Stone Family Happenings: Stone Family Christmas Letter

Dear Family and Friends,

It's that time of year when we sit down to review the past year's activities, and share Christmas wishes with those we love. It's been a good year for the Stone family. Busy as usual, but good. Our family is at a point where there is constant change, and we just enjoy each day as it comes, because we don't know what will happen next. As the children grow up and move on with their lives, it is a bittersweet joy. We are happy for them, and love to see the people they are becoming, but it is hard as parents to let go of our babies.

Beth took her dad and the kids to Disneyland in March. It was a great week filled with fun! We were able to enjoy the parks without crowds, visit with friends and family, and eat LOTS of In 'N Out. Dennis also took the week off (sort of) and enjoyed peace and quiet at home. In June, Dennis, Beth, her dad and brother were able to take a cruise to Alaska. It was breathtaking! We couldn't have had better weather, and we were able to see lots of beautiful scenery and wildlife. We also took a couple of shorter trips to Zion National Park and Arches National Park.

Jayme is studying dance and English (Integrated Studies) at UVU. She moved out in August (again!) to an apartment in Provo. She works as a server at Cracker Barrel most nights and weekends, so she stays pretty busy. She is choreographer for the junior high musical production for the second year. She loves dance and she loves teaching so it's a match made in heaven!

Jennifer is living in Provo and attending BYU where she plans to apply to the Business school this year. She is working at Pinnacle Security as an auditor. She will be marrying her sweetheart, Adam Ainge, on January 15 in the Salt Lake Temple. They will be living in our 3-plex in Provo. We are excited for them, and already love having Adam as part of our family. He is attending UVU and majoring in chemical engineering. If you want to read more of their story, visit their blog: www.jennandadamainge.blogspot.com

Michael is a senior this year and will graduate in May. He was very involved on his football team and led the team in tackles this year. His team placed second in region and were eliminated in the state quarterfinals. He has been busy filling out college applications so he will have things in place when he gets home from his mission. He is serving as 1st assistant to the Bishop in our ward, and is preparing to serve a full-time mission next year.

Ammon is 13 going on 17 and loves life. He played football and is now in the middle of wrestling. This year he placed first in the state jr high tournament and is hoping for a repeat next year. He also ran track this year, but it was much more social than athletic for him. Ammon loves to play and hang out with his friends, it's hard to keep track of him sometimes!!

Matthew is 11 and in the 5th grade. He played soccer in both the spring and fall seasons and is getting ready for basketball. This year will be interesting because his coaches are Dennis and Adam. He also started piano this fall and has shown a real talent for it. He has done well, and likes it alot!

Jordyn is 4. She loves her big brothers and sisters and can't wait to go to school next fall. Neither can her mom! She is dancing like her sisters, and she loves going to storytime at the library.

Dennis is still in house counsel for Liberty Press and Digital Technology in Springville. He is serving as a youth Sunday School teacher at church. He goes running and bike riding as often as he can, which isn't much because we keep him pretty busy. He is also working on finishing the basement in our house as well as constantly maintaining rental properties and all of our cars.

Beth is at home with the kids, which is a huge blessing. She keeps busy with the children's activities, and now she has a wedding to occupy her time!

We hope that you are all doing well, and would love to see you whenever possible. May we all take time this Christmas season to reflect on the true meaning of the holiday which is our Savior, Jesus Christ, and the blessings we have in our lives because of Him.

We love you!!
The Stone Family
Dennis, Beth,
Jayme, Jennifer, Michael, Ammon, Matthew and Jordyn