Christmas Letter 2011

December 2011

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope you had a great year!! We have been busy, but we have had a wonderful 2011.

Shawnie was recently released as a councilor in the Primary Presidency and is now an Activity Days Leader in charge of helping the children obtain their Faith in God awards. This past year she has enjoyed the  opportunity to fit in some sewing between the children's activities.

Kyle was called to be the Ward Employment Specialist and is also teaching Sunday School to the 14 and 15 year-olds in the Ward. Kyle's big home improvement project this year was to remodel our hall bathroom in September.

Brittany is now twelve years old. She is in the 7th grade at Brooks Wester Middle School where she participates in Pre-AP (Advanced Placement) classes, the school's Concert Choir, and was among the largest group of students in the school's history to try out for the All Region Choir. While she was not chosen to sing with the choir, she learned a lot and she hopes to make it next year. Brittany also joined the Young Women's program this year where she currently serves as the Beehive Class Secretary and loved Girls Camp. Brittany is a great help around the house and has begun baby-sitting for Mom and Dad (whoohoo!).

Megan is ten and is in the 4th grade at J.L. Boren Elementary. Megan is a very inquisitive student and has stepped up to the challenges of 4th grade. We were excited this fall to watch Megan use her physical talents as she played soccer again with her team, “Super Stars.” It was awesome to watch her work ethic on the field  and her desire to assist her team mates to succeed. Megan has also joined Brittany and Kyle to sing in the Ward Choir.

Joshua is eight and is enjoying 2nd grade, also at J.L. Boren Elementary. Joshua chose to be baptized this year and also joined Cub Scouts. His first week happened to be the Pinewood Derby! Josh also played soccer this fall and was picked from the draft to play with the Mansfield Venom. He learned a lot from a very good coach. We were excited to see his growth.

Paul is five and loving Kindergarten, also at J.L. Boren Elementary. He is a friend to many. We watch as he always seems to have a new good friend to lift and have fun with. Paul also played soccer this fall. It was a joy to watch his team, Lightning, grow from running around aimlessly to a well-oiled team of Kindergarteners! Paul loves to ride his new bike and playing with his siblings.

Erica will be four this December. She loves helping Shawnie at home, especially cooking and playing with her little sister, Lydia. Erica took dance lessons this fall. If you can convince her that she really took the class, she might even dance for you. Whether she acknowledges it or not, she really does enjoy dancing!

Lydia is 18 months old and is our friend maker. Wherever she goes, she loves to look at people until they acknowledge her. Recently, she learned how to say hi, and will say 'hi' to complete strangers. She definitely knows how to lighten up someone's day. At home she loves giving hugs and kisses.

As for the coming year, we look forward to the addition of our seventh child in June 2012! We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Love,

The Kyle and Shawnie Leonard Family

**Thanks to Brittany for writing the letter this year.

Brittany (12)

Megan (10)

Joshua (8)

Paul (5)

Erica (3, almost 4)

Lydia (18mos)