2014 has been an exciting year for our family! Our most exciting news of the year was the birth of our fifth baby, Adam, in April. Wally lost the battle to spell it "Atom", but there's some sacrifices a chemist has to make to make it work. Kelsie was only a little disappointed with another brother, but has come to terms with her role as the only princess in our family very well. Our travels this year took us to California, Colorado, and Utah. We spent a few days at Zion National Park with Wally's family where he and Kelsie hiked the infamous Angels Landing. We tried a few new things this year including snowshoeing, kayaking, backpacking, and surfing.
Adam (8 months) fits right in with the rest of the Paxton clan, and his band of brothers. He is the happiest, chubbiest, most laid-back baby that we have had. But he's not afraid to speak up when he needs some attending to. Everyone loves to be around him and help him with whatever he needs. He has the best curly mop of hair on top of his head and his big blue eyes are to die for. We are so glad that he is part of our family.
Isaac (4) has settled in as a big brother quite nicely. He fell in love with the movie 'FROZEN' last year and is more than happy to perform 'Let It Go' for everyone. He has taken over all the decorating for the holidays and is constantly coloring, cutting, gluing, and taping things to the walls all over the house. He is working on learning how to ride a two-wheeler and is excited to start soccer next year. He is the cutest little boy with the funniest things to say ("I'm in a crying mode right now!"). He is excited to start kindergarten next year.
Caleb (7) continues to amaze us with his mad Lego building skills. If he isn't busy building new creations with Legos, he's busy playing Minecraft. He is in second grade this year and is in an enrichment class, where he gets to do extra math and reading. He decided that soccer was not his thing, so he is now giving basketball a try. He swam through swim lessons this summer like a champ and passed a couple of levels in just one month! He just started wearing glasses and can't believe how much clearer he can see things.
Brandon (11) started middle school this year! He is still trying to decide how he likes it, but he is doing well in school. He played his first season of tackle football this fall and loved it. He played mostly as a running back and tail back. He is playing basketball now and loves to fake out other people and "break their ankles". Needless to say, there is a lot of ankle breaking going on here. we're just glad it's the figurative kind. He also signed up for band this year and has been learning to play trombone. We have been learning to listen to him learn to play the trombone.
Kelsie (14) graduated from 8th grade and started high school this year. She made the freshman volleyball team at school and we had so much fun going to her games and watching her play. They had a good season and she impressed us all when she was able to make her serves over the net during her last game. She mostly likes her classes and especially loves seminary. She had a great time at girls camp this year and came home on a "spiritual high". She also attended Youth Conference at church and loves going to the stake dances as well.
Ronni is doing her best to keep up with five kids. She had no idea how much more busy it would be with one in high school and a baby, but has mostly been able to keep her sanity! She continues to serve as the Primary Music Leader at church and really loves to sing with all the kids. She still enjoys exercising every day and her hobby of photography.
Wally has had a good year of work. He published a few papers and traveled to Germany over the summer for a conference he co-organized on Micro- and Nanomachines. He is still the best scoutmaster there is and loves working with the 12-13 year old boys. He's looking forward to Brandon being 12 next year. He heads out to the foothills and mountains any chance he can on his bike and has had a couple dare devil falls to prove it.
We are so grateful for this time of year to reflect on our Savior, Jesus Christ. We invite you to watch this video about the true meaning of Christmas. We hope this next year bring you joy and happiness!
With Love,
Wally, Ronni, Kelsie, Brandon, Caleb, Isaac, and Adam Paxton
Follow us on Instagram: @rpax12 @wfpaxton
