A Quick Look

In 2011:

John: Graduated college with a degree - Summa Cum Laude - in Mechanical Engineering, got a raise, turned 29, built a set of bunk beds for the boys, and signed up to take the much-anticipated engineering test in the Spring of 2012.

Carrie: Quit her retail job to stay home with the kids, completed a year of being the rep for Nathan's preschool class and a spot on the school council, put on a bridal shower for her sister-in-law (with the help of another sister-in-law), and signed up to go back to school to get her certification in Library and Media Assisting.

Aiden: Graduated from preschool, started kindergarten, tested at a 3rd grade reading level, learned to play chess, and started a savings account for an iPad.

Nathan: Completed a year of preschool, began showing quite the talent for math, got his first cavity filled (and did an AWESOME job!), and had his first sleepover at a friend's house.

As a family: Marked one year in our purchased house, took part in Laura and Kevin's wedding, visited family by taking a road trip to Idaho, John and Carrie celebrated a 6 year wedding anniversary, spent many a Wednesday morning taking advantage of the $1 movies at the local theater, and discovered a family love of cooking and baking.  There was lots of studying and lots of working, so there wasn't a bunch of huge events to share.  But we took every opportunity to visit the zoo, OMSI, locals parks, and friends' houses as possible.

As next year comes, we're looking forward to:
Carrie taking PCC classes, Aiden starting karate classes, Nathan taking dance classes, John making more furniture (and turning 30!), and hopefully taking another family trip to Disneyland later in the year.

We wish you all a very happy New Year!