PS...the colors look weird on the blog...
2010 has been a wonderful year for our family with lots of changes! We are excited to be living back in the U.S.A. for Christmas this year, but we miss Zurich dearly. We’ve had a lot of people ask, “how’s life now that you don’t travel as much – boring?” or “what do you miss most about Switzerland?” We miss the quieter, non-commercial, simpler days. We miss seeing Tally more, and of course, traveling together, we miss our friends who became our family away from home. We miss our view of Lake Zurich. And yes, I even miss speaking German. I also miss my almost daily dance with my camera.
With that said, we are loving living in Salt Lake. One of our biggest milestones this year was buying our first house! It was exciting, scary, and thrilling, all at once. When we came to Utah in March, we had to start over: Cars, furniture, décor, yard tools, etc. It’s given us a fresh perspective and a new appreciation for homeowners.
Life is far from boring, we have a lot going on! Tal is getting his Masters in Business from Carnegie Mellon via satellite at Goldman Sachs. He oversees a team at GS that covers Europe so he’s at work by 5am! Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean he comes home early. He does homework, takes tests, and studies the nights that he doesn’t have school. He’s also the 2nd counselor in the Elder’s Quorum at church. Earlier this year, he competed in the Olympic distance at the Jordanelle Triathlon. He did great and even carried Kelsey across the finish line! In February, he climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro AND was diagnosed with skin cancer. He has a big scar running the length of his bicep and has to get it checked regularly but it makes him look tough.
Between playgroups, errands and activities the kids and I are always usually running everywhere together. I love the stage of life my kids are in. Some days we walk to the grocery store or have friends over and others it seems we’re in the car all day long. I became the Relief Society Secretary at church, which keeps me busy but is a good way to get to know our new neighbors.
Kelsey LOVES taking dance and gymnastics. She’ll dance around the kitchen at dinnertime, showing us her new moves. At 3, she’s quite the fashionista and we have many conversations in the morning about what matches and what doesn’t. She’s becoming quite the bossy bee. She’ll become a sunbeam at church in the New Year and start pre-preschool! She’s very excited and can sing, “Jesus wants me for a Sunbeam.” My favorite recent funny thing she said was, “Mom, you can’t wear those shoes to the gym!” She was right, I’d gotten all the way to the gym in my Crocs.
Aiden is notorious for having a bruise or scratch at all times on his face. Our adventurous, fearless little almost 18-month-old is a magnet for falling objects, wreckless toddlers, and wall corners. Somehow, he manages to learn new words although his favorite phrase is “GO COUGARS.” He is very loving and when he smiles, it makes the whole world brighter (which is often). He’s such a happy little guy. He’s a bit small for his age so it’s funny when he starts talking. The other day at breakfast he said, “MOM! Inna more baater (I want more water).” I just laughed. Seriously?
Most of all, we’ve learned this year to trust in our Savior. He is our light that guides us through the unknowns of life. May He continue to bless all of us this coming year as we remember to put him first. May your holidays be bright!
With love and best wishes,
Tally, Jessie, Kelsey & Aiden
I just got these in the mail today so if you don't get one by next week and you want one, PLEASE email me!
Thanks to my cousin, Tiffany for taking this great shot of us!
Here's the card I made for my parents to send out:
Kelda Adams took it, she's so great. Check her out here.
Here's the card I made for my parents to send out:
Kelda Adams took it, she's so great. Check her out here.
