Merry Christmas Family and Friends!

As I sit down to type this greeting, I am in awe of the season. Even though all our Christmas parties and gatherings with friends have been mostly canceled, I can't help feel the joy of the season because of what I see outside my window. Parrish, Rob and Lucy (our 10 year old black lab) are outside somewhere sliding down hills and throwing snowballs. I'm here at home while Sabrina takes her nap. Can't wait to join them.

This snow reminds me of Christmastime in Colorado during my childhood. There's just a peace and nostalgia there for me that makes me feel at home. We live on a steep hill which has enticed many kids and adults to sled down this past week. This makes it nice and slick so we have to chain-up just to get out onto our street. However, Rob had a thrill ride one morning when he didn't chain-up and slid down the hill sideways and took out the neighbors mailbox. Good thing they're out of town. Maybe he can get it fixed before they come home.

Our kids:
Parrish has grown into a size 6 already and spends her time teasing her father and showing her little sister how to take things out of peoples' hands. Occasionally she will try to physically pick her up (even though mom says no). But she loves her sister and fortunately they stay in good company with each other. Parrish LOVES kindergarten, but not as much as riding the bus. Playing with friends and pretend play with her ponyville figures are the latest craze. Although we've brought out all Parrish's old toys for Sabrina to play with, she has taken another liking to weebles. After begging mom many times, she finally got to take some dance and swim lessons this past summer. She continued the swim lessons through the Fall and will hopefully pick it up again in the Spring.

Sabrina has learned to hold her own with big sis around. She also has many conversations with us in which we try hard to understand her language. She knows just enough words to get by and keep us all entertained. She extremely affectionate and loves to give bear hugs....the baby version....big squeeze around the neck. I think I could handle that all day long. She has also become quite the fish in water. Mom and Sabrina joined Parrish in the pool last Fall for a class at the same time. Sabrina loves it. Both girls are perma-grin for a straight hour on swim class day.

Rob turned 40 this year. He wants me to tell you all he has managed to stay vibrant and devastatingly handsome. ;) I think he's been watching too many Frank Caliendo impersonations which has distorted his mind. But we love him anyway because he stays employed and helps fund our activities.

Heidi finished up another contract at Xerox this year. Her last day was just in time for the holidays. She has no idea when she'll pick up employment again (working part time is still the goal), but is excited to put in more time volunteering at Parrish's school and hopefully getting the girls out to the ski slopes in 2009.

Our travels this year led us to Montana, Hawaii, Colorado and many wonderful trips to the coast. We will be looking forward to a trip to Mexico (Ixtapa area) this June and hopefully something special for our 10th anniversary in July.

May you enjoy this season with all the warmth and comfort that the holidays bring!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Love The Noce's

Check out what we were up to later on tonight! It's not very often you can ski right from your front porch!