Christmas

Merry Christmas 2006

Dear Family and Friends,

We hope this Christmas letter finds all our family and friends healthy and happy this holiday season. We have had so many blessings this year and can't wait to share them.

In March our second granddaughter was born. Megan Ella Garner was born to Jon and Jamie on March 31, 2006. She is a sweet adorable girl with so much personality. Andelyn is a cute big sister with so much love to share.

In June Sim graduated from Sierra Vista High School. He enjoyed a chance to play on the Las Vegas all-star football team in May. He continues his love for sports coaching 7-8 graders at Alexander Dawson School.

In August Cheri started teaching at Alexander Dawson School. She is enjoying the low class size there of only 18 students. She teaches math and science and is having a blast!!

Andy is nine now!! He continues to keep us all running after him with his boundless energy. He is singing in his school choir and working hard in 4th grade. He finally decided to change his hair. What happened to our little boy???

Alex has made the move to middle school in a big way! He loves the independence and freedom. He is following in Nathan's footsteps by playing the string bass in the orchestra. He is a natural! His favorite class is PE where he continues to excell and break records.

Nate is a junior at Durango High School. He is a dedicated Seminary student awaking at 5:00 a.m. to attend the early morning class. He had to exercise a lot of patience as he broke his hand skateboarding in the fall and had to take it easy for a while.

Don bought his own truck this year and has been touring the USA hauling huge loads all over the country. We miss him when he is gone and love it when he's home!! He took some time off this summer and took us to California. We enjoyed the beach and Six Flags. The hightlight of the summer vacation was a trip to the Vans Skatepark in LA.

Jessica and Derek made our summer by coming down to Vegas to work during their college break. They braved the heat, and we loved their company and help. We wish they would have stayed forever!! Now they are back at BYU working hard. Derek is still play hockey and Jess is excited about graduating in April 2007 and becoming a mom in July!!!!

Ben and Kindle were sealed in the Bountiful temple in November. We had a great time celebrating their love and commitment for each other. We enjoyed seeing so many family members that came to join in the special day. The happy couple lives in the mountains of Colorado were it is cold all the time. We took a quick trip out there to see them in April.

We are enjoying this holiday season thinking about our Savior's life and mission. We hope you feel His love as you celebrate His birth.

Love,
The Garner Family

Christmas in Vegas 2005

Merry Christmas 2004

Dear Family and Friends,

As our hearts reflect on the spirit of the season, we feel an appreciation for all our blessings. We are so grateful for the ties that bind us together. We have enjoyed another happy and healthy year here in Las Vegas.

July was the highlight of 2004 with the arrival of our first grandchild, Andelyn. Jon and Jamie are now the proud parents of this sweet baby girl. She continues to grow strong and healthy and warm all those that see her. She is a delightful baby and we enjoy seeing her so much.

In August Alex, Andy, and Cheri started school at a new elementary school in the Summerlin area called, Goolsby Elementary. Cheri continues to teach 5th grade. Alex loves his 4th grade class and continues to have many friends and admirers. Andy is learning full steam in 2nd grade. His energy is endless and his teacher is to be commended for her patience and determination to help Andy reach his academic potential. Both Andy and Alex helped lead their soccer teams to a winning season this fall. We enjoy watching them play at the Desert Breeze Soccer Park located just a few blocks away.

Cheri has stayed very busy with her master?s program. She has learned a ton about integrating technology in the classroom. With the creation of a fully integrated classroom website she has torn down the walls of the traditional classroom. Check out www.cherigarner.com to see what room 51 is up to. In the summer we launched www.dongarnerfamily.com. This is our family website, and we invite all of you to keep up with the Garners by logging on now and then.

Nate and Sim continue to love the Vegas area complete with friends everywhere! They both attend Sierra Vista High School, ?Home of the Mountain Lions.? Sim enjoyed his first year on the varsity football team as wide receiver and punt returner. We all loved attending his games and cheering on this winning team to the playoffs. Nate is adjusting quite well to the early morning seminary schedule. Both boys awake at 5:10 a.m. and are on campus at 5:45 a.m. to begin their day with scripture study and prayer. Nate has become quite the computer whiz and continues to skate. They are a great example to their younger brothers. They are cheerful and helpful around the house, and we enjoy their playful natures.

Don continues to work hard to support this family and keep us on track. He begins his day early and always finds time to help us with everything that is going on. He enjoyed taking us on two family camp outs in southern Utah and a fun-filled trip to Idaho for the 4th. Another highlight of 2004 was a family trip to Brian Head for Thanksgiving. Dad even skied for the first time in 30 years!

Jessica, Thomas, Brandt, Ben, April, and Chris continue to live in northern Utah. We look forward to their visits and love to talk to them on the phone. We enjoy keeping up with all their activities. Each one of them is a blessing to our family and warm our hearts with their love.

We hope you enjoy the holiday season and have time to reflect on the birth and mission of our Savior Jesus Christ. May His love touch you at this time and throughout the new year.

Love to all,
The Garner Family