Family Letter 2008

Well, In the excitement of Christmas and the rush of getting our Christmas cards out this year, I realized after I had dropped them in the mailbox, I forgot to include a family letter. Since we are moving so much and far from friends and family I thought it was important to keep people informed of our life. Plus I have had several siblings and friends ask me to start a blog.
2008 has been a busy year. We survived Mark's first year as a Drill Sergeant. One more year to go!!
Mark has been keeping very long and busy hours, leaving the house between 3:30- 4:00 in the morning and sometimes not coming home til as late as 11:00 at night. In August he was promoted to E-7, Sergeant First Class. In December he won Z-94's soldier of the week. He was able to take 12 days off at Christmas to spend with his family. He bought Guitar Hero, which was a hit with the kids.
Doralyn has kept busy making cards and running the kids to all their activities. She also is serving 3 callings at church. Choir pianist, Primary pianist, and Activity Day girls leader. She recently gave up drinking soda (4 months now) and eating candy ( 5 weeks now). We will see how long that lasts. She also likes to read when she can find the time.
Alyssa (15) is a Freshman in Highschool. She started dancing again this fall, taking 5 classes a week. She had a small part (she played a shepherdess) in our church christmas program. In her spare time she reads, plays games on the computer, and listens to her ipod. She has a new baby brother, Kaden Hunter Craig, born in October.
Madelyn (10) is in the fifth grade. She started taking gymnastics in April. In her spare time she likes to read and play with her toys and friends.
Riley (8) is in the third grade. He was baptized in March a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. He played baseball in the spring and soccer in the fall. In his spare time he likes to build legos and play with his friends.
Logan (7) is in the second grade. He also played baseball and soccer this year. In his spare time he likes to play pokemon and play with his friends. He loves to read.
All four kids started taking piano lessons this year.
We have enjoyed visits from family this year and visiting family. In February Doralyn took the kids to San Antonio TX to visit her sister Jennilee and her family. It was a fun weekend, wish we could have stayed longer. In March Doralyn's mother, sister Marcianne and her family, sister Jennilee and her son Gabriel came out for Riley's baptism. In May Doralyn's mom and sister Marcianne and her daughter Alena came for a quick visit. In May Alyssa flew to Washington to see her dad. She had a great time with her dad and family. In June Alyssa's friend Whitney flew down and the girls went on a church youth trip to Nauvoo IL. They had a good time visiting all the church historical sights and were able to see the Nauvoo temple. In July Doralyn took the four kids to Greenville SC to spend the month with her sister Danielle and her family. They had a blast hanging out, swimming and playing with cousins. In October the family made a weekend trip to El Paso TX to visit Jennilee and her family and see the new baby, Joshua. Doralyn's mom was there visiting also. On our last day we went up to White Sands NM. We had fun sledding in the sand.
There are so many things we are thankful for this year. Mostly the love from family and friends. We think of you often, and wish we could visit more.
We hope you all had a Merry Christmas. Have a great New Year.