We have now been in Los Alamos, New Mexico for a full year. We’ve finally adjusted to the extreme elevation (7400 feet). Now that we’re getting the hang of things in Los Alamos, we’re looking to move on again. Brian is applying for university faculty positions for fall 2008 with the understanding that if the right job doesn’t come available that we’ll stay in Los Alamos for one more year and apply for positions again next year for fall 2009.On Dec. 7th, 2006 we welcomed Lucas into our family. After having him with us for a year now, we decided he’s definitely a keeper, despite his year long newborn sleeping habits. Lucas, or Lou-key as we call him, is starting to talk, saying “Da Da Da,” “Ma Ma Ma” (which means Mom and more food), and “Ba Ba Ba” (meaning ball, he loves balls especially throwing them). Lucas has six teeth now, crawls really fast, and is currently learning to walk (his record is 5 steps in a row, we think he just figures that crawling is much faster). We just had his 1 year old doctor’s visit and at 16.5 lbs, he’s in the 0.14% for weight, meaning over 99% of 1 year olds are heavier than him! You wouldn’t have guessed that if you watch him eat. He usually has two of every meal and meal time often lasts for an hour. In fact, much of the reason for waking up at night is that he wants to eat!
Big brother Travis, now 3 and a half, has adjusted to having to share toys. He’s very proud to tell people “that’s my baby brother.” Travis also tells people “my dada, he goes to work and eats suckers!” (Brian has suckers in his office for Travis when he comes to visit.) Travis is developing quite the vocabulary. He knows all kinds of trucks by name, knows each of Dad’s tools by name, and knows all the various train cars by name. Travis loves going to nursery at church (he’s often the ring leader of chaos there) and is also involved in a preschool class with 6 other girls his age. He’s learned a lot in preschool, one day he came home and pointed to Mom’s bridal picture and exclaimed “Mama, you’re a princess!” He also loves to sing the ABC’s the way the TV show “Super Why” does. He loves to read stories with Mom and Dad and still has his favorite 5 blankies.
Angela is working hard to keep up with these two active boys. She has a gym membership at the local YMCA and has been going in the mornings and trading babysitting with other moms so she can work out. Angela has been teaching piano lessons out of our home and now has 7 students. She just held a piano recital at our church building. Angela enjoys serving in the primary at church as the secretary. She especially enjoys teaching, and coming up with new ideas for sharing and singing time. Many of Angela’s days are spent outside with the boys playing in our big back yard , which now has a large trampoline!
Brian really enjoys his job and the people he works with, but he’s sure happy to get home to his beautiful wife and two kids who are always excited to greet Daddy. Brian is working hard at work trying to jump through all the necessary hoops to make himself the best candidate for his dream job as a physics professor. In January he and his coworkers have a cover photo article that will be published in Acoustics Today on his research called “Time Reversal.” At home, Brian is one of the boys and loves to play with his two pals. Brian also enjoys taking both boys out geocaching to find hidden treasures. One of Brian’s highlights this year was attending Game 3 of the baseball World Series in Denver and seeing his favorite team, the Boston Red Sox, win! He even caught a ball during batting practice.
We are thankful for the Gospel of our Savior, Jesus Christ. This is a wonderful time of year to reflect on our blessings and think of all the gifts that Heavenly Father has given to us. May this coming year be filled with grateful hearts, peace, and hope.
With Love,
Brian, Angela, Travis & Lucas
1 comment:
It was fun looking at your family, and your wife looks so familiar to me. I am sure you can understand my life with 2 crazy boys of your own. Have fun!
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