New Years

Merry Jolly Ho to Everyone!!!

I’m sure 2011 is a year Jared and I will NEVER forget! We should’ve known this year was going to be a rough one as we “rang in the new year” in the Emergency Room and 3 days in the PICU with a very, very sick little boy. Luckily for us, it was just some strain of the Swine Flu… oh wait… that was AWEFUL!!! (He is totally fine now).

But instead of focusing on all the details of our very awful, terribly horrible bad year, we want to share with you the moments that brought us together. It’s amazing how the simple things in life can bring you great comfort and joy in times of struggle/trial.

1. Getaways for Jared and I (Seattle, Vegas, Nashville, Oceanside, Park City/Salt Lake, Lake Powell)

2. Jared participated and completed a 70.3 mile Triathlon called an Ironman.

3. Cindi Turned 30!!! And Jared turn 33 (the number that adorned all his football jerseys)

4. Jared joined a new company as a National Director of Sales and Business Development (May). Go Orthofix!

5. Kids Birthdays: Jake turned 5, Jason turned 4, Lucie turned 3 and Cori turned 7.

6. Kids Activities: Music, Swim Team & lessons, Tumbling and Soccer

7. School ending and beginning

We are indeed grateful for all that we have been blessed with. Our children bring us such joy. Plus Jared and I are finding that after all 9 years of marriage we still might like each other. Imagine that! It seems like just yesterday (and FOREVER ago) that we were writing our first Christmas letter. Time moves by so quickly!

As each kid gets older it is bittersweet for us. We are happy to reflect on each special day that they came into our lives and of course, its great to celebrate them. However, it can be bitter because we know that before long, all the awesome disastrous messes and noise that occurs in our home will all too quickly disappear. And one day I hear we will miss it. (WHAT???) These kids… oh they are a piece of work but we sure Love everything about them. We truly are so lucky that we get to be their parents!

We look forward to the upcoming new year with a better then a fresh start. If all goes well (ie: we don’t spend New Years in the ER) I predict that Twenty Twelve will be a great year for the McGrath Family!

We hope you all find Joy & Peace this Holiday Season.

Much Love Happiness,

The McGrath Family

Brooke Ann Photography