Merry Christmas

Way. too. Long.

It's been months since I have updated this blog leaving it with quite the cliffhanger. I know many of you have been wondering...what happened to her camera?! Pins and needles I tell you! (Sorry about that!) But this story had a very happy ending. Insurance paid for a complete replacement (and quite quickly I might add) and I was back in business within the week! Phew. Big. Huge. SIGH OF RELIEF! =) Other then that - we have been very busy with many a good time. I just hope for a bit more time this new year so that I can document it all! Does life ever slow down?

I figured that Nate did such a great job writing our card from last year...that I would give him the opportunity to write it again this year! I feel a new tradition coming on... heh heh. So without further ado...here is our letter!

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Joy.

It is a small word with a big meaning. Joy is waking up late to the kids jumping on top of me (probably wouldn’t have said that in the pre-kids days). Joy is sharing a quiet moment with my wife. Joy is laughter. Joy is finding happiness in life’s little moments.

Our thoughtful little Bella started Kindergarten this year and absolutely loves it. Getting to read, write, add, subtract and socialize all day is her idea of a party! We still can’t believe how much she has learned - the first time she picked up a Dr. Seuss book and read it all by herself was awesome! She still loves ballet, performing in the Nutcracker, and she played her first season of soccer, scoring her team’s first goal of the year, though she spent almost as much time twirling and jumping as she did watching the ball.

Sophie is as energetic and independent as always. With her little wild streak she loves making everything into a competition and goes rogue on occasion, but always ends up smiling in the end. She loves laughing and with her infectious “he-he” laugh, everyone around her ends up laughing too. She loves gymnastics, singing, and art – her favorite subject in preschool. She loves an audience, always ready and willing to perform. Now if we could only get her to think her ABC’s were as much fun.

Stacie is still right at home in Lexington – its small town charm, the horse fields and barns, and the seasons. The scenery has definitely inspired many a beautiful photographs. Her photography business grew by leaps and bounds, keeping her very busy, but allowing her to express her talent and artistic ability. Her pictures really are amazing! The girls adore her – I don’t think they could have a better mom. She makes our house a home and I love her for it!

As for me, I’m staying busy in my Orthodontic residency program. I can finally say we are in the home stretch. Two more years to graduation and I think we are all excited! I’m happy to have all three of my girls to come home to and love spending as much time with them as possible – watching a UK or BYU game makes it even better.

We had a great year, because more than anything we had each other. Joy is family. Joy is love. Joy is knowing that Christ lived and died for us all. We send you our warmest wishes and hope you find many joyous moments throughout the new year!

Nate, Stacie, Bella and Sophie Hawley