MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011 has been a wonderful year for our family and we have felt truly blessed since being out here in Indiana while Jake goes to Purdue for an MBA. Here are some of the highlights for our family this last year:

Thanksgiving

 In March, Jake got to visit China as part of a study abroad program between Purdue and Tsinghua University where he spent two weeks in Beijing learning about doing business in China. Half way through the program I was able to join him (while my mom babysat Hannah and Eli) and together we toured Beijing and got to see the Great Wall, Tienanmen Square and the Forbidden City. Afterward, we spent a few more days and flew down to Hong Kong where I got to revisit my mission and several of my mission friends, investigators, and members. It was a wonderful experience and I am so grateful we got to go!

Beijing

 Over the summer, Jake got an internship working for Emerson Electric in their Climate Technologies division in Sidney Ohio. His job was "Innovation Analyst," which he loved because it meant he was able to learn a lot about innovation and new product development. At the end of the summer, Jake got an offer for a full-time position after he graduates (May of 2012) from Emerson based out of Sidney. We were really excited and felt very fortunate to get the offer, especially given the economy, and decided to accept it and we plan to move out there next June when Jake starts.

While Jake has been busy with school, we have had fun touring around Indiana and making new friends from church and in the MBA program. We have tried to make the most of the short time we have left in Indiana. We have been to Krannert sponsored tailgates and Cultural festivals, we went to the Covered Bridge Festival, and the Dicken's Festival. As well as site seeing in Chicago and Indianapolis.

Indianapolis Children's Museum

Hannah, who turned 5 in August, has been doing well in our at home pre-school and is excited to start kindergarten next year. She started piano lessons this year and had her first recital a couple weeks ago. Her favorite song to play is Book of Mormon Stories which she memorized for the recital. She has continued to do gymnastics and is moving up through the levels.

Hannah's Piano Recital

 Eli, who will be 2 on January 3rd, is starting to say a lot of words but his favorite words are still "Truck" and "Muck" (which is milk). He also started gymnastics this year and although isn't quite as enthusiastic as Hannah was, he will participate as long as there is another boy attending the class :).

Eli's Gymnastics

Though we miss all our family and friends in Utah, we feel truly blessed to be here in Indiana and are so grateful for the experiences we've had over the last year. We miss you all and wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!!

Halloween 2011