Merry Christmas 2011

Merry Christmas from the Walkers

We’ve had a great year full of fun visits from family and a trip to Disneyland and the Gollaher Family Cabin in Utah.  After these trips and all the crying, hitting and screaming in the car, we’ve decided that we need to start saving for a minivan so that the kids are not so smushed in together.  Phil and I read Dave Ramsey’s “Total Money Makeover” and are on our way to our minivan goal.  

At our Ugly Sweater Party this month

Phil’s busy at work in the Packing department for JCPenney.  Thanks for all the orders to jcp.com, but please stop them so he gets the day off for Christmas Eve!  Get your shopping done early!  Phil completed his Green Belt Project this year which was big and got to present it in Kansas.  He also did some training in Connecticut and did some sight seeing in New York while he was there.  He continues to teach Gospel Doctrine at church and is excited to teach Book of Mormon next year.  He was “Phil the landscaper” this summer as he put in new sod, cut down 7 trees with the help of friends, built a swing set and dug a lot of holes for sprinklers.  He was amazing!

This has been the year of books for me.  I made a goal to read 50 books this year, and have read 66.  We actually got rid of TV this summer and so I’ve had a lot of time to read at night after the kids go to bed.  I’ve done some home improvement projects this year redecorating Jared’s room and Kaylin’s room.  I’m still in Primary and loving it.  I also do a book club and have hosted a number of parties this year.

Kaylin (6) started first grade this year.  She loves her teacher and is doing great in reading.  I volunteer every other Friday and it’s been fun to see Kaylin with all of her friends at school.  She’s a great big sister and has fun playing with her brothers.

Zachary (4) is still doing preschool with 5 other kids.  The moms take turns teaching and he’s having fun with his little group.  He is slowly, but surely learning how to sit and pay attention and he is even doing a better job tracing letters.  It’ll be fun to have him start kindergarten next year.

 

Jared (2) has really grown up this year.  He has full on conversations with you (half of which we have no idea what he’s saying).  He is starting to get along better with Zachary and just loves hanging out with Kaylin.  He loves to sing songs and pretend he’s a dog.

We are looking forward to next year, especially our anniversary cruise this January.  We hope everyone is well and has a great Christmas and a happy new year.

Love,

Phil, Rebecca, Kaylin, Zachary and Jared Walker