Christmas 2015 Letter

Merry Christmas 2015 from the Llama Family!

~ Papa, Mama, Bear, and Bubbles ~

Have a very merry Christmas! Scatter gladness ev'rywhere! Sing the carols of the Christ child: Let your neighbors know you care. Have a most exciting Christmas! Ring a bell and trim a tree; Stuff a stocking for a loved one; Hang the holly joyously. Have a happy fam'ly Christmas! Gather all your loved ones near; Talk about the baby Jesus; Wrap your hearts in love this year.

 (Children's Songbook pg 51)

2015 was a year of activity. We played in the snow, jumped in mud puddles, went for walks, floated boats down streams, explored mountainsides, had campfire lunches, played at the park, went on adventures through the thrift stores, read lots of stories at story-time, discovered new libraries in the county, waded in rivers, had blanket tea parties, blew bubbles everywhere, and many other adventures that come with having young children.

Our sweet bear turned 5 in March and with it came all the hard decisions of what to do about school in the fall. Since we didn't live in town it was going to be a 10 hr day for our girl. We decided to enrolled in Connections Academy  instead which is public school at home. KB has a teacher online and I help her complete her lessons at home.

Bubbles took her first year of life to learn how to crawl, eat new foods, walk, run, babble, talk, sprout some teeth, and grow into every outfit we had. Our little Bubbles is very little... we kept hoping for a growth spurt and finally got one after her first birthday! The girl grew two inches in a month! She is still very petite, but growing more each day.

This year, the girls and I ended up doing some traveling. First trip was in May when we were able to go all over Oregon to see family and friends. Then again in December we made a short surprise visit to attend a wedding. Unfortunately Papa couldn't join us for our travels (work and all that). We sure missed having him with us. Traveling is nice, but being home with our family unit is what we love best.

In October we found a rental home that would work for us. We moved in November.  While we appreciated the sawmill life for being available for a time, we are very excited to have our own space once more. The yard is a huge bonus and makes KB's day every time she goes out.  Our mailing address will remain the same for now.

At the end of last year, we had made our health a priority. Combined we discarded 125+ lbs. Papa has taken another step and joined the local Crossfit gym. He works long hours at work and then makes it to the gym 3-4 nights a week.  I am so proud of him for all his hard work and dedication.

As we close out 2015, we are thankful for our family, friends, and most of all, our Savior! Singing carols of the Christ Child brings such joy and peace into our home. We wish you all a very Merry Christmas! Gather your loved ones near! Talk about the baby Jesus! God Bless!

Love, Papa, Mama, Bear, and Bubbles