It's amazing to me how quickly this year has passed. Over all, we've had some major changes but are all doing wonderfully!



Dustin and I celebrated our twelve year wedding anniversary. We've spent half of our lives together as a couple, and although it makes me feel old, I can't imagine spending it any other way. I feel blessed to have married young and look forward to all the years and adventures we still have ahead of us.

I've been really enjoying being able to stay at home with my children. One of the many blessing and benefits that comes from Dustin joining the Army! I couldn't be happier as an Army wife. I've been blessed with meeting some of the best friends here, and really love the area. I'm secretly hoping we stay for quite a while! I volunteer with an organization that rescues dogs adopted by soldiers in Afghanistan, and it sure is a wonderful way to keep busy.




Dustin left for a year long deployment to Afghanistan this summer. It's been a big change for the entire family, but we've all adapted wonderfully. We get to have regular communication, and occasionally the internet will cooperate and we can skype face to face. His job there is a long, hard, stressful one, but also one of great importance that saves many lives. He is eagerly looking forward to his 2 week break in the spring, then will return to finish his deployment.




Logan is becoming a typical teenage boy. He enjoys sleep, eating, talking to friends, texting, tae kwon do, sleep, texting, and the computer. He also still loves to read, and flies through a series in no time. He's always looking for suggestions on what to read next. Logan is in 8th grade now, and just made the first quarter honor roll. He's also been awarded to "Character Counts" awards, which teachers nominated him for. He is Green Belt-One Stripe and is hoping to test soon for his Blue Belt. He also took first place this fall for his division in a board braking tournament.




Gavin is having a remarkable year! If you didn't know, Gavin had a very rocky start with his education, and was usually below grade level. He suffers from severe anxiety, and ADD. This year we took him off meds for the summer, to give him a break from the undesirable side effects. He seemed to do so well, that he started 4th grade unmedicated. He was lucky to have the same teacher move up with him, which I think played a big part in his success. He is already testing at a 5th grade reading level, and off the charts in math. His teacher estimates by the end of 4th grade, he will test out in a high school level for math! Gavin loves reading now too, and usually picks up the series Logan had just finished. He enjoys riding his bike, playing with friends, being outside, Tae Kwon Do, playing with Duke, jokes, video games, and drawing. He is also a Green Belt- One Stripe and will test soon for his Blue Belt like Logan.




Jacey, oh Jacey. She really keeps us all on our toes. She started kindergarten this year, and while she started off great, is now noticing she is not the center of attention all the time. It's an adjustment for her. She is a bright girl, but like to do things her way. She's also got some perfectionism in there too! It's obvious she is the baby of the family, and she fills that roll to the fullest. Jace started her 3rd year of ballet this fall, is still eating it up, and would live at the dance studio if I'd let her. She's taking 3 classes and performing in 2 acts in the nutcracker. She's found a great love for Acrobatics as well. At 5 years old, she dances in the 7-9 year old classes. Jacey loves animals, her American Girl doll, make up, dance, bossing her brothers around, singing, snuggling, and arts and crafts.




Duke will be turning 2 next month and can be quite a challenge at times! We attempted obedience training with some success, but our goal to pass the Canine Good Citizen test this year was a tad unrealistic for a hard headed Labrador puppy. He's an amazing addition to our family, and hopefully in a years time will be a certified therapy dog. I can't wait for him to be able to visit hospitals and bring comfort and happiness to others like he does to us. Duke loves treats, baths, to swim, play fetch, sleep, go to daycare, and have sleep overs with his best friend Lola. He knows many commands, but still lacks good manners outside of home.




We really hope you enjoyed our update, and that this letter finds you well. Have a very Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Love,
The Moore Family