Merry Christmas!

Sure, it’s not politically correct to say it, but I do wish you one.  I also wish you a happy whatever you celebrate this time of year.

I mostly hope that you are, in fact, celebrating.  That you’re realizing that friends, family, togetherness and true happiness is what you really want in your life.  That the rest is fluff.

With that, I’d like to share our Christmas card with you… keeping in mind that my son has ruined almost every single photo we have taken this year.  I hope you’ll take it with the humor it was intended:

And here’s the accompanying letter:

You know, about 2008 I thought I saw my life stretching out in front of me in straight, shiny  glory.  I thought we’d live in that small house with two boys until we both died and our family could just put us out to be eaten by the Possums.

2016 has certainly reminded me that life is full of twists and turns.  Many of which are exciting and fun.  Some  of which Trump others of them.   {see what I did there}  This year has seen a lot of twists and turns for our family.  Many of which happened in our car.  We did several trips to California including Knotts, San Diego, Jimmy Kimmel and Disneyland.

This summer we did an epic car trip driving from Phoenix up the California Coast to Portland and then back down through Idaho and Utah and back home. I am also not in jail after that.  #winning  It was so fun to see old friends and family.  We are insanely lucky in the friends & family department, visiting Santa Clara again was a real luxury.  We miss it so much!

D had a big win nabbing a couple of adjunct teaching positions at a couple of Jr. colleges around the Phoenix area.  He’s still looking for a full time gig, but it looks like we’re going to try to stay here through C graduating, at least.  He’s also playing/conducting in a community band.  He is really enjoying it!

Speaking of C, he is set to get his driver’s license in January, a little late since he’s been 16 since the summer (no complaints here).  I have always hated driving, but driving with my own son has created a new category of terror, I’m surprised no one has made an amusement park ride out of it yet.  C has more AP classes than he has clean sets of underwear at any point.  And yes, he did get his Eagle.  And I didn’t kill him during any of these processes  (yet). #winning

Of course, there is S.  Always filled with tweenage angst that gives me my testimony of hormones.  Hormones are true and real and very effective at whatever they do.  I wish they didn’t do it so well.  He loves scouts and drama and french horns and drama.  Oh, and drama.  Did I mention drama… and no, there doesn’t need to be a stage for it to be drama.  Catch my drift?

Our darling little P is like a rainbow filled unicorn of bliss wrapped in washi tape — which is actually what her room looks like much of the time.  This girl is so into art supplies and drawing she just loves being creative.  I love things put away.  Those two loves rarely cross.  It’s a shame.

Hilary is still working as a nurse one or two days/week.  She also still blogs and can’t believe how much it has grown this year.  If the dark days of winter are getting you down — check out her makeover video.  It makes a fun drinking game to see how many times she says “yup.”  Turns out, I’m more of a writer than a movie star.  Be sure your bladder is prepared for it.

Dreams really do come true.  You can be a teacher, a blogger, a driver, 12 or a unicorn (even if only in your dreams).  All of these things are possible.

But what’s really possible is hope and peace, and Christmas reminds me that it is founded on the birth of a babe so very long ago, he gave the world its biggest twist, and the best one to date.  We feel his warmth and peace this time of year and always hope the same for all of your house.  We love you, we miss you and wish you every good thing at this joyous time of year!

Love, the Ericksons

Wishing you all the very best for 2017 I will see you in the new year!