Christmas 2009

Hello Friends and Family,

We hope this letter finds you healthy and happy! Our family is doing well and has had a busy, but happy year.

Jeff is still working as an administrator at North Suburban Medical Center in Denver. He loves his job and the people he works with. He officially graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Master of Health Administration in May, although we’ve been away from Virginia for over a year and a half now. Jeff was able to take an amazing guided fly-fishing trip on the Green River this summer. In his words, “it was epic.”

Anna is now three and a half and has a very active imagination. She is most often found reading books, playing with stuffed animals or “doing projects.” She has quite the quirky personality and always has us laughing with her facial expressions and phrases she comes up with. We are smitten with her.

Isaac is turning into a little boy. At 15 months, my baby is quickly disappearing. He spends most of his time pushing trucks around and throwing balls. After gaining 25 pounds the first six months of life, Isaac has slowed down. He is thinning quickly and our rolly polly boy is becoming a thing of the past.

I am, as always, busy chasing the kids around. This summer was especially full as I was able to visit friends in Virginia, run the Bolder Boulder 10k, host visitors, and spend time with family at my brother’s wedding. I also tackled reading Gone With the Wind. It was wonderful and has secured its place in my top five favorite books.

At this time of year we are reminded of all our blessings and want you to know that we count you among them. Best wishes to you and your family in the coming year.

Love,
The Sollis Family

(Christmas Card/Letter 2009)

Christmas Eve Eve

When Jeff and I were first married we were a little overwhelmed with the combined family events that made up Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. To make sure we had a little holiday time for just us we booked a hotel room the night before the festivities began. We had so much fun that we decided to do it every year. Thus began our Christmas Eve Eve tradition. (Granted, not the most "real-meaning-of-Christmas" tradition. We do have those too...)


We did really well the first four years we were married. And really, did we need much motivation to go stay in a nice hotel every year and exchange gifts? No. Not really.

Enter children. (Or child, as it were.) Enter school debt. Not the most practical of traditions for a burgeoning family. Jeff was particularly saddened when we decided to put the hotel tradition on hold.


This year, however, he was determined to find a way to make it work. After a little research Jeff found that in order to promote the local economy this season, Denver hotels were offering locals reduced rates at $52.80 a night. (Clever, right? Get it? Mile High City? 5280?) Combined with a gift card we had ourselves a room for just a few bucks.

It was wonderful! We swam tons and Jeff and I caught a couple Christmas movies on cable. (Such a luxury!) The kids had a blast, but slept really poorly. (We all did.) The next morning we had an almost lovely brunch at Mimi's Cafe. The food was delicious, but Anna and Isaac were so tired. Add the flat tire we found when we returned to the car, and I think we were all really to head home.

I'm so glad this tradition has been reinstated. The family time was irreplaceable. Not quite Grand America and Melting Pot like the old days, but I'll take it!

Steamy Hot Tub.

We spent most our time at the pool. Anna couldn't believe we let her swim at night AND in the morning.

Anna's perch on the steps of the pool and Issac relaxing with Dad. Still a bit of a roly poly isn't he?

Snacks in bed and our "Christmas Story" moment.

Denver Botanical Gardens

Jeff's work party was at the Botanical Gardens in downtown Denver a couple of weeks ago. (I wore purple tights and felt awesome about it.) But we didn't have time to view the amazing lights in the gardens. Plus it was a frigid 8 degrees outside. Luckily for us the weather grew warmer and we were able to make the garden light walk a family affair.

The kids were so excited.

The half melted ice castle and Isaac's shifty hat.

The best tree of all. Good thing I had my incredible camera to catch the magic. Bah!

Warming up inside.

What We've Been Up To

Preschool Christmas party with Dad.

Washing dishes.

Secret elf service. (Anna's service, Isaac's delight.)

Lots of playing.

Early morning reading sessions.

Truck research.

Brrrrmmmmm

This book is almost as good as a toy truck.

Instead of pushing the truck around and making car sounds, Isaac just opens the book up to the truck page and walks around making car sounds.

I sense an obsession forming...

Santa

Really bad pictures. Did I mention I need a new camera.

Anna was SO excited to see Santa. She practiced what she was going to say all day. But when she got on his lap she froze up and forgot to ask him for what she wanted. We reassured her that we could write Santa a letter.

Isaac was more interested in walking around. The boy has got it figured out and is not intimidated by his new found freedom. He was the life of the party and had most of the ward eating out of his hand. Or maybe the other way around. He got lots of free cookies from people.

Why does Jeff always make this face?

The full dimples. And some one's backside. Sorry about that Woodglen Ward member.

The Meal

Thanksgiving was pretty underwhelming this year. It was just us, so things were small and quiet.