OmaHeck: We Wish You a Merry Christmas

So here's my lame attempt at a technological Christmas offering. Due to the lateness of the date, this blogged Christmas Letter and Card will be posted to Facebook, where I'll tag you if I haven't sent you the tactile version.

Maybe next year I'll be more on top of things

I haven't figured out how to attach a PDF here or to FB, so I'll just reproduce the text of the letter.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a wonderful 2010!
____________________________
We’ve had a memorable year with lots of learning and laughs—and lots of blessings. This Christmas season brings us joy and peace, and we pray it does the same for each of you.

Overheard
“What freak? Where?!?!”
-Tate, when Mom (exasperated) told the boys to “Get the freak away from the TV!”

“A cannibal?!? I’m not gonna eat people!”
-Dane’s response when the Bishop reminded him that after baptism, he'd be “accountable.”

Dad: What do we call money we give to help the Church?
Tate: Tithing.
Dad: Right. And what's a slightly lesser amount we contribute?
Tate: Taxes!
Dad: Uh, no. Taxes are more than Tithing, I promise.
Tate: Um…Bailout!

“Stopped smoking?”
-Dane’s answer when asked how someone becomes President of the United States

“You wouldn’t want to pour water on KISS because it would reveal their true human form.”
-Tate, on the legendary rock band and their equally legendary make-up

“Mom, sometimes do you want to sell me to a Mexican circus?”
-Tate, sitting in Church, apparently trying to make Cyndie laugh (‘cuz it worked!)

“It’s my first day on the job!”
-Dane, ready for his first cub scout den meeting

“It’s like crack for me!”
-Cyndie, describing her relationship with iTunes


Comings and Goings
Dane’s Baptism – Lots of friends and family joined us for Dane’s special event.

Spring Break – we hit the red rock cliffs and Arches National Park in Moab this March. A return summer trip included a few more stops, like Dead Horse Point – a singular place with astounding views.

Mid-Summer Classic – Dad was fortunate to meld work and fun by attending the MLB Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in St Louis. Busch Stadium is a great venue and even a 2 hour security line (the President was in attendance) just added to the experience.

Getting Belted – Tate has advanced through four belts in Karate this year.

Big D – Dad and friends got to head to the Jerry Jones Dome (aka Dallas Cowboys Stadium) to see BYU take on Oklahoma in September. A great start to the season (though we hit a few bumps later).

15th Anniversary – We planned far in advance for our celebratory trip. Our family vacation to Disneyland in October included an anniversary dinner beside the Pirates of the Caribbean. Mickey’s crew didn’t disappoint! And we enjoyed a pit stop in Las Vegas en route (thanks, Young family).