Christmas Card

Dear Friends and Family,

The Baxter's rang in the year of 2009 with a darling little boy. Born January 28th, our little Adam came to us smiling and content and to date nothing has changed. Adam is already on the move, crawling to each corner of our little house, and enjoying the freedom that mobility offers. It is inevitable however, that I'll find my blue eyed bundle of joy hanging on to my pant leg in the kitchen, pleading to be part of my culinary world. He's a wonderful sous-chef and only gets into trouble when he thinks the sink could be his own personal swimming pool.

If you are ever in need of a superhero, just count 1-2-3 (in a relatively firm voice) and a curly haired, bare footed, pink shorted, birthday shirted, rubber band wristed, blue capped, swimming goggled (for underwater rescue), lightening bolt will arrive within a flash. Super Mai Mai is up to the challenge, but only if it does not involve making beds, picking up PJs, or taking a NAP. Mai is full of life and loves her close friends in the neighborhood of which she enjoys dancing and attending preschool with. Our little Maille Louise is Broadway bound, so keep your eyes peeled at the Tony Awards, she'll be there, front and center.

My first born has entered the world of an academic...sniff, sniff...Ethan is enrolled at Farrer Elementary, Provo City School District, UT and loves every minute of it! "Ethan is such a delight," remarks Mrs. Pond, his kindergarten teacher. He is my little man and helps around the house so much. He keeps Adam on his feet as he walks him carefully around the house. He and Maille are best friends...even though he might not admit that on camera. 'E' was my right hand man this summer as we tackled our best vegetable garden yet. If you happen to pass by next summer, he'd be much obliged to take you for a stroll through the green and enlighten you as to what is growing where and demonstrate proper harvesting technique.

La Señora de la casa, ME, keeps busy with too much at times, but my sweet husband is always there to bring me back to earth, where the oxygen is not so thin. Three children has been quite a change and from what I've heard, if I can survive three I can survive...we're still working on survival mode and I'll let you know what comes next. Even though my brother will give me grief for saying this, I do love living in Happy Valley. Our neighborhood offers an abundance of popsicle pals, bouncing babies, literate ladies, curious cats, dancing darlings, food fanatics, grumpy gooses, and sewing sassafras, but most of all forever friends. Yes, there are many pleasures found on our spot of land, speaking of which, seed catalogs are coming soon and you know what that means...SPRING PLANTING!

After 4,000 hours of therapy and frisbee golf, Aaron J. Baxter now holds the title of an elite Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Wahoo, break out the bubbly and pull up a chair. Aaron will solve all of your problems, your child's problems, and your gold fishes problems (subject to fees & availability). Yes, Aaron is a great husband, father, social worker and U of U Alumni. He just can't get enough smack talk in amongst co-workers, friends, brothers and father. His blood runs Crimson yet tends to turn a cooler hue when his father asks if he'd like to accompany him to a BYU game at Lavell Edwards Stadium, dad's treat. "Well, ok," replies the unsuspecting son to his father's attempt of a true blue conversion. Aaron can make a kitchen floor shine like the dickens and follow it up with an adventure packed tale of Karate Boy & Karate Girl to his kids. The man is loved by many.

Until next year, we'll have to see which stars align and where the wind blows. We are so blessed and find comfort in knowing our Savior holds us in His heart and hands always.

We love you all. Keep in touch.

The Baxter Family
Aaron, Melissa, Ethan, Maille & Adam W.