Christmas Letter

Dear Friends & Family,

As another holiday season approaches we take a moment to reflect back and appreciate all of the blessings in our lives. This year has been a year of tremendous change and hopeful new beginnings for many of us.

In February we moved into a larger home. We absolutely love it! The boys are such close friends that even though we had an extra room, they didn’t want to be separated… so we turned one of the bedrooms into a playroom just for them. Now they have their own space to hang drawings, set up toys or just hang out and read. It’s nice to be able to have much more space!

Over the summer took a family vacation to San Diego and had a wonderful time visiting the Zoo and Sea World. Just before school started we went to Lake Mead with my sister Mary’s family. The boys love going to the Lake and hanging out in the Stockwell’s boat. Jake and Ryan even went tubing behind the boat and had a blast! I think the boys would all say their favorite part of any vacation is staying in a hotel – lol. Jim and I enjoyed another cruise to Mexico in early October. We’re talking about taking the boys on a cruise with us next year.

Shea turned 4 on March 29th. This year he’s the “big kid” at Terry’s daycare while his brothers are in school. He’s developed a passion for the computer and really loves to learn new things. He loves to ride his bike, play with dinosaurs and build things. He fascinates us with his ability to put intricate toys together by memory. He’s definitely his own person and stands his ground with his brothers. Shea is a loving, happy kid that always keeps us laughing.

Ryan turned 6 on August 23rd and started Kindergarten in September. He loves school and is doing very well. He was awarded “Student of the Month” in November. He lost his first tooth a few months ago and just lost his second. He played soccer again this year and had a ball. Ryan loves to draw, ride his bike, play gameboy and play with his brothers. He is always smiling and happy making new friends everywhere he goes.

Jake turned 8 on August 14th and started 2nd grade in September. He enjoys school and excels at learning. He loves to draw and will use entire notebooks drawing intricate video games he makes up... he says he wants to be a videogame designer when he grows up. He loves to have Ryan & Shea act out his videogames with him. He’s an awesome big brother and always looks out for his siblings. He loves to teach them new things and read them books. Jake is a great kid that genuinely cares about other people.

While Jim is enjoying his career with GE Healthcare and working in the cardiology field, I’ve embarked on a new journey of my own. In June I obtained my Real Estate License and shortly after began working with First Team Real Estate in Seal Beach. I am absolutely thrilled to have a career that I love! There were some struggles in the beginning, but Jim was completely supportive through all of the changes, even letting me share his home office. Life is good!

As another year ends, we look forward to a new year filled with new beginnings. May the New Year bring abundance of peace, love, health, hope and happiness. We wish you all a Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season. Please visit our webpage to view photos of the boys and updates regarding Ryan’s health. www.RyansHeart.com

With love, The Smith Family

Jim, Cathy, Jake, Ryan & Shea