MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

It doesn't feel quite possible that 1 year's come & gone.
Although we've done so many things, it doesn't seem that long.
The children all are growing up, they're learning many things.
To see them shine at all they do makes our hearts really sing.
We took a trip to Utah to see the family,
And then went up to Idaho, 'twas fun as it could be.
From train rides, parks & water slides, we all had so much fun,
To Island Park & Yellowstone to float rivers in the sun.
The Planetarium, treehouses, & sleepouts 'neath the sky,
A hike way up to see the "M", the cold weather made us cry.
Scout camp, cheer camp, rock climbing, & holding baby chicks,
Movies, picnics, riding horses, & wading in the creek.
Reunions too brought so much fun, a Wyoming trip we'd make,
But our visit to the Twin Falls Temple really took the cake.
The beauty of that holy place was such a joy to see.
Through sacred ordinances we can be an eternal family.
Our dad, in Thailand working, & we missed him every day,
We're so thankful for his efforts so that we could go & play.
He took us on the airplane & just a few days stayed,
But when summer was almost over he flew back again & played.
Thanks to all who sacrificed for us to come so far,
And let us stay, eat, sleep, & play - you know who you are.
We felt so sad when it was time back home we had to come.
So many people yet unseen, so many things undone.
We wished for time to linger on, but it wasn't meant to be,
To spend with ALL of those of you we didn't get to see.
There will be another time, in a few years we'll come again.
Please don't forget we love you & we will see you then.


Rhees turned 12 this year, it's true, Young Mens & Priesthood too.
Boy Scouts, basketball, & video games are things he loves to do.
Swimming, playing the guitar, & spending time with friends,
Ben 10, Transformers, & writing stories, his fun never ends.
He loves to invite friends to church & tries in every way
To set a good example in his work & in his play.


Ambrian is 10 now & she's grown up as can be.
Tending little ones, combing hair, & does it joyfully.
She loves to play the violin, at the piano she is tops.
And each week at gymnastics, she flips but never flops.
She has the sweetest spirit & is singing all the day,
A friend to all, her kind example really leads the way.


Aybrielle, our pet lover, has finally reached age 7.
Playing puzzles & reading books, she's our little piece of Heaven.
She loves ballet & BlueBirds, & she plays piano too,
And with crayons & some paper she's an artist through & through.
She is the family comic relief, she also acts & sings.
We love our giggley, blonde haired girl, who can do so many things.


Kambren, 4, is on the go from sun up til sun down.
Riding bikes & playing ball, or swimming is where he's found.
Barefoot, no shirt, mischievous, little sun tanned arms,
Loves climbing trees & fences, should have grown up on a farm.
Oh, he loves his baby brother, 'tis a sight for all to see,
How he hugs & loves & plays with him, just as little twins would be.


Kalen is a little doll, the sweetest boy you know.
He runs & plays just like the others, always on the go.
"Peez", "Gank Goo", & animal sounds, are such a joy to hear,
"Uh Oh", "I want to", & "Uv Oo", he calls to anyone that's near.
20 months old, he's grown up so quick, from baby to little boy,
Hugs & kisses & being so cute, he brings us so much joy.


Jeanette still does the same old thing, homeschool, wife, & mother.
But this sure brings her happiness, for her she'd do no other.
She plays the piano in Primary & tries to do her part,
And occasionally she gets lucky for a night out with her sweetheart.

Devin's job with Sundia really keeps him hopping.
From one end of the globe to the other, there is just no stopping.
Busy at church, at work, & at home, & the best golfer around,
He takes such good care of us, he's the best dad we could have found.

We're happy as can be to still be living overseas.
Thai people, food, & culture too, so many things to please.
We'd welcome any visitors if you ever want to come.
Just let us know the days & we will plan oh so much fun.

Our hearts are full of gratitude & love this CHRISTmas season
For the little baby Jesus, the true & only reason.
He came to earth so humble, in a manger in a stall,
But he gave to us Eternal life, the greatest gift of all.
He is our only Savior, from our Father He did come.
For us He lived, for us He died, He was the only One.
Our gift to Him this Christmastime can last the whole year through,
If we but walk His chosen way, & try His work to do.


Thank you for being such wonderful examples in our lives. We appreciate all that you do for us. May you have a wonderful Holiday & a very healthy & happy New Year!!

We love & miss you!

The Nielsons