Christmas Letter, 2001

Seasons Greetings!

We’ve decided to try and get on the ball this year and actually get Christmas cards out before……..Christmas! We apologize for being slackers last year.
We’ve had a wonderful and crazy year with much more to look forward to. We love to travel and were able to take a few trips this year. In February we took a weekend trip to Las Vegas. The weather was perfect and the two of us found that there’s much more to do in Las Vegas than gamble. Although we must admit we couldn’t resist that either but luckily, came away even. We made the trip again with Audra’s parents in July. The weather was hot and muggy but we still had a good time and came away even again.
In March we were suppose to go on a week trip to Hawaii to visit some friends and enjoy all the fun things Hawaii has to offer, but Nate’s company decided to merge with another company that same week and so we had to cancel……this would not be the last time.
We were able to invest in some camping gear and go camping this year. Only one official trip down to Palisades Park near Manti, Utah on Memorial Day weekend. We had fun with family and friends that traveled with us. We’re thinking we’ll enjoy the day when we can afford a camper! For now, a tent will have to do.
Nate had a couple of business trips this year as well. He traveled to Burbank, CA and New Jersey a couple of times. They were quick trips so Audra decided not to travel with him. The company he works for considers him a true asset and he’s been able to progress quickly because of this. We’re hoping a raise and a job promotion will come the first of the year. Only time will tell. He’s still working as an accountant and started his first year of his master’s program to become a CPA.
Our second attempt to Hawaii was in the middle of September. With the terrorist attacks only a week before we decided it probably would not be best to travel. More because Audra was paranoid to fly. We rebooked for November, thinking maybe we’d feel better about flying but plans fell through and now, after three attempts, we’re giving up. In October we took separate trips. Audra went home to Bremerton, WA and spent time with family. She had a great time and was happy to be home for a few days. Nate went with his parents and sister to Chicago and Wisconsin to meet up with his two brothers who are in school. He also had a great time.
The biggest news of this year came as quite a surprise to the two of us. About two weeks after our July Las Vegas trip, Audra couldn’t stand being sick all the time anymore and decided to figure out why. Well, a pregnancy test indicated that she’s pregnant! To date, she’s 5 ½ months along and an ultrasound, done the week of Thanksgiving, indicates we’re having a girl. The pregnancy has been difficult and she’s made it clear to Nate that unless she completely forgets about this pregnancy, when it’s done, that we will not be having anymore children. Starting the first of next year Audra will be going part time at work, something she’s quite thrilled about. She works as a legal assistant, doing bankruptcy, and the work can be quite stressful at times. We have agreed on “Elise” as the baby’s first name, the middle name is still in debate. Elise is due the first week of April, but Audra really wouldn’t mind if she came a little bit early, as long as she’s healthy. We’re slowly getting all the necessary things we need for her arrival. All in all, we’re really excited to be parents and are ready for this chapter in our lives to begin. We just hope we can be the wonderful parents she deserves.
For Christmas we are going to be in Bremerton, WA with Audra’s family. Audra’s excited to show Nate how beautiful it is up there at Christmas-time, even if it doesn’t snow. (Another plug to convince him we need to move there! He he he!)
We hope all is going well with you. Please keep in touch with us. May God bless you this season and throughout the whole year.

Love, Audra and Nathan