As 2009 is quickly becoming a memory I am blown away at how long ago 2008 seems. After all, it was just last year we moved to Las Vegas. Just last year our family was tested beyond our wildest imagination. Just last year we were a family of 4! Now, in 2009 we have seen much, done lots and grown by 1.
We were lucky to enjoy much company of loved ones this year and we ourselves were able to get out and travel some as well. In March we were fortunate to have Olivia’s “Wish” come true and we were sent on a vacation to Walt Disney World. It was so great to be there as a family and spend that time focusing on one another. We all had such a blast. (I thought it particularly nice to be on a trip with Bill where he didn’t have to be working. I know he enjoyed it too but was sad to not be able to calculate all the per diem!) In June Bill and I found ourselves without kids for a whole WEEK! We took some alone time at his Aunt Katherine’s condo in Jackson Hole, WY. What a fabulous place. We definitely will be returning… often! The kids enjoyed the break from us just as much, I’m sure. My two sisters and Dad made that end of it happen for us, and for that we are greatly appreciative. In July we packed the kids and the car, and drove up to the Oregon border to do our annual coastal redwoods camping. Bill stopped short in Redding as he couldn’t get the time off but the kids and I went and LOVED being with all of our family (and visiting with loved ones along the way). We are excited for next year and the prospect that Daddy will be joining us. Lastly, before our Christmas trip to Redding of course, October 3rd found us in San Diego for Bill’s cousin’s wedding. “Uncle Wyatt” married Brigid Shaw and threw a spectacular party. It was a great weekend trip and we were fortunate to be able to be a part of it.
Summer found a brave little three year old boy who was not in any way shape or form afraid of the water and who had to be saved from drowning several times. Who after each, very scary time said, “I did it!”. “Did what?” was my question. These same pool experiences found a determined little 5 year old girl proudly swimming without floaties, above water! The kids also discovered new modes of transportation. While Livi and Dad took on the challenge of two wheels on a bike, Aaron tried four wheels on a board. Both did very well and Livi even got to ride her bike to school a couple of times in the fall. Aaron amazes us with his ability to not get hurt, or at least complain about his injuries. His balance is decent but he’s not scared of anything. (He seems to do better with the scary things. ie. jumping off big “cliffs” into pools, or skateboarding down the driveway. The poor kid was absolutely traumatized when he couldn’t ride Splash Mountain.)
Olivia is still in remission and continues her chemotherapy but we finally hit a mark where we feel like we can start counting down. Seven more months!!! She’ll finish in July. She is doing so great. Since her surgery to clean up a cyst and remove her gallbladder in February there haven’t been any hiccups. Now she is simply able to enjoy the “fun” part of having been diagnosed with cancer. She has been able to attend several Candlelighter and Make a Wish functions. One of which she “modeled” for and had her picture used as advertisement in a local magazine. She is loving kindergarten and thanks to a fantastic teacher has begun her lifelong pursuit of good literature. Her real passion is in creating. She will have no less than 2 or 3 craft projects going at any one time. She’s full of spunk and drama and keeps us on track with all things spiritual. My favorite quote of hers, recently was, “Mom, I just feel like I always need to learn more about Jesus.” We just look at her in amazement and think, “Where does she get this stuff?” … she is keenly aware that she is a daughter of God and what that means.
Aaron is such a kick. He is so FUN! He does and says the funniest most random things and to him the world is better because of it. My world is definitely better because of him. He reminds me how to love and be tender. When he is caught sneaking into our bed he’ll say to me, in his small cute innocent voice, “But mom, I love you very much.” And when asked what his favorite part of “Home Alone” was he says, “When the grandpa sits with the little boy at the church.” Yes, this is my tender hearted Aaron. He is so aggressive, has one volume (loud), and can throw a tantrum at just about anything; but his feelings and how he lets them show are so sincere and often times bring tears to my eyes. He’s been attending pre-school for his speech and while the bus has been a challenge for him he loves his teacher and is always very excited to tell me how his day was. If we don’t ask him right away he’ll say, “Ask me how my day was.” This is after, of course Livi and him exchange bone crushing hugs, and he asks how her day was. He loves to meet new people and quickly makes them smile. While he keeps us on our toes, he is the heart of our family.
Annie came to be part of our family in early October. And while we never thought we’d be “those” people, we are in fact including our dog in our Christmas correspondence. She is an English Crème Golden Retriever and currently 4 ½ months old. She fills a very different place in each of our hearts. I never thought I could attach to a dog but after 4 short weeks I was in tears at having to leave her at the vets’ for a reaction she had to her shots. (Not many could relate, so I called my dad. He laughed.) The kids are happy to be around her and while she plays tenderly with Olivia, she grabs on to Aaron’s tushie and holds on tight while he runs through the house. Bill is her biggest challenge in wrestling and for me she is just right. The hair around the house takes constant care, and she can’t keep Aaron’s socks out of her mouth but for us she is great.
Bill is truly enjoying his job and the different assignments he is tasked with. It’s fun to see the excitement he feels as he talks about a case or the latest trip he’s been on.
As for me, it’s been a great year. I’ve really enjoyed cycling on the road with friends and getting to meet a lot of new people. I’m starting to learn what “has” to be done and what “needs” to be done and loving the outcome. With great friends and a fun church ward, Vegas living has been good to us this year.
For all of you who get the urge to visit, please do. And for those of you who have, come again soon! And still, for those of you who can’t stand the thought of the desert and its surrounding mountains, keep in touch on our blog: www.the4ellisons.blogspot.com, maybe the pictures will urge you to change your mind.
Love, the Ellisons
1 comment:
Love it, love it, love it. Got my "official" one in the mail on Monday!!
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