Riding Family Christmas Card 2012

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! By the time you get this issue of Riding Magazine, just insert “Belated” between “Merry” and “Christmas”. But, no matter when you get this we hope that you have had a wonderful year. As you can imagine, the highlight of our year came in the form of a healthy baby girl, Amelia. She has made our family complete and is so good that we actually think about having more children (do not read into that statement, it won’t get you anywhere). Some of our other highlights from the year include spending a week in Island Park Idaho for the Bush family reunion, hosting every member of Cassie’s family at our home last summer, and cheering on Cassie’s brother Gabe and his new bride, Ellen, at their wedding. From the staff at Riding Magazine, we wish you the best as we enter the New Year.

The Road to Higher Education, by S. Trey Tayes
Why did Lydia cross the road? To go to kindergarten. Aside from telling jokes that are only understood by a five year old, Lydia enjoys spending her mornings in kindergarten and her afternoons reading, doing artwork, and playing princess. We couldn’t be more pleased when we observe some of Lydia’s more permanent traits – compassion for others, a true friend to everyone, and a hard worker. She is the most amazing big sister that Emmett and Amelia could ever ask for and has still managed to work in dance, music, and soccer into her schedule (thankfully for us not all at once). So, how do life’s most pressing questions for Lydia begin? “How do you spell______?”

Got Dirt?, by Lee Toleman
Hands raised and a look of shock on his face all Emmett can say is “What my heck?!” This year has been the Year of Expressions from the three year old man-o-the house when dad’s at work. Emmett marches around the house pestering his best friend, Lydia, while at the same time managing to forge a relationship with his sisters that is indeed eternal. When they’re not together all they can talk about is how much they miss each other. Emmett makes dad feel good every time he says “You da bes dad in da ho why wold.” While Cassie prepares dinner he loves to stand on the chair next to the counter and help while saying “I’m mommy’s wito chef!” Destined to be an engineer? Emmett’s pressing questions which he asks many times throughout the day begin with “How do you make ______?”

Millie Blue Eyes, by Ma Masgirl
Amelia, or Millie, says it all with her eyes. Amelia joined our family in April and has had eyes wide open ever since. Some of her newly-discovered talents and abilities include saying “mama” on purpose, mobility via a really unique one-arm army crawl, and getting a huge laugh out of splashing Emmett in the tub. Millie is fiercely loyal to her mom and makes it very apparent when Cassie leaves the room without her permission. Let’s pray this phase passes quickly! Even though she can’t communicate it, we know what’s on her mind “Will I get another tooth for Christmas?”

Sleepless in St. George, by Kid S. Oliver
Obviously Cassie’s highlight of the year occurred on April 2nd when Amelia was born. Besides dedicating most of her time at home with the kids, Cassie manages to spend time in Lydia’s classroom helping the teacher and teaching Joyschool for Emmett and some of his friends. Most notably, Cassie was awarded the prestigious Mother of the Year award sponsored by Riding Magazine. She was nominated this award based on her ability to feed a baby, help Lydia learn to read, and keep a rambunctious three year old boy occupied, ALL AT THE SAME TIME. In addition, Cassie continues to serve as the Young Womens President at church and keeps her national sign language interpreter certification updated despite her limited time to interpret this year. Please join me in giving her a round of applause!

Multitasker, by Manny Hats
It’s 5:30 a.m. on any given weekday and Dan can be found anywhere except his cozy bed. Dan has taken on the sport of triathlon and is most likely at the pool, running, riding his bike, or in his garage punishing himself with a Crossfit workout. You’ve got it, he has joined the ranks of the insane and it shows because he thinks he’s pretty tough. Coming in 3rd place in his age group in what is perhaps Utah’s smallest triathlon didn’t help to ease his confidence. When he’s not training he spends time with his other meaningful extra-curricular activities like his service with the Washington County Drug Prevention Coalition, the Boy Scouts, or as Sunday School teacher. Dan has also had the chance to build some amazing furniture for the kids including a bed and dresser for Emmett and two small chairs and desks. I’m not kidding, this furniture is heirloom quality! Dan’s best time is spent with his beautiful wife and incredible children.