Merry Christmas

Here is a little belated Christmas update from our family! We hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas!

Dear Family and Friends,

2012 has been a busy year with many exciting changes for our family! 

The highlight of year was the arrival of Elliot Lincoln to our family in early May; Cinco de Mayo to be exact. He surprised us all by weighing in at a whopping 9 pounds, 6 ½ ounces! At 7 months old, he has delighted us by his sweet and mellow temperament. We comment often at what a kind and pleasant little guy he is. He has his two bottom teeth and is rolling around, sitting up, and beginning to babble “dadadada.” We love him so much and the wonderful spirit he brings to our home. 

Charlotte is now 2 years old and is a toddler in every sense of the word. She talks non-stop when we are at home, but in public is very reserved. She absolutely loves her little brother and mimics us by calling him “son” and “buddy.” She mostly refers to him as “Emmy” although she is starting to transition to calling him “Ellllliot.” Charlotte loves playing with her baby dolls and it is very sweet to watch her in action--especially hearing her talking to them in her special “baby voice.” Her imagination is really starting to blossom and it is so fun to watch her pretending. Charlotte can count to 10, sing her ABC’s as well as many other Primary songs which she sings multiple times a day. Some of her cute sayings include: 

“Heavy girl!” --referring to herself when she picks up something heavy, instead of “strong girl” 

“Upchairs and downchairs” --upstairs and downstairs 

“Charlotte do herself!” --I can do it myself. 

“So cute!” or “Super cute!” 

“Too dark!” --if the lights are off 

Mitch finished up a second year working as the morning meteorologist for KTUU and then was blessed to land a job with the National Weather Service in their Aviation department, which he started the beginning of October. That same month we also moved to a bigger place. The joke, now, is that all big changes happen for us in October since in 2010 we also moved and switched jobs (as well as had Charlotte!). In our previous ward, Mitch had been serving as first counselor in the bishopric, but was released with our move out of the ward. We were surprised and excited as Mitch was then called to be the Branch President of the small Spanish Branch here in Anchorage. The members have been very welcoming and Mitch is thrilled to be serving amongst his Hispanic friends. 

Natalie is staying busy keeping up with the kids and trying to maintain some semblance of order/sanity around the house. Although things can sometimes be crazy, at the end of the day she absolutely loves being able to be at home with such wonderful kids. In her spare time, she tries to squeeze in some baking, small crafting and decorating projects, the occasional blogging, and trying to learn some Spanish (while regretting not paying more attention in high school!). 

We send our warmest wishes for a joyful and blessed Christmas season! We love this time of year and our hearts are filled with gratitude for the birth, life, and ever-constant love of our Savior Jesus Christ. May His love and warmest blessings be with you throughout the new year. 

Love, 

Mitch, Natalie, Charlotte and Elliot