Merry Christmas--

In the words of the one year old: "WOW!"
Merry Christmas. We sure did.

Didn't Even Ask

Asked to get my computer and printer fixed. Shopped around a lot and it never quite worked out. . . . then got a surprise. Are you kidding me? Look what I got for Christmas!! And a new hairdryer, but who noticed? Thanks to my sweetie who wheeled and dealed, and lied a bunch to surprise me on Christmas morning! XO

Merry Christmas to You!

Warmest Holiday Greetings!

We are enjoying the holiday season, looking much forward to a wonderful Christmas and hoping you are doing the same. As we reflect upon 2009, life has been good to us and we are much blessed. We have enjoyed more stability and good memories and activities.

Brett continues his study of law, now almost to the half-way point. He is working a few hours a week as a Teacher’s Assistant for a first-year writing course. He is ever enjoying the course materials, professors, BYU perspective, and especially his Joseph Smith and the Law class. His “free time” is filled with service to the Bishop as the ward executive secretary. He is also on the Parent Council for Katie’s preschool. Needless to say, “free time” is a bit of a joke, but we love the times that he makes to spend at home with us.

Wendy has spent the year exploring Utah County with the girls. Our favorite spot may be, however, a picnic lunch with Daddy at the law school! Wendy has been active in Law Partners, a support group for spouses and families of law students. She also serves as the Compassionate Service Co-Leader and on the Enrichment committee in Relief Society. She also volunteers almost weekly at Katie’s preschool. Although the activities are good and fulfilling, next year may see a bit of simplification. Wendy continues to practice nursing at the emergent care clinic in Salt Lake. This usually entails a monthly weekend trip for the whole family.

Katie is flourishing and learning so quickly. She celebrated her third birthday this summer, and is moving on to 14 next year! She loves to TALK and sing, dance and tumble, ride her bike, dress up as Belle, tote her Dolly nearly everywhere, put together puzzles, read and act out stories, and more. She amazes us with the memory she has and the things she learns. She knows the first three articles of faith, loves to sing all the primary songs, and is looking forward to joining the sunbeam class in January. Katie spent much of the summer with us at Seven Peaks Water Park and has become adventurous in the water. She keeps asking when we can go back to Seven Peaks (they are closed for the winter season). For now, we have an occasional dip in “Grandpa Greer’s pool” when they come to town to visit. Katie also started attending preschool this fall and loves going to school. Her favorite things about school may be gluing and recess!

Amanda has really bloomed in recent months, showing more personality than ever. She will be 16 months at Christmas. She began walking in early October and only took a few weeks to move on to running and climbing. She is determined to go everywhere Katie does and mimics her sister in many things. This can be good and bad, as you may imagine. They do love each other, though, and it’s a joy to us to watch them play and laugh together. Amanda’s first and easiest laughs have always come for Katie. Mandy loves books and cuddling, and often finds her Dolly or a soft animal to hug. Her Lamby is still the irreplaceable number-one friend. Mandy has taken to sign language and is a bit quieter than her sister. Mandy is a little tease, playing hiding games, or taking something to “run and hide.” It is quite hilarious and she’s thinks she’s pretty funny, too. We so love having her in our family and are enjoying the the toddler stage.
Many decisions are showing on the horizon and we often wonder where our path may lead next. We have faith that we will be guided and blessed to find the right place for us, as we have been so many times in the past. May the birth of our Savior serve to ever remind us of his love and grace. Merry Christmas to you and your family!

Brett, Wendy, Katie and Amanda Nichols

'Tis the Season

Ho Ho Ho!!