—Hi. It’s Keon. David sent a text inviting us to tag on to the URD Christmas post. Looks like I’m first. Rick and I will be celebrating five years of marriage tomorrow. It’s been a wonderful 5 years and we’re looking forward to “happily ever-after-ing.” I’d like share something that happened last Saturday evening. Rick, Travon and I were finishing dinner and Tra said “How come you guys don’t speak French?” I said “We just never learned, I guess.” He said “I’ll teach you if you want.” I said “That’d be great.” So we agreed he’ll teach us one new sentence every day. Think about it. Three years ago, this kid who didn’t even speak came into our lives – and now he’s teaching us French. He’s amazing and I couldn’t tell you how much we love him. Anyway, yesterday’s French-lesson sentence was “We wish you a Merry Christmas.” That’s “Nous vous souhaitons un Joyeux Noël” in French – and that’s what we’re wishing all of you! xoxo Keon and Rick
—Hey, guys. It’s Cal. Merry Christmas! We’re all excited about Christmas day over at the Koala Cove clubhouse. We’re so fortunate to be living here at the Lake in our “Covid-free bubble,” where we can all be together for the Holidays. Bella and Chance are about as excited as they can be. Bella is really happy to have Alyssa in her life now – and not being the only girl in the group. Chance is doing better and better with his Cochlear implant and he continues to speak with my Aussie accent. He struggles a bit when he’s around people who’re wearing masks because that makes lip-reading impossible. But he’s a trooper and always the happiest kid around. We wish you good health and happiness in the Holidays. xoxo Cal and Alex
—Happy Holidays, guys. This is Chad. It’s been an amazing year as our little family has grown… and now, we’re four. Matty is growing like a weed and is a little upset that the school break is so long. He loves school and especially loves reading. “Santa” is bringing him a “Kindle + kid-friendly content” for Christmas. Alyssa is settling in and enjoying her own room and bathroom. She’s had Bella over for two sleepovers and the chatter and laughing seem to go on all night. Tomorrow will be a big day as we celebrate with our Table Rock gang. Merry Christmas to all… we love you. Chad and Raef
—Hey, all. It’s Ty and we’re wishing you a wonderful Christmas and New Year. Obviously, 2020 has been a struggle, but vaccines are now becoming available and are a Christmas blessing for sure. Austin is excited about Christmas and having all the kids over for a “movie night sleepover” on New Years eve. Stay safe and take time to love your friends and family. Ty and Damien
—It’s David. We’ll be the last in this post to add Holiday wishes for you all. As Ty said, 2020 has been a struggle, but we’ve managed to make the best of it and stay healthy and happy here at the Lake. Dub is excited about Christmas even though he’s bummed that the grands won’t be here for the celebration. We’ll “FaceTime” with them tomorrow from Koala Cove – as we count our many blessings. Since Dub has been earning lots of money this year (Nathan insists on paying him $10.00 per hour – cash), he’s bought presents (on-line) for all his friends. I got a new credit card just for his use. Every time he orders something from Amazon, or wherever, he brings me the exact amount of cash for the card charges. I told him he could just wait till the bill gets here at the end of the month and pay me then, but he insists on paying as he goes. He’s a wonderful – and very responsible – young man. Ben and I hope your Holiday will be “merry and bright” – filled with good health and every happiness. xoxo David and Ben