We sent out letters last week, but wanted to post it on our blog for those that we might have missed sending an actual card to. We hope you have a great Christmas week!
Dear Family and Friends,
Another Year’s coming to an end, but our experiences and knowledge continue to expand. Throughout 2010, we have grieved, celebrated, made new friends, welcomed new family, gained and continued employment, explored more of the Washington D.C. area, traveled, but most importantly strengthened our bond with each other, especially as we prepare for a new and exciting chapter in our lives.
Ryan continues to work as a patent attorney in Old Town Alexandria. He passed his one year mark in August, which has taken some (but not much) of the pressure off. He works hard and says he enjoys what he does, just not how much of it he has to do. He is a great provider for our small but growing family. He made arrangements for us to celebrate our 3-year anniversary at a bed and breakfast in Shenandoah Valley in June. It was a great relaxing weekend where we got to see more of Virginia and a little bit of history. Ryan loves to get away and drive, or hike somewhere new. He keeps us spontaneous and adventurous! He is definitely the laid back, easy going one of the family. So much so, that others remember when he shaves, not when he doesn’t:)
Melanie started the year staying at home getting to take care of Ryan, and then she started a new job in March as a receptionist for a Dental Office in Alexandria. She started part-time, then worked full-time for 3 months, then went back to part-time before she quit in August. She really enjoyed her job and the extra income, but quit so she could go to her brother-in-law’s funeral in Idaho and visit her family in Utah. Then she spent a couple weeks staying with her little sister in Hawaii in September. Melanie also had the opportunity to enjoy more of the sites around D.C. during her parent’s visit in July and her older sister’s visit in October. We love having visitors because we want to see family and friends, Melanie likes to play hostess, and because it’s the perfect excuse to tour more of where we live!
We are both still in the Cub Scouts as Webelos leaders. We enjoy the boys most of the time, and the other times we get the blessing of working on Melanie’s patience. We are still living in our 2-bedroom apartment in Alexandria and have made it quite comfortable and full! We enjoy where we live and the friends we’ve made in our ward.
Our biggest and most exciting news is that we are expecting our first child, a boy! He, Asher Ryan, is due to arrive on February 12, 2011. We haven’t had any difficulties or sickness during the pregnancy and are hoping this continues for the rest of the nine months. No doubt our New Year’s resolutions and preparations will all revolve around this new addition to our family. Melanie has already started decorating and making lists of all the things needed in the nursery. We are very excited and blessed to be starting out the New Year with such a miracle and new experience in our life.
We hope you all have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
With Love,
Ryan and Melanie Crockett
