2014 Comes to a Close

 Our 2014 Christmas card photo and letter (written by Christopher):

   These past twelve months have been full of adventures for the Taverns Three, some familiar and some similar to years gone by, one even involving an ogre.

We continue to be faithful patrons of the Seattle Children’s Theatre and so look forward to seeing shows and spending time at the Seattle Center. We took a trip to Disneyland during Spring Break and, as always, thoroughly enjoyed our time in the Magic Kingdom. Once again, soccer filled our fall and, for the second year in a row, it was truly a family affair with Erin and I coaching Leila’s team.

Though much of what filled our time together remained the same, we definitely made room for new adventures. In the spring, we cleared some space in the backyard for a new vegetable garden, and it took off, to say the least. Zucchini, strawberries, tomatoes, and beans grew like crazy; we even carved a pumpkin that we grew at home this year. We vamped up the house a bit with some new carpet and blinds, much to Leila’s dismay as she was unusually attached to the old carpet and blinds. 

Our biggest adventure of the year was the time we spent in Ashland, Oregon. I began work on a Master’s degree at Southern Oregon University, and instead of going down by myself for the month, we decided to rent a house for the three of us. While I was in class all day, Erin and Leila took in the glory of southern Oregon and all of the activities the area held. In the precious moments of free time that I had, I joined them for quick jaunts to Lithia Park for a toe-dip in the creek or picnic lunches, and even carved out time for us to venture up to the beautiful Crater Lake. It is safe to say that we took to the town of Ashland quite naturally, enjoying the artistic nature of the community and quickly finding our favorite haunts (and by haunts, I mean ice cream and fro-yo establishments). After a wonderful month, we headed home in August, stopping along the way to hike Upper Table Rock and hopping on a jet boat tour of the Rogue River. The graduate program lasts for two more years, so we will be back in Ashland again this summer and next; we are all looking forward to it.

Though Ashland was amazing, the highlight of the year, without a doubt, came in February when Leila made her stage debut in Shrek: The Musical at Emerald Ridge. A bit resistant to the idea when I first asked her about it, she came around to the prospect of portraying Little Shrek in the show’s opening number and she will be the first to tell you that she is so very glad she did. Having her and Erin at rehearsal was a true blessing for me. Erin and I were overwhelmed with pride - and tears - each time she came onstage. It was truly a big, bright, beautiful experience for us as a family.

Erin’s current and former students continue to find great success and they all remember first grade with fondness, a true sign that Erin’s teaching is as good as ever, if not better. She does experience Edgerton in a different way this year, as Leila now attends the school as a First Grader. They are enjoying their rides together to and from work and are settling into a great routine as a quite the school duo. In the midst of all she does, Erin found the time and energy to run nearly 300 miles this past year. She continues to be a crafting extraordinaire, entering projects in the fair, creating decorations for our house, and sewing Leila’s Halloween costume (a wonderful Little House on the Prairie dress, apron, and bonnet). 

As usual, most of my time was consumed in theatrical ventures. Emerald Ridge keeps me plenty busy and adding the work on a Master’s degree in Production Design has been quite challenging, but also wonderfully rewarding. When I can find the time, I’m working on becoming a better banjo and guitar player, rocking out to the Avett Brothers and Carbon Leaf. I’ve continued taking hockey lessons and am happy to report that I fall down much less than before.

We continue to be amazed with our exceptional daughter. She is a wonderful student - her Kindergarten science project and her Reflections art this year both received special recognition - a kind friend, and unmistakably well-rounded. Her passion for reading has only grown; she loves reading about dinosaurs, fairies, super heroes, and animals. She continues to find joy playing with Barbies and Star Wars toys and Palace Pets and Ninja Turtles. She has a newfound appreciation for Shakespeare, though not Romeo & Juliet - “What a bad ending!” - and for classic musicals, especially Fiddler on the Roof and Singin’ in the Rain. Songs from musicals or Disney movies fill the house when Leila is around. Ask her who she wants to marry and she will respond with “Gene Kelly or Danny Kaye.” Only our child.

        As we bid farewell to one year of adventures and usher in the next with anticipation of what awaits, we hope that you feel as truly blessed in your lives as we do in ours.

         May the joy of the season, the peace of the divine, and the many blessings of life abound for you and yours in the year to come
        Peace and Good Wishes,
 Chris, Erin and Leila