have been ecstatic ever since. It was a real shock for Adam when I called him at work and told him we had a dog and I needed to know what to do next.

Ben is now in the 2nd grade. He had several friends from 1st grade in his new class which made the transition more smooth. He loves to read and is enjoying his class. Zack started preschool and is absolutely loving his class. He can't wait to go to school each day. When we have a day off it really gets to him. He just wants to go to school and do his homework. He is definitely learning the sounds of the letters because every word he says he emphasizes the letters' beginning sound. He loves to sing his school songs and also the primary songs. He sings all day long as he is playing with his Hotwheels cars. McKayLeigh is now alone with me in the afternoons. She likes that arrangement a lot. We go grocery shopping together and she is a big helper. She has also decided she does not like naps anymore so I can only convince her every once in a while to lay down and rest. She is bright and looks up to her big brothers. She is learning her letter sounds right along with Zack.

I am now currently working in the Relief Society. I am the 2nd counselor and in charge of the activities. I am really loving it. I am able to use my creative and crafty expertise a lot more now. Also, this calling is forcing me to talk to more people and get to know them which is really hard for me to do. But the Lord is blessing me and helping me so much in my calling.
Ben turns 8 this month and he and all of us are excited for his baptism coming up. We are having it the first weekend in January. It's a big thing for the primary, too, in our ward. It's been a while since we've had a baptism here and everyone is excited, too.

Adam is moving right along with his schooling. It's not his favorite thing to do, but he does it anyway. About this time next year, he should be done with his Bachelor's Degree. Then he can apply for his commissioning and become an officer. Yeah! I will be so glad when he accomplishes that goal. Adam has also been showing off his carpentry skills. With the help of Lowes.com, we were able to design our deck together and then Adam and a few helpers built it. It looks so nice and I am so impressed with his work. He also joined the ranks of other family members and did some tiling in our bathrooms and laundry room. It sure looks so much better. We are very fortunate to have such a 'handy-man' around the house.

We are so grateful to be here in Florida. We love our area and the people we are meeting. We truly believe that no matter how much you try to plan your life and make your own choices, it really is the Lord putting you right where he wants you to be. Our family wishes you and your family the best this season and always.

Love, The Anderson's

Adam, Tennille, Ben, Zack and McKayLeigh