Happy Holidays to our family and friends! It feels like I just finished last years letter, and yet a year has already come and gone! As we think back over the last year, blessed is the word that keeps coming to mind.
Payton turned ONE at the beginning of March. She is such a FUN little girl. She is so snuggly, happy, easy-going (for the most part), and a great sleeper. She is pretty sensitive (I don’t know where she got THAT from) and listens really well. When she’s not “talking,” eating, or laughing, she is generally seen with her two fingers in her mouth and holding onto her favorite blanket. She LOVES her big brother, loves to dance, and loves to take care of her babies! She brings such a sweet presence to our family.
Our summer was filled with adventure, family time, and fun. We headed to Texas at the end of May and enjoyed some much needed time with Maggie and Peepaw at the Lakehouse. Preston wanted nothing more than to fish all day and night and go for the occasional jet ski or boat ride. We were also able to take Preston to Uncle Gene’s “farm” for the night where he held baby goats, chased chickens, looked at cows, and did more fishing. Preston was in his element and has talked about Uncle Gene’s farm many times!
At the end of our trip to Texas, we made a six day stop off in California and went to Disneyland! Maggie and Peepaw met us there for a few days and Jen’s sister-in-law and kids were able to join us for a day. Disneyland was SO MUCH FUN! It was definitely a highlight of our year. Preston and Payton were fearless and enjoyed every part of our trip from the rides, the characters, the food, the shows, the cousin time, the “extras” bought for them, and the special time with Maggie and Peepaw! It was a trip for the memory books for sure!
This summer also brought about lots of camping and fishing with family and friends, along with a lot of hard work! Darron worked incredibly hard to redo our backyard. He built fences, cut down trees, moved sheds, made decks, and turned dirt into beautiful grass! We now have a beautiful, relaxing backyard with a hot tub, hammock, fire pit, and play fort. We spent many nights out back as a family and loved every minute of it (minus the mosquitoes)!
As Fall came, the start of another school year began for Jen who is still teaching part-time in a 5th grade classroom. Preston and Payton are still enjoying time with cousins and even Grandma one day a week! Darron took the plunge to complete his Master’s degree in October. We are very proud of him!
Preston is turning FOUR years old at the end of this month. I can’t believe he is already so big! He is still my sweet little boy (although I was wondering who snatched his sweetness for about a four month period!) and we have so much fun with him. He is very smart and verbal, and headstrong and “right”! He LOVES Payton and time with his cousin (might as well be brother) Max. Preston played soccer for the first time this summer and really enjoyed it. He wants to play again. He loves Sunday School class and is looking forward to starting Preschool next year. He’s still a momma’s boy, but he only snuggles when he wants too. He adds great joy, laughter, and happiness to our family!
To add to our joy and blessings this year, we just found out not long ago that Baby Number Three is on the way and due at the end of June!J
As another year ends, we are so thankful for so many things: a beautiful house, two great jobs, supportive and loving families, an incredible network of close friends near and far, an awesome church home and family that we love being involved in, health, and most importantly, our God. We hope this letter finds each of you happy and healthy and finding peace in the one that matters most! Take time to remember “the reason for the season” and let us know how you are doing! Check out our family blog when you have time at www.rizerfamily.blogspot.com and Happy Holidays!
We love you all,
Darron, Jenny, Preston, and Payton
No comments:
Post a Comment