The Segeberg Scoop - December 2005
I realize that it’s already January, but I didn’t want to miss sending out our December Scoop!
December has been a great month for us. There was lots of celebrating and family time, both of which we love! At the beginning of the month, Ryan finished classes and made it through finals without too much stress. My favorite part of the whole process was that I was able to attend his Public Speaking final. Everyone in the class gave an impromptu speech—and it was really enjoyable to hear Ryan speak and see how much he has developed that talent over the course of the semester. After all was said and done, (no pun intended), Ryan was able to get 4 A’s and a B. He never ceases to amaze me! Classes start again on Monday, and although it will be nice to get back into the routine, I am not looking forward to spending less time with Ryan.
Right around the time finals were going on for Ryan, my brother and his wife came into town with their little ones. They got to stay for about 2 weeks—and it was great to have them here. We got to spend some time with them and enjoyed watching our kids play together. We also enjoyed having a “Sibling Christmas Party” while we were all here.
Our Christmas celebrations this year were a lot of fun! On Christmas Eve, we all gathered to have dinner together and participate in a family tradition called “rolling the ball.” It was the first time that some of the in-laws have participated in the event—and we all enjoyed ourselves. Christmas morning, Ryan and I made breakfast for everyone and, after church, we spent the rest of the day opening presents and talking. Kallie slept through most of the Christmas Day festivities. And, when she woke up, she was much more interested in the tissue paper and ribbons than she was in what was actually inside the gifts!
One of our favorite gifts was a “Company Kit” that included air mattresses, sheets, and towels. So, any time you’re in town, we’re ready (and willing) to host you! I do have to say, however, that my absolutely favorite gift was the electronic keyboard we got. It’s the same size as a full-sized piano and plays beautifully! I was thoroughly shocked to find it at the end of my treasure hunt—but I couldn’t have been happier to have received the gift of music in our home.
Two days after Christmas, Ryan and I flew up to Seattle for a week long visit with his parents and siblings. We were a little nervous about how the flights there and back would go with Kallie and how she would react to all of the new places and people up there. We couldn’t have been happier! On both flights, she slept most of the time and quietly played and smiled the rest of the time. And, she saved lots of grins for all of her aunts, uncles, and cousins. We have been thrilled the past few weeks as Kallie has been much more social and less clingy to us. Even with the 2 non-family babysitters she had while in Seattle, she didn’t cry or fuss while we were gone. She is really such a great baby!
Ryan and I also had a wonderful time in Seattle. We were able to see all of Ryan’s brothers and sisters and nieces and nephews who live there. And, we got to go to the zoo, the Seattle Science Center, and to the Seattle Temple. As Ryan said yesterday when we arrived home, “You know you’ve had a great vacation when you’ve enjoyed yourself and you’re ready to go home.” We were sad to leave all of the family up there, but we’re glad to be home again.
Well, that’s all for now! I hope your Christmas and New Year’s celebrations were wonderful! Happy New Year!
Love,
Ryan, Amanda, and Kallie