Philly!

We just got back from a short trip to Philadelphia. We were there primarily to visit the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) where Abby had a checkup for her heart. We were excited to learn that her Cardiologist from Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake recently relocated to CHOP as the Chief of Cardiology. Since Philadelphia is only a few hours away we thought it worth the trip to see him. He seemed genuinely pleased to see us (a taste of home) and as I mentioned, we were thrilled to see him.

Abby is doing very well and her checkup was terrific. We have known for some time that Abby will need at least one more heart surgery at some point and it looks like it won't be any time soon. In fact, the doctor told us it might be as long as 5 years. Regardless, we like the word "years" in that it means it isn't imminent. The best part is that Abby was well enough to even be cleared to ride a roller coaster now and then. Very cool.

Since we were going to be in Philadelphia anyway, we thought we would make a quick trip to see Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. You can see pictures by clicking here. It was a very nice trip and we had a good time. I even got to have an authentic Philly Cheese Steak that I bought from a street vendor (okay, stop rolling your eyes)!

Independence Hall is where the Declaration of Independence was signed. Even though there are SO MANY people that go through the place on tours and such, it still has a hallowed feeling. It was neat to be able to see and experience it. The Liberty bell was kind of fun too. They have it set up across the street in a special building with a glass backdrop that kind of frames Independence Hall (where the bell was hung).

This was one of our most enjoyable trips so far. I think we picked a good time to go when the crowds weren't too big. The kids were unusually well behaved as well so it was a nice prelude to the Holidays.

~Wade

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

We always think of you at this time of year. We are doing well here in Newport News, Virginia but we certainly miss the snow and the snowmen, the sledding and the beautiful snow capped mountains and the frosted trees of Northern Utah. With the climate being so much warmer here in Newport News, it currently looks like what Utah
looks like at the end of October. We still have all the red oak leaves still coming down, and it was in the sixties yesterday. We will always be “Dreaming of a White Christmas” here.

We have now been in Virginia for a year, and are enjoying our adventure on the East Coast. The Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean are practically in our back yard, and we are experiencing all the area has to offer. So far this year, we have been to see a lot of neat things in many neat places including New York (NYC, Manhattan
Temple), Connecticut (Waterbury & Hartford), Rhode Island (Providence), Massachusetts (Boston, Plymouth, Temple), Pennsylvania (Gettysburg, Harrisburg), Florida (Jacksonville, St. Augustine), North Carolina (Raleigh), Washington D.C. (Temple) and many places here in Virginia including Jamestown, Yorktown, and Williamsburg. Though we miss everyone in Utah, we have been blessed with some wonderful experiences.

As for us, Wade is really enjoying his job as the Director of Academic Advising at Christopher Newport University. He has had to learn how to manage personnel, deal with politics and delegate. He is really gaining some valuable experience creating and implementing his own advising program. He is excited that this once in a life time opportunity has come to him. He teaches the 16 to 18 year olds in Sunday School and forever loves raising his doves.

Jenny has been busy with helping the children with all of their activities and getting people where they need to be. It is has become much more than a full time job as the years have gone by. With Maddie the only one at home now, she is enjoying her daytimes being a little less harried. However, she has kept busy as a counselor in the Relief Society and has enjoyed getting to know the sisters in the Ward. She still enjoys reading (especially Harry Potter), gardening (she just planted some bulbs!), and watching food network (Iron Chef!). She just had Wade put a Harry Potter Ring tone on her cell phone. Oh, Brother!

Abby, almost eleven, is doing great in school. She is involved in three school programs, Odyssey of the Mind, SAMS, and she helps host the Morning show on a television program for her school. She likes playing piano, attending FIGGS (Faith in GOD for Girls) in the ward, and doing arts and crafts. When not busy with all of those things, she reads as much as she can!

Sam, who turned eight and was baptized in Utah this year, is still funny and silly and always has us laughing. He is doing great in school and working hard to do his best work and it is really showing. He has put together a Lego club with two other boys in the ward that are now great friends. He also likes to play the piano and ride his bike every day.

Kate, six, is just as determined as ever. She is enjoying Kindergarten and is reading very well. New things often seem to come easily to Kate. When Jenny took Kate out to learn to ride a bike, she began riding up and down the street on only her second attempt! When Wade came home, he couldn’t believe she was riding all by herself so
soon. Kate is also learning to play the piano. She and a close friend have a “girls club” twice a month where they do crafts and cooking. She has really enjoyed that.

Maddie, who is three, is growing up so fast it is hard to keep up with her. This year, Maddie does “school” with Mom at home where she has almost learned all her numbers and letters. Hopefully, she will be able to attend a Pre-K program next fall and then will start all-day Kindergarten the following year. She loves to laugh and be silly much like Sam and she often says she really loves her “Sammo and Abby and Kate.” She can’t wait until they come home from school every day.

We love you all and wish you a very happy Christmas. We pray for the Lord’s blessings for each of you.