Williams Family Christmas Letter

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Williams Family ABC’s of 2008

A – “Are we there yet?” Kimball’s favorite phrase when he knows we will be in the car for more than an hour. The best time ever said was 30 minutes into a 7 hour drive to see family. Long ride.
B – Biathlon – no, not J.D., Gina! Who would have ever thought! Due to an inspiring and encouraging friend (love you Beth) and a very supportive husband, Gina trained all summer for her run–bike-run event in Oct. Now 12 lbs. lighter and feeling better than ever, she is looking forward to another Biathlon next year.
C – Camille Joy, our spirited, loving 4 yr. old continues to blossom and spread joy wherever she goes. She loves her pre-school class, is ecstatic about her dance class every week, and is becoming quite an artist. She is a sweet peacemaker in our home. Oh and her blond hair! It’s now down to her bottom! Our own Rapunzel.
D – DISNEYWORLD!! Our trip to the happiest place on earth was an amazing highlight of the year for our family. The rides (Big Thunder Mountain–10 times), the shows (Indian Jones stunt show!) eating with Disney princesses, Pooh Bear, and even Mickey himself – unforgettable fun. Magical in everyway.
E – Spending Easter this year with all the Christensen family in New York for a family reunion was non-stop fun. Having Gina’s parents stay with us for a week was a blessing for us and our children.
F – The Fall foliage in upstate New York continues to astound us. It is breathtaking just driving down the street. What beauty we have all around us from God.
G – Continually giving thanks for endless blessings from our Heavenly Father. So grateful for a knowledge of our Savior Jesus Christ and His eternal love and sacrifice for each one of us.
H – J.D. raced in two half Ironman triathlons – one in New York and one in Utah. One of his favorite moments was averaging over 22mph of the 56 mile bicycle leg of the Utah tri. Highlight: having all 3 oldest kids run with him through the finish line.
I – Experiencing the worst ice storm in our region in the past 20 years. Power our at our house for 20 hours (some friends had 4 days with no power), realizing quickly where to beef up on our emergency preparedness, totally in awe at the crystallized world all around us for 2 days. Breathtaking to see.
J – J.D. is enjoying brushing up on his scouting skills as he is now the Boy Scout leader for our ward troop. Going on the Dec. overnighter and experiencing 15 degrees was a great motivator in being even that much more prepared.
K – Kimball, our handsome, easy going 6 year old loves going to Kindergarten. His personality is full of fun, silliness, sensitivity and creativity. He loves going with his Dad to scouts, fishing (he caught a 2 lb. Bullhead catfish on the Mohawk River) building awesome looking flying machines, and reading books with mom. He is his mom’s “bestest helper.”
L – Even though we are a bit land locked here, we have 2 favorite lakes with “beaches”. Lake George and Grafton Lake were frequented by us as much as possible over the summer. Buckets, shovels, and a beach umbrella – musts!
M – Music! Gina continues to serve in church through her three music callings, one now being the stake choir director which she loves! The talent she works with is amazing. Oh how music tickles her heart.
N – Our visit to Niagara Falls was spectacular. Our kids loved the up close view on the Maid of the Mist boat ride which took us right up to the base of the falls. It is definitely a sight to see.
O – Oh baby, baby! Our little Kathleen, now 17 months, is delightful, darling and down right adorable. There is nothing like having a babe in your home who warms your heart daily with their baby chatter (“Tank u”), constant affection, and simply – their perfect little souls. Kathleen is a gem.
P – Playing on our new wooden playground, going to Putnam Pond in the Adirondacks to camp as a family, apple picking the first of Fall, loving being parents!
Q – Those quiet moments, late at night, when Gina loves to tiptoe into her children’s rooms and peak in on them, making sure they are tucked in tight, and breathing peacefully. Extra kisses are given and many extra thanks for her blessing of being “Mommy”.
R – Karsen, our amazing little reader, is often found on her bed, engrossed in one of her books. She is now in second grade and loves learning. She is smart, talented on the piano, loves to write and does so with beautiful penmanship, draws far better than Gina ever hopes to, and is Kathleen’s 3rd favorite person. Karsen is tender, responsible and thrilled that she will be baptized next month when she turns eight.
S – Piles and piles of snow! Sledding, snowmen, and snowball fights! As this is written, 20 inches have accumulated on our lawn over the past 3 days. We have our white Christmas this year! Definitely stocked up on hot chocolate!
T – Thanksgiving in Virginia with lots of Christensen family. 16 children, 10 adults (2 of which were pregnant women), 4 days, 1 house. We had a ball!
U – Going to Utah in Aug. to visit family was happiness! Time together with our loved ones is such treasured time. Every day with them was wonderful.
V – NeVer letting a day go by where we don’t say I loVe you to each other and to our 4 little sweethearts.
W – Having special visits with the Williams family to celebrate the life of a grandmother, the marriage of J.D.’s oldest sister, and a mission call for Grandma and Grandpa to serve as LDS missionaries in Independence, MO. starting in Jan.
X – Visited the Bronx Zoo for the first time. Awesome zoo! Loved the tigers (J.D.), bald eagle (Gina), giraffe’s (Karsen), snake exhibit (Kimball), peacocks (Camille), and flamingoes (Kathleen). Take good walking shoes.
Y – BYU football. Sadly, our Cougars didn’t pull off a win this year against the U of U Utes. Finished 10 –3. Maybe next year. Go Utes in your BCS bowl game!
Z – Trying to catch up on all our zzzz’s as another year has all too quickly gone by.


May this next year come with deep appreciation for the families we have, the blessings that are so beautifully given, and for the Giver of all things.
With much love,
J.D., Gina, Karsen, Kimball, Camille, and Kathleen Williams