I sent out a Christmas letter with our photo card this year. However, I cut way back on the number of people that I sent it to. Mostly they went to family and friends that live out of town or out of state. So this is for those of you that I see often, but didn't get a card. I didn't forget about you!
-Michelle
Hello from the Nikolai Family!
Where has the time gone again? It seems like yesterday that I was shoveling snow out of my driveway and wishing for warm weather. Now the snow has returned again — not that I mind. I love sledding and hot chocolate and making snow angels with the kids! Well, here’s a glimpse of the past year for those of you that haven’t been able to keep up with us.
This summer, we took our first family vacation and drove out to Colorado for two weeks. The kids did really well with the long car ride and we all enjoyed seeing more of Tim’s side of the family and we were able to meet my friends’ new baby in South Dakota. We did a train ride through the Royal Gorge, went rafting down the Colorado River, saw moose and other animals while traveling through the mountains, and hiked around Mount Rushmore. It was just amazing! We can’t wait to go back.
The kids continue to grow like weeds. Caleb is still a little more shy while Sonya is at the stage where she’s not afraid to say hello to strangers. They both love to make others laugh with their jokes and overall silliness. It’s such a privilege to be a parent and watch how their character and personalities develop.
Caleb finished off kindergarten in June and celebrated his 6th birthday in July. It’s always so fun that he has fireworks on or around his birthday. During the summer, Caleb participated in swimming and art classes for their summer school program here in Port Washington. Then this fall, Caleb started 1st grade. He’s doing so well in school — excelling in reading and math. It’s a precious sight to see Caleb reading stories to his sister while they’re cuddled up on the couch. One of his favorite things to do lately is cut up paper into little squares and draw paws on them like the “paws” they have at his school for good behavior. I think he has over 200 of them now!
Sonya is 2 and 1/2 going on 3 in February already. Her imagination never ceases to amaze me. Tim and I love listening to her tell stories with dialogue and vivid details. She has some pretty entertaining conversations with her dolls while they have picnics in the living room or in the basement or in her bedroom. She especially loves to talk about Jesus. We got her a little nativity set of her own so she creates scenarios with Mary and “Jofus” and somehow baby Jesus dies on the cross too. Overall, she is a very confident and spunky little girl.
Tim has been keeping busy with his job at the American Heart Association. He continues to work with schools to assist them with their Jump Rope for Heart events and also coordinated the successful Sheboygan County Heart Walk again this year. Outside of work, Tim has been having a blast with his Little Brother, Keshawn. They get together a few times a month to go biking or hiking, bowling or swimming, and sometimes just to have dinner and hang out.
As for me, I’m enjoying being at home during the day with Sonya. You just can’t trade those moments for anything. I’ve also been watching a little girl 3 days a week so that keeps Sonya and I busy! Other than that, I have been co-leading a women’s Bible study with some ladies from church twice a month. It’s been a great challenge and learning experience for me. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us next year!
That’s all for now! Here’s to another very blessed year to you and yours.
- Michelle, Tim, Caleb, & Sonya Nikolai
