Instead of sending Christmas letters with our pictures this year, we decided that we would just post it online. That makes for a lot less work for us! And it will also make Betsy blog a bit more than she has recently.
We have a wonderful, busy year. In February, Kipp and Betsy had the opportunity to go to California for a week for a camp conference and a few days of vacation. Thanks to Betsy's mom and sister for coming to watch all 5 of the kids, we were able to enjoy our time away and not worry about them! While in California we were able to go to the San Diego Zoo, do some whale watching, and sight see around San Diego.
A family vacation took all seven of us on a road trip to Texas. It was a long car ride, but what fun was had! We enjoyed time at a water park, a tiger sanctuary, saw the Dallas Cowboys' stadium, some historical parks and more! While on vacation we celebrated Lindsay and Lucy's first birthday. What a milestone to reach!
In April, Betsy headed to Watertown for her nephew's first birthday and left the men home to do some home improvement. Kipp, his brother Benn, and Drew replaced our emerald sea (carpet) with a beautiful new hickory hardwood floor. It is fantastic and we are loving this improvement!
Our summers are always busy with Camp Chetek and they go by so quickly, but we always manage to enjoy time at the lake, backyard fun, and the annual trip to Watertown. This summer brought about a new first for us. Our kids have been begging to go camping--tent camping. Kipp grew up camping, but Betsy is not really a camper and she wondered why we wait until we have two toddlers to try this out. But we packed up and headed out for a weekend excursion which was relaxing and enjoyable. It was great to be away with just our family. We enjoyed hiking and saw some amazing waterfalls in northern Wisconsin.
It's hard to believe that September brought about our son's last year at the elementary school. Drew turned 10 this year and is in the 5th grade. He was able to participate in the hunting seasons and killed his first duck and 2 geese. He also enjoyed going deer hunting with the guys and hopes that next year he'll get a deer! Kate began 2nd grade and is an eager learner. She can often be found on her bed or the couch reading a book to herself or any of her sisters! Ella is doing Kindergarten at home with Mom, but has the opportunity to attend school for specials--gym, art, and music--each day. Lindsay and Lucy, nearly 21 months old, keep Betsy busy with all kinds of wonderful and inventive antics! She's glad to have one helper at home still to keep an eye on these girls!
Kipp remains at Camp Chetek as the Facilities Manager. He has been busy this fall remodeling the camp house for the new staff family to move into. Betsy is thankful that she can still stay home with the children. Kipp and Betsy have the opportunity to lead the Wednesday night kids program at church and have been busy preparing for the Christmas program. Praise the Lord that the kids have done a wonderful job! Betsy enjoys being able to tell the weekly missionary story there.
We trust that this letter finds you well and that you are preparing your hearts for Christmas. We are so thankful for our Savior who came as a baby so that He might become our risen King. Without Christ there would be no CHRISTmas and so it is that we wish each one of you a very Merry Christmas.
With love to you,
Kipp, Betsy, Drew, Kate, Ella, Lindsay, & Lucy
p.s. The pictures will soon be on their way!
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