We thought that after having a baby our lives would slow down some and become more “normal,” but no, it has been a crazy and busy year. On a recent trip to Colorado a lady sitting next to us asked if this was Halleigh’s first time on a plane, to which we replied, “No, actually this is her 7th round trip.” Needless to say we are a family on the go!

Miles finished his prospectus for his dissertation and is looking forward to presenting that in early spring. He will also be taking his oral and comprehensive examinations in the spring, so this season feels like the calm before the storm. He worked very hard this past semester to finish his prospectus and feels really good about his research.  We have a graduation date too (Fall 2011), which makes us all feel very happy.  Miles fills his days with school and his multiple jobs, although his favorite time of the day comes when he walks in the door and Halleigh runs shocked and ecstatic towards him squealing with delight, arms outstretched glad that her dad is home.  She is daddy’s little girl, and there is no doubt that she has him wrapped around her little finger.

I have had a great year--I have so much to be thankful for! The ability to stay home and raise Halleigh is at the top of that list.  Halleigh is a dream come true. She is at an age that everyday she discovers new and amazing things in our world, and it has been so much fun to have a front row seat to the action! She walks, runs and climbs, exploring everything from kitchen cabinets and dirty clothes, to Kona’s tail and the leaves in the yard. If it is in reach, it is at the mercy of Halleigh’s budding imagination. She is fearless, too; she stands while rocking in her rocking chair, she jumps off the side of the pool, and climbs up things that she has no hope of getting down from.  Halleigh has what my mom calls a zest for life. This girl is going places!

We enjoyed a week at the beach this year when my Dad, Taryn, Ben, Brie, Baylee, and Blaze all came out and we spent a week at the Outer Banks of North Carolina. We had such a great time visiting the Bodie Island and Cape Hatteras lighthouses, going to the Wright Brothers memorial, eating fresh seafood, and hanging out on the beach. We had so much fun that we are making plans for a repeat this summer!

As earlier mentioned we have traveled a lot throughout the year, in February Halleigh and I went to Colorado to visit my mom, it was scary flying with Halleigh by myself for the first time, but now we are pros. In fact from May through November, we flew at least one-way every month. Pullman, Washington in May for my best friend, Hailey’s vet school graduation, Utah in the end of June (came back in beginning of July), The Olds’ Family Cabin 20th birthday in Bear Lake, Utah in August, Colorado for my mom’s birthday in end of September (came back in the beginning of October), and Colorado in November for Thanksgiving. I think that we are going to make it through December with no airline travel, as this year is a Travis family Christmas. Whew!

If you are in the Durham area, please let us know. We have a room at the inn that always is ready for visitors.  Thank you to all who have taken us up on the offer over the past year, we have loved having you visit!

O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel. That mourns in lonely exile here, until the Son of God appears. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel! Shall come to thee O Israel. We hope that as you look with anticipation toward the celebration of Christ’s birth that you may find joy and peace. Merry Christmas!