Family Letters

As long as I can remember, my Dad's side of the family has always written letters at the end of the year, recapping the events that went on with each family member. We only see one another once a year, if that, so those letters were the only way to keep in touch with all the family (this of course being before Blogs and Facebook). I didn't really appreciate these letters, and even thought it was somewhat cheesy. Now that I'm a grownup (sorta), I've gained a real appreciation for these letters, and see them as valuable family history. I've kept them all for the last 15 years, and recently read through my Grandparents' letters. My Grandpa died nine years ago, and he was my only living Grandpa. It was nice to go back and read the letters they wrote together and remember him, even if just for a moment. My Grandma has always hand-written her letters, and as I read through them, I noticed her handwriting progressively deteriorate from year-to-year. This year, she turned 87, and it was the first year she's had to type her letter. Sad. Even though she is technically my 'Step-Grandmother', she has been the only Grandma in my life (both of my parents' Mothers died before I was born). As she, and all of my Aunts and Uncles age, I'm especially grateful for this tradition...even though they are still pretty cheesy ;)

So anyhoo, I brought this up because I thought I would post some of my letters from the past. I missed a year here and there...mostly when I was single, and really had nothing to write about. So without further ado, here is my letter for 2010:

Another year has quickly passed and we have no idea where it went! The kids get even busier with each passing year, which we didn’t think was possible! They are growing up so fast, and we are very proud of each of them.

Landon is ten years old and in the fourth grade. He loves school and does particularly well in math and science. He recently opened a store for his Economics Unit, and decided to sell origami; he now considers himself an origami expert. He also joined the Chess Club at school and recently competed in his first tournament. Additionally, this year he started taking piano lessons and is progressing really quickly. He still loves scouts and is currently a Webelos. He got to march in our city’s parade, and hold the flag to celebrate the 100^th year of scouts. He took first place in the Pinewood Derby this year and said it was “the best thing that’s ever happened to him in his ENTIRE life”.

Emma is seven years old and in the second grade. She loves school and excels at reading and spelling. She is also in the Chess Club and takes piano lessons. Her true passion is dancing. She is currently in ballet, hip-hop, and jazz. She has such a natural talent for dance, which she certainly did not inherit from her parents. After only a few months, she was moved up from the Junior Team to the Senior Team, with girls that are 2-3 years older than her.

Olivia is three years old. Over the summer, we enrolled her in gymnastics, and she was very excited to start her class. Unfortunately, just a week before class started, she broke her collarbone, and was unable to attend. In September, she started preschool and absolutely loves it. She comes home and sings all of the songs she learned that day…over and over and over. She is now able to read and spell most three-letter words, and can write her name really well. She is our constant entertainment and is so much fun!

Ruger is the latest addition to our family. He is a 6-year old Chocolate Lab. We were fortunate to have inherited him from a family member that had him professionally trained, and raised him with twin girls, so he’s great with kids. Our family is over the moon to finally have a dog.

Melanie keeps super busy as a stay-at-home Mom (see all of the above).  In addition to being a professional chauffer, she is currently the Webelos Leader for Landon’s scout pack. Also, in September, she went on her yearly ‘Girls Cruise’ to the Bahamas, expecting some well-deserved relaxation time.  However, the next day, the mountain behind our home caught on fire and Jeremy and the kids were unexpectedly evacuated. After 48 hours, they returned to find out the fire was a mere 20 yards from our property line. It was such an emotional time, and although several of our neighbors lost their homes, we were so grateful that our family was safe.

Jeremy continues to work hard, although he loves what he does so much, it’s hard to tell if it’s his job or his hobby. He still travels a lot for his business, but manages to fit in the occasional baseball game or Broadway play in between meetings. When he’s not working or spending time with his family, you will find him at a Utah football game.

                   We hope each of you had a great year, and wish you a Merry Christmas and a fantastic 2011!

             

                                                                                                      Love,  The Palmers