In January, Nate and I were both working at Hill Air Force Base. Nate as a
contractor for the Defense Information Systems Agency and me as the same old
lead finance manager for F-16 sales to foreign countries.
We were also in a construction zone most of the month while our good friend Eric Morrill (of
Morrelli Construction) installed my long-desired wood floors upstairs. Down
with carpet! We love the wood floors and the new paint and furniture, etc. As part of our remodeling project we moved Alex from the nursery to what was her playroom. She got a big girl bed (thank you Clair and Rochelle) and we "boyed" up the nursery in preparation of Zack's arrival.
In February, I quit my job with a lot of excitement and sadness at the same time. I spent the next couple of months enjoying some on-on-one time with
Alex and getting as much sleep as I could (I knew sleep would be a r are
commodity with a newborn). I continue to miss all my friends from work, but
enjoy the time with my kids!
On May 20, Zack was born and we found ourselves in double trouble (in terms of kids). But we are so happy with our cute little family. We are so
blessed to have a beautiful (although very dramatic) little girl and a
little boy that is best described as happy. :)
In September, Alex started preschool. She LOVES it and has learned so much! She can make an "A" and draws amazing people with big round bodies. She has
also learned several songs, improved her counting and alphabet, and has
expanded her vocabulary a lot. We are really proud of the projects she
brings home and hope she continues to do well.
That same month, Nate and I celebrated our ten year anniversary (although our actual anniversary is in December). We flew to California and took a
seven-day cruise to Mexico. We had a great time with our friends Michelle
and JP and were so grateful for the break (thanks Brandy and Jer for
watching our kids)!
At the end of September I was also released as the Relief Society President for the Chelemes Ward. It was bitter sweet as I was just getting the hang of the calling, but a huge relief at the same time because I needed to focus
more attention on my family. I am grateful I had the opportunity to serve and grateful that I am now able to spend so much time with my family. I now work with the eight and nine-year-olds for activity days. Nate is still in the Young Men's organization.
In December, we had the greatest Christmas ever! Alex finally got the hang
of the whole thing and loved opening EVERYONE's presents for them (you know,
as a public service). She was so pleased that Santa brought her everything
she asked for (a camera and some princess dolls). Zack was happy just to
sit back and watch the whole thing happen. We are so happy that we were
also able to spend so much time with our wonderful family and friends.
Thank you all so much for your cards, gifts, and well wishes! We love you!
Nate continues to work at Hill Air Force Base and also as an instructor for
Utah Career College. In his "free" time he still builds websites and helps
with all kinds of computer stuff. Alex goes to preschool and the occasional
dance class. Zack is teething, sleeping, pooping, and laughing at his big
sister. I change diapers, make food, go shopping, play chauffeur, and I
love every minute of it! I also accepted a job on New Year's Eve as an
algebra instructor for WSU. I teach three days a week (an hour a day) and
it's pretty fun...but it takes a lot of my time to prepare lesson and figure
out how to do math again!
We hope you had a wonderful year and the next one is even better! Thanks
for being our friend! Please keep in touch and let us know if there's ever
anything we can do for you!
Lotsa love,
Nate, Gina, Alex, and Zack Johnson J xoxo
