Happy New Year!

We had a fun, exciting and crazy-filled year in 2009. We had big success with our garden, we did more home improvements; projects are always on the go with this house! We were able to go to Florida for Easter and Atlanta for Canadian Thanksgiving. Hil took the girls on a fun-filled trip to Pittsburgh. Our house was blessed with visits from family and friends.

Madison had a fantastic swimming year in 2009 - going to States twice - Short Course States was in Grand Rapids, MI in March - Milo, Hilary, Madison, Lillian stayed in a hotel there and were met by Nana, Tristin and Emily, cheering on our 'Madiswim'. Long Course States were closer to home in Ypsilanti, MI in August, immediately followed by a whirlwind excursion for just Hilary and Madison to Grand Forks, North Dakota for the Zone Championships. Madison also had a great year in school and dance. She's begun babysitting and takes it very seriously! Madison is a fantastic big sister and a wonderful person.

Lillian was baptized in January. She also had a great year at school. She began reading the Harry Potter in March, and took 8 weeks to read all seven books! She has since read the entire series 3 times! She really took off swimming this year and has mastered flip turns and dives. She came in first at the girls summer league preliminaries - and second overall in the finals for her backstroke. Lillian had a blast ice skating last year. She loved every second of performing in the "Reflections on Ice" show and had many people supporting her there. Lil continues to be such a sweet girl, and a great helper to all.

Gabriella has taken off reading this year and is excelling in school. She is a friend to all. She had a tough time with her health in 2009. She was hospitalized for a severe kidney infection and subsequently experienced several more until we found that a large part of the cause is an allergy to sugar, among many other things. She's been such a trooper as we've experimented with her diet and with many, many medications and supplements she's had to swallow! She loves ballet and would like to follow Madison and Lillian in swimming. Ella loves to practice piano and is such a happy, helpful girl.

Vivien is in preschool this year. She misses her Joy School from last year, but wouldn't trade her teachers for the world. They are a part of our everyday conversation. Vivien loves dancing and takes it very seriously - she does 'shows' for us everyday that we must be paying full attention to! Vivs is constantly making us laugh and helps us to see the wonder and humor in every day. She is very determined and we have no doubt that she'll be conquering many things as she gets bigger! Vivien is a lovely spirit that truly completes our family.

Milo continues to work hard every day. He is a busy man - acting for a second year as Bishop for our church's congregation. He has so much love and compassion for all around him, he is always doing something to help others. Milo is also very busy at work and still loves being a chiropractor, his patients love him and we are grateful for them as well! Milo got into running a little this year and even raced a 5k, doing very well. He plays basketball whenever he can, fits in a little fishing and reading and playing with his family!

Hilary is always overcome with how blessed she is with friends and family. She learned to play the guitar this year, has been working on more singing and writing, and has many resolutions for the new year!! Hilary loves being with her girlies, savors time with Milo, and 'gets by with a little help from her friends'.

We can't wait for more adventures in 2010! Hope you are all well.

Love, the Thurber Gang.