For those that we didn't get around to sending out a Christmas card to, I thought you might want to read the condensed version of the year 2011 at the Larsons. Here it is:
Dear Family & Friends, December 2011
Greetings from the Larsons! We hope all is going well for each of you and your families this Christmas season. This is such a joyous time of year as we reflect on the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ, and all of our many blessings. We’ve had some tough times in 2011, but overall our family has been very blessed—especially with the arrival of our baby.
Brayden Shawn arrived on November 3, 2011. Finally after 11 years, we’ve got another BOY! Brayden is an answer to our sincere prayers. He’s such a sweet spirit—a bit of Heaven on Earth. He was so excited to come to our family—always doing full body flips in the womb. At the last minute he turned breech, couldn’t be turned back down, and had to be delivered by c-section. It was later discovered that the cord was wrapped around his neck. He was having too much fun until he ran out of cord. He’s growing so fast and will be 7 weeks old for his first Christmas.
Kristen (3 yrs.) is feisty and full of spunk. Her vocabulary is big and she surprises us with what she says, both good and bad. Kristen has joined the “Big Sister” club and feels so big and important. She’s adjusting to her new baby brother, but needs a little reassurance that we love her just as much.
Rachelle (6yrs.) learned how to swim this summer & got to attend the Xtreme Summer activities with Kade & Marlyse. In the fall, she started Let’s Play Music (beginning music theory) and has fun practicing the bells and singing songs. She’s quite the little dancer & takes dance with Miss Beverly.
Marlyse (8 yrs.) is really growing up and was baptized in March. She is developing her artistic talents by dancing, singing, and playing piano. She enjoys Activity Days and has developed new friendships at school. Marlyse is a great “little mama” and even changes Brayden’s diapers!
Kade (11 yrs.) loves camping & fishing and caught more fish than his dad this summer! In the fall, he crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts. Kade gave up violin & orchestra and began playing the trumpet in the school band—a much better fit for him. He also takes piano lessons and is doing great. In his spare time he likes to read and perform science experiments. He is the proudest big brother & is so excited to finally have a little brother!
Michelynne just finished up her 3rd year as ward activity leader—providing fun filled memories for the ward. She has become quite the chauffer taking kids to all their activities. In her spare time she volunteers at the school. This year she took on several sewing projects including Marlyse’s baptism dress, a blouse for a friend, Rachelle’s Strawberry Shortcake costume, & Brayden’s blessing suit.
Don is busy in grad school—working toward his MBA at ASU. This year marked the end of Steele Larson Advisors and the beginning of Larson Financial Solutions when Don decided to go completely independent and start up his own business. He is still the ward clerk and has spent four years in that calling. It’s challenging to find time for everything, but somehow he finds the time.
Our family activity of the year was our trip to Yellowstone with the Larson family. We stayed three days in a nice cabin in Island Park, ID, just outside of Yellowstone. What a beautiful place! Having all the family there really made it special! On the way home we were able to visit with family in UT.
We hope all is going well with you and your families. Keep in touch with us on Facebook, by e-mail at dclarson@cox.net, check out our blog at livelaughlovelarsons@blogspot.com, or give us a call at (480)898-1537. We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year!
With Love From The Larsons,
Don, Michelynne, Kade, Marlyse, Rachelle, Kristen, & Brayden
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Santa Babies
Marlyse holding Brayden & Kade in back
Kristen and Rachelle in front |
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| Santa Brayden |
