2011 Christmas Letter

As I started to list the events that occurred in 2011, I had nothing that predated April 19^th. So when I jokingly ask, “What did we do before Caleb was born?” I must really mean it!

April 19, 2011 was the day our lives changed and our hearts grew. Caleb Thomas was born a healthy 8lbs 7oz, 21 inches long. If you want to read his birth story and updates, he has a baby book blog: http://mark1-17.blogspot.com/

In a nutshell, he is the happiest baby with a smile for every one he meets. He has found his voice, loves to roll, and is quite proficient at sitting. He is a wonderful eater! We have given him multiple vegetables and he has yet to turn his head from any of them. Caleb also LOVES Woody! Caleb will get a little fussy and all we need to do is call Woody over and Caleb will smile. They are best pals and Woody is very patient with Caleb!

Josh was able to go on two weeklong trips up North. He went fishing and duck hunting. He had the best bird hunt of his life and came home exhausted and happy. All the way home he planned the hunts and trips Caleb and he would take some day.

Josh’s sister, Jessica, married her lifelong friend and love, Michael Rhodes this June. We enjoyed the day with family and Caleb was an easy-going baby through all the family and various schedules. He wore a tux onesieJ

Bri’s family celebrated their Century Farm this year with an open house at the farm. There were great family heirlooms, photographs, and stories told. Caleb had his first barn dance too! That same weekend, Caleb was baptized by Grandpa Gene.

We took two road trips this year. Caleb was a trooper for both. We spent a week in Colorado with Bri’s sister, Britta, and brother in law, Ryan. We stayed at a home near Crestone and the The Great Sand Dunes National Park. Amazing trip with more of beautiful Colorado! We also did a quick weekend in Ohio. We got to see the Miller Great Grandparents and Caleb’s baby cousins in Columbus. Then we traveled on to Dayton for Bri’s cousin’s wedding. Caleb enjoyed the photo booth and Electric Slide.

We are excited to celebrate Caleb’s first Christmas with family all around. We remember Grandma Norma Monson and other family who are no longer with us as we celebrate the birth of our Savior and count our blessings.