Wrapping up the year.

We have been very busy these past few weeks. Oh, what have you all missed? Cameron has missed almost as much as our blog readers because he is in the midst of 3 weeks of finals. Finals will finally be done on Tuesday. Hurray, this is the first year in a while that Cameron will not be hiding in a cave somewhere working on papers. He will actually get to celebrate or relax whatever his choice may be. OK going back. November was full of family and thankful recollections. Thankful to see all of our family, and then thankful to see them all go home. Thanksgiving we spent with all the LaDukes, minus Courtney and Jim, at Betina and Rob's abode. With eight couples, 9 children and one teenager. You can imagine the chaos. We had so much fun, and the food was excellent. This was my first Thanksgiving spent with the LaDukes and it was a great success. Callie loves to see all her cousins and we love how they wear her out. After Thanksgiving, Cameron set to work in his cave, studying for the dreaded finals. Sunday, after Thanksgiving, Papa and Sherri came for a quick visit. They brought their huge 40-50' RV and parked in our driveway for 3 days. With the Yukon in tow they are quite a ride. While they were here we mostly spent time looking at houses. Sherri kept saying I want to do something fun. We did end up going to the La Encantata, the "fancy mall," for a little fun. After my Dad and Sherri left for La Quinta, my mom and Ben headed toward Tucson for a RV trip of their own. They got stuck at a National park for a couple of days because the rain created a 30' wash separating them from the road. So we waited until Sunday to see them. They parked their RV in our driveway as well. Though they are not quite as long as my dad, they are just as impressive. I am sure all my neighbors thought so. We must be known as the Griswolds by now. I think one lady even asked my dad if they lived in their coach. Gigi and Ben brought Luke and Lily, the dogs. This visit was a great thrill to Callie, since all dogs are compared to the originals, Luke and Lily. Somewhere in there December crept into our lives. We have been fully decorated for Christmas since the day after Thanksgiving. Here are some pictures of our house. I have had some requests to see what our new home looks like. Other Christmas things we have done include: Callie and I went to the ward party, we attempted to make a ginger bread house, we made cookies, we listen, watch and dance to the Nutcracker daily, and we went to Mesa to watch a play about Cinderellas from around the globe. To this last one we got to go with cousin Maya who was a perfect little lady. Aunt Kristen, her three girls, Betina and Gage also came. I have been very busy with card orders. I had not planned on doing them this year, since I did not advertise. But, new customers ask and some old have returned. I can not turn down the opportunity to make some extra money. So, I have been very busy. This weekend we are going to the Zoo and celebrating Callie's birthday. Tuesday, Cameron finishes finals. Then, Wednesday I am hosting a couples cookie exchange/Christmas party. Then, the 21st, Alyssa gets married. My dad also comes that night and moves into our driveway again until Christmas Eve. After that maybe things will slow down for the new year.

We wish all of our friends and family a wonderful Christmas where ever you are. Since I can not afford gifts for all the ones I love may you all remember our greatest gift and have it in your hearts this season.

Most Royal, came of humble birth

to live for me upon this earth.

The greatest Gift came not from man,

but born to God in Bethlehem.

May your Christmas be filled with the love

of Heaven's Gift from above.

AEL 2006

Until next year. Love the LaDukes.