Instead of sending a big long summary letter/family report with our Christmas card, we thought we'd just use our blog...so here it is, the David family 2008 summary (for those who may be new to this blog, the best way to catch up is simply scroll down thru our past posts)...a few minutes into that and you'll feel like you're right here with us.......without the 15 hour flight! But for those that like the traditional end of year summary, here ya go:
Emma: Enjoying 1st grade, primary, losing her teeth, and especially gymnastics (click on video link for a demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPryG413OSk). Picked up roller blading recently. LOVES swimming, reading to Mom & Dad, and chocolate. She's our little daredevil. Jordan & Andie will ask her to try a scary thing out first (like jumping off a high waterfall, or even getting a shot at the doctor), and she almost always does.
Andie: Also enjoying 1st grade (in same class as Emma). There's no bad time to practice gymnastics for Andie. She'll do cartwheels EVERYWHERE. Click on this link for her gymnastics demo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-7kfY6PGk20 . She also loves singing, her and Emma break into spontaneous duets constantly. It's been a big year for loose teeth. She's probably missing half of them now. She loves to help cook dinner, and speaking of heat, she and Emma love it here because it's one place on earth actually hot enough for them. The school cranks the A/C so much at they wear sweatshirts in class, but outside is just right.
Jordan: He's got 4th grade all under control. When he's not in school, he's usually outside on his skateboard, bike, razor scooter, or in the water anytime he can. We're waitin for gills to sprout on this kid anyday. He loves swimming, snorkeling, and in July when he turns 10 he's really lookin forward to getting SCUBA certified so he can dive with Dad. He loves his guitar, drawing, and playing XBOX. The highlight of his year however, was his 2 minute stint as the lead singer of the rock band Smashmouth (scroll down this blog a couple entries for all the details) but here's the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GKLjZKeIY9w
Michelle: She likes long walks on the beach looking for the kids, followed by cleaning a van full of sand. She also enjoys getting caught in the rain... which happens often here, usually in the grocery store parking lot or getting the mail. When not sipping pina coladas, she's busy working with special needs kids at the elementary school and doing the Mom thing. It hasn't all been work though; she had the vacation of her life in October when she spent a ladies only week in Bali with 2 of her friends here. Scroll down to the next entry for all those details. She and James also celebrated their 10th anniversary this last August.
James: Enjoying his work at the branch clinic here on base, which feels like a small town practice because everyone on base goes there. He also loves exploring the island with the family, including the waterfalls, hikes, and of course the ocean. He was thrilled to get SCUBA certified a few months back, and looks forward to going with Jordan this summer. He's also had fun working with the young men/scouts in his church...rock climbing isn't as easy as it used to be!
Coincidently, he also celebrated his 10th anniversary this year!
Before we conclude, here are a few recent pictures for your viewing enjoyment:
Taking "rockin around the Christmas tree" to a whole new level! The girls w/friend Tori.
Jordan got this cool remote control helicopet/hover thing. He loves it.....
Daisy doesn't. It freaked the cats out bigtime.
Shell with Santa's elf.
A couple days before Christmas we went to Inarajan pools, which are seperated by theocean by those rocks you can see in the distance. Here Andie's jumpin off the platform.
Emma takes a turn....
One of those perplexing perspective pics. Is Jodan diving off the platform or doing a handstand on the grass???? Quite a mystery......
Mystery solved
Jordan and Andie
Emma takes a turn....
One of those perplexing perspective pics. Is Jodan diving off the platform or doing a handstand on the grass???? Quite a mystery......
Mystery solved
Jordan and AndieWell, that's the scoop. We've had a great year and a wonderful Christmas. We are so grateful for all of you, our family & friends back home, and for our savior and his gospel. We truly feel blessed and look forward to all the adventures 2009 will bring. We'd love to hear from you too. Our email is jmdavidfamily@gmail.com Merry Christmas and happy 2009!
Love,
The Davids
