1996
Dear Friends and Family:
Our favorite part of the holidays is staying in touch with our friends and family. This year has been especially eventful for us, but we’ll try to be brief!
The year started with Quinn 6 weeks old (we could put him down and he didn’t go anywhere!), Anne stayed home for about 12 weeks with him, Don was on a temporary assignment which he loved, and we were living in our little condo.
Life with a little one was challenging and exciting. Every day Quinn seemed to do something new: smile, laugh, roll over, eat solid food, sit up, get his first tooth, say “Da Da” and “Ma Ma”. He is now 1, taking his first steps (and getting around very well.)
Our travels this year included a week in Seattle visiting our cousins, and we went to at least five family reunions in Iowa and Missouri. Seeing family and friends was a joy and reminded us how blessed we are to have so many such wonderful people in our lives.
One of the most exciting highlights of the year was that we sold our condo, bought a house and moved in, all in the span of six weeks! We found a lovely home in West Des Moines. It is almost three times larger than the condo, has a beautiful yard, and despite the need for a little remodeling, is our dream home.
Anne’s job keeps her busy and she travels to California almost every month, and Don is still on the same assignment (and still loves it).
More recently, we had a wonderful party for Quinn’s 1st birthday, with about 24 friends and family. We opened presents, ate, sang and celebrated having Quinn in our lives! Then, less than two weeks later, we had everyone over again for Thanksgiving dinner. Anne cooked a perfect, succulent turkey and we set up tables with our silver, china and crystal (used the first time since received as gifts for our wedding) in the living room, which was only possible since we have no furniture (yet!). These two parties made wonderful housewarmings.
We thank God daily for all our blessings, especially you, our friends and family. Until next time, we wish you a holiday season full of joy and a healthy and prosperous new year.
Love,
Don, Anne & Quinn