Happy Eyes

“Happy the eyes that can close.” --from Cry the Beloved Country

Sunday, December 24, 2006

Christmas Letter


For those of you I missed and who are interested, here is our Christmas letter...I can't figure out why it won't upload--none of the graphics and pictures are on it. Just the text. The pic above is one I included. We went to Arches Nat'l Park over Thanksgiving. Kind of dark but it works!


Merry Christmas from the Bells!

As I received my first Christmas card of the season today, I realized this really is my favorite time of year. I love the lights all over the neighborhood, cookies in the oven, carols playing, jingle bells on my door, cards that help keep in touch, more online shopping than usual…This is the first year Bode seems to really “get” Christmas. He’s been learning more about Baby Jesus and, of course, Santa Claus. He’s informed us that we need to get our tree and that he wants lights on our house too. He does seem a bit concerned about someone (Santa) actually coming into our house, though. He will be leaving him chicken nuggets, as opposed to cookies, this year. Good times. Here’s a quick year-in-review…


Doug: Thrilled to be in Colorado. Loves his new job and slick commute. Continues with home improvement projects; he just completed a beautiful built-in entertainment center. Has shot his 12-gauge more this year than he has shot par. Goals for 2007—learn to snowboard, have a rock-hard body for our trip to the beach in the fall


Ashlee: Starting to feel back to “normal” (what’s that?) after a year of transition. Love the mountains, snow and Wednesday mornings when Bode’s at school and I have a 2 ½ hour coffee date with friends. Drive our minivan A LOT (yes, we bought a minivan. Years ago we pinky swore we never would, but practicality won out). Heading back to work after the holidays before any valuable nursing skills I have are lost forever. Goals for 2007—get my house in order, take up snowshoeing


Bode (almost 3): Oh, my goodness, how he’s changed! A baby no more. I think our move to Colorado and a new baby brother aged him quickly. Full of beans and opinions. Daddy’s little helper—handy with a drill, begs to wash dishes (we like ‘em well-rounded). Enjoys soccer, swinging and sliding, Maggie Moo’s, trains and trucks, “reading” his books. Can’t wait for Keegen to be old enough to chase him. Thankfully very sweet with said baby brother, even if he does tackle him on occasion. Goals for 2007—learn to say, “May I please have…” as opposed to “I want…,” learn to use the potty, that will be enough


Keegen (8 months): Doug’s mini-me, always ready with a smile, now with two front teeth. Loves to jump and rock, proficient in clapping, finger-sucking and zerbitzing. Enjoys a good peek-a-boo. Goals for 2007—learn to pull up so he can see what’s happening on top of Bode’s train table, walk at some point (if these people will ever put me down), sleep through the night


It’s been a hectic yet happy year. We are grateful for the support of friends and family, both old and new, that helped us get through it all! We hope this letter finds you healthy and happy and enjoying the best this Season has to offer.

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