Christmas Letter

Family and Friends,

This last year feels like it has been busy and we are looking forward to an even busier next year. Our Christmas letters are late again this year, but this time we have a good excuse!

Our year started with a trip to Texas in February. Cherish and Lorelai arrived a couple of weeks earlier than Loren, but arrived with the Flu. By the time Loren joined them in Texas, mom and baby were getting the second round. Our time there felt like a big blur due to all the medications we had to take. Thanks to everyone who had to take us in and take care of us. It was a nice visit anyway and we had a great time when the DayQuil was working.

In September Cherish and Lorelai headed to Colorado for a couple of weddings of very good friends. We stayed with the Woodman’s for a week and let all the kids play together - busy bunch at their house! We also stayed at the Power’s home in the Springs. “Uncle Cliff” is now one of Lorelai’s favorite people, she didn’t want to leave his side and still talks about him. In Denver we stayed with the Elrod’s and what a wonderful week we had there. Lorelai and Sabrina were fast friends and we look forward to them being friends for a long time to come.

As both weddings were on the same day we were overwhelmed seeing so many people we miss. We also met new friends and hope to get to know everyone better. The weddings were beautiful and it was very heartwarming to see our friends so incredibly happy.

Cherish’s Dad, TJ, visited in the beginning of December to see Lorelai. It was nice to have time to let granddaughter and grandpa get to know each other without any interruptions. Grandpa TJ helped her decorate the Christmas tree and Lorelai showed him her skills building with Legos and playing her piano.

Loren has orders that will move us back to Colorado in June. We are working out where we want to live, but before we can think of anything else we need to have our baby boy. He is due at the end of January, but we expect him early. He is going to be a very big baby and Cherish is feeling every new ounce!

Because we are on travel restrictions, due to the baby’s due date, we will be spending a quiet Christmas at home. This is the first Christmas Lorelai really understands that Santa will be visiting the house, but right now believes he is coming to see the Christmas tree. Next year of course will be different, as she will know that Santa brings gifts and leaves them under the tree on Christmas Day. We are trying to make this a special holiday as it is her last before becoming a big sister and no longer the only child.

We hope to see lots of friends this next year to catch up. If you are interested, we keep a little running journal online for Lorelai, and soon her brother. It can be found at http://LorelaiSchaffer.blogspot.com.

Lots of love,

Loren, Cherish & Lorelai Schaffer