Porter is now 4 and is a very easy-going, fun-loving kid. He’s very enthusiastic about everything he does and often lets out an involuntary “whoo-hoo” when doing things he likes; like jumping off the stairs, hitting or kicking a ball, or whacking a sibling with a light-saber!

 

Emma (7) has sprouted like a weed and put on some serious vertical this year. She loves crafts and is constantly drawing pictures and coloring. I think she keeps Crayola in business! She loves school and going to the bus each day with Eli. She thoroughly enjoys the “artistic” stuff she learns at school and has really improved with her reading skills. She also enjoys piano, dance, and swimming lessons.
 

Eli (10) has had a fun year being the “big brother” to Emma in elementary school. He’s about the friendliest kid around (his teacher sometimes wishes Eli was less friendly) and is just fun to be around. He has a mind like a steel-trap, memorizing minute details and facts from school lessons and educational TV shows; however, his steel-trap-mind gets distracted easily! This causes no-end of frustration for his parents and teachers alike. Eli has also excelled at piano and magic — just ask him and he can pull of several different magic tricks right before your eyes! I think Eli might be the best singer in the family too; the other day I overheard him singing Broadway-style in his room, “would you rather wish on a staaaar….” He has a great little voice – I was impressed!
 

Thane (13) looks like he might be our tall one. He looks like he’s been on the “rack” getting stretched out. He’s loving Jr. High school and, just like previous years, he doesn’t find many of his classes challenging. We are always asking what homework he has and his reply is always, “its already done.” He tried out for a percussion role with the school Jazz band and made it – so we’ve enjoyed seeing him perform in his concerts. He also got a drum set this year that has kept him busy practicing — thank goodness for basements!
 

Davis (15) is definitely a teenager — he’s a great kid and usually very happy-go-lucky (although there are the occasional “teenager” episodes where he isn’t so happy). He is VERY busy with a tough high school class load and his extra activities – the wrestling team and varsity ballroom dance. He puts in long days and he arrives early and comes home late just about every day. Even with his busy schedule he still gets almost perfect grades. Soon Davis will be driving… that makes us feel old! One highlight for Davis was a few weeks ago when he got to drive home from church (we hit a deer with our car and so we had a rental… so we figured he could practice with that car).
 

Natalie (29) is always busy! Between dance, piano, swimming, wrestling, band, and all the other activities the kids do she puts a lot of miles on the car. That $4+ gasoline was a killer; thankfully gas prices are much better now. Natalie now serves as the Relief Society President and that has kept her busy too. Even with all the demands on her time Natalie was able to arrange a very big SURPRISE birthday party for me (Paul) this summer – I turned 40 and Natalie managed to organize a HUGE party in total secrecy!
 

Paul (old). I am feeling my age but in an effort to “appear” youthful I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane for my 40th birthday (with Natalie’s encouragement). It was quite a rush for a guy who doesn’t like the “high dive” at the pool. 2008 had many business challenges but it was also filled with many wonderful family memories — especially from the four trips to Lake Powell and other trips to Moab, Zions (The Subway), Goblin Valley, Disneyland, and others. I was recently made the Scoutmaster in our ward and am looking forward to all the camping and other activities with the boys.