Christmas 2008

As 2008 passes by, we reflect on…

Sherlene’s active family history involvement, at the computer, emailing “cousins,” searching the web, entering data...

Dan’s software work at Brigham Young University and clerking at church (just released)…

House hunting (wanting to live closer to daughter Laura, world's best son-in-law Brandon, and five grandkids)...

Successfully fighting Sherlene’s health issues through most of the year (vertigo/BPPH, vicious spider bite, two persistent GI infections, then a broken toe and a few falls)…

Family fun with Laura and Brandon and their five (birthday parties and holidays, grandkids’ soccer and football games, family vacation at BYU Aspen Family Camp, a few BYU ball games)....

Laura & her amazing Brandon are raising their five in the Salt Lake area. Brandon is a systems analyst at L3 Communications. Laura is a loving mom to five lively and delightful individuals (and is a camera happy super-blogger), about to resume another love, as a part-time social worker, with LDS Family Services.

Brandon Michael, 8, has been doing cub scouts, football, piano, and helping Mom and Dad as a good older brother. He was baptized in June.

Ethan, 6, loves 1st grade, including friends and recess, has started piano, and is a Wii super athlete. But a super hero still loses teeth.

Benjamin is a very savvy and engaging charmer, who does it all. He turns 4 in December.

Madison, at 3, holds her own with the boys and takes loving care of her dolls. She has become the young lady of the family.

Dylan, 2, is no longer our baby. He has also learned to hold his own and say his

piece in no uncertain terms.

Last of all is Teddy the Pirate, the family's Great Dane (hmm?).

A NYC Thanksgiving with Daniel & Diane (not really an excuse to do black Friday in Manhattan)...

D&D live near the big church, St. John the Divine (with resident peacocks), a good place to visit on Thanksgiving morning, along with a local fabulous deli / grocery shop or two. We met a few of D&Ds’ great friends. Our Friday and Saturday included the Nutcracker Suite ballet and a Natural History Museum visit.

Best of all, we had down-time with son Daniel and our lovely Diane. Next best was the three of us beating Daniel at our own version of Scrabble. Daniel works in the advising office at Yeshiva University. Diane is a pediatrician in the City and loves it.

Times with Grandpa H. Tracy Hall as he, with his usual mildness, endured Alzheimer’s disease into July, his passing, and the gathering of Hall and Langford family members and friends for the funeral in Provo...

Keeping in touch with Dan's mother, June B. Bartholomew, active and well for her 89 years...

We are grateful at Christmas time for family and friends, for faith in God and our Savior, and all the gifts of life. Through His love and healing influence, we have assurance of resurrection and reunion. We extend our love and fond wishes for happiness and peace in the coming year.

Dan & Sherlene