Merry Christmas 2010

The Hanks Family Top 10 of 2010

1. Brian graduated with his MBA from University of Michigan where President Obama was the commencement speaker.

2. Brian accepted a job offer from Bank of America.

3. We moved to Charlotte, North Carolina.

4. We visited 15 states all across the country.

5. Wes ran his first race, Brian finished a half marathon in less than two hours, and Natalie qualified for the Boston Marathon.

6. Sydney joined Wes in nursery and in being diaper free.

7. We fostered a kitten, named Minnie, for a month.

8. Brian and Natalie celebrated their five-year anniversary.

9. Brian celebrated his 30th birthday by racing NASCAR stock cars.

10. We found out we're moving to Seattle.

Love,

Brian, Natalie, Wes, and Sydney

PS: Family picture by Katie Rees.

Playing Wii

The kids were helping Brian beat the ping-pong champion on the Wii.

Sydney was sporting some sweet glasses that Wes got from swimming lessons. I just think she looks cute in anything.

SPWS Christmas Program

I just noticed this is post number 500! That's 500 posts in about 3.5 years. That also means that I (we, occasionally) post an average of 2.7 times per week. Just in case you were interested. :)

Wes had his preschool Christmas program on December 16th. The 2-year-old class and both 3-year-old classes sang some songs and then they all sang together. After the program, we had a classroom party. Wes was really excited to have us there...especially his dad!

All smiles and ready to sing!

One of their three class songs. They are wearing jingle bell bracelets.

Singing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas" with the whole group. I'm not sure who he's pointing to. The girl with the Christmas tree shirt and blonde hair, Lizzy, is in our ward. She'll be in my Sunbeam class with Wes in January.

The potluck party. Sydney was most excited about the "mock-a-molee" we brought. (Wes calls it "brockin-molee" and he's not a fan.)

Wes with one of his teachers, Mrs. Hulighan.

Wes with his other teacher, Mrs. Morlacci.

Today as we were looking at these pictures I asked Wes if he was going to miss his teachers when we moved to Seattle. He said, "No, because they're happy." I don't think he meant they're happy he's moving, but they're happy people in general so they'll be okay without him. I know he really is going to miss them and his preschool though!